NEW UK VISA REQUIREMENT CATCHES TRINBAGONIANS OFF GUARD, EXPERT ADVISES ON PROCESS
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – August 5, 2025 – A sudden travel policy change by the United Kingdom is causing confusion and frustration for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. For decades, Trinbagonians have enjoyed visa-free travel to the UK, but a new mandate has upended plans and budgets. A potential US$15,000 visa bond is sparking concern in the business community.
The American Chamber of Commerce, or AMCHAM T&T, is strongly opposing the U.S. State Department proposal, which is designed to curb visa overstays. In a media release issued on Monday, the chamber said it “firmly believes that such a policy should not apply to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,” given their history of compliance. AMCHAM is pointing to hard data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which shows T&T’s visa overstay rate for fiscal year 2023 was just 2.43%—a figure the chamber highlights as “one of the lowest overstay rates in the world and in the Americas.”
The business group warns that such a bond would hinder legitimate tourism and trade at a time when both nations are working to strengthen ties. It urges that any new U.S. immigration policies reflect this country’s proven track record of compliance.
