ETIAS FOR TRINIDADIAN CITIZENS
THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
This website is not associated with or owned by the EU. The European Union’s official website is europa.eu.
Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago do not require a visa to travel to European Schengen nations. Trinidad and Tobago is on the Schengen Area’s list of visa-free nations. Without a visa, Trinidadians and Tobagonians can travel the Schengen Area for up to 90 days each 180-day period.
However, Trinidadian passport holders will require ETIAS in order to enter Schengen countries without a visa beginning in November 2023.
The acronym ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This new visa waiver will be required for visa-exempt citizens, including Trinidadians and Tobagonians, to travel the Schengen Area.
This article outlines the ETIAS criteria as well as how to apply from Trinidad and Tobago.
EUROPE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NATIONALS
It is feasible to go to Europe without a visa from Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidadians and Tobagonians can travel Schengen Area nations without a visa for up to 90 days for tourist, business, or transit.
Before travelling to the Schengen zone, Trinidadians will be able to register online with ETIAS beginning in November 2023. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system for Europe. It allows non-EU nationals, including Trinidad and Tobago residents, to visit the Schengen Area without a visa.
The ETIAS legislation applies to the Schengen nations listed below:
ETIAS permits Trinidadians and Tobagonians to travel to all Schengen member states from November 2023:
- EU Schengen
- Non-EU Schengen States
- Non-Schengen EU States
Non-EU Member States:
Micro-States de facto part of Schengen Area:
Non-Schengen EU States
The ETIAS authorization is being used to improve border administration and security at the Schengen area. Under ETIAS, all non-EU travellers, not only those who require a visa, will be subjected to security inspections. ETIAS will make European locations safer for visitors from Trinidad & Tobago and the rest of the globe.
APPLY FOR ETIAS TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FOR TRINIDADIANS
Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will apply for an ETIAS online in order to travel to Europe. The electronic application form can be completed using a smartphone, laptop, or other internet-connected device. ETIAS applicants from Trinidad and Tobago will not be required to visit any embassy or consulate.
Trinidadians and Tobogans must fill out the online ETIAS application form with the following details:
- Name and surname
- Nationality
- Contact details
- Passport expiry/issue date
When filling out the ETIAS form, applicants should double-check that all of the information they provide is correct and matches the information on their Trinidadian passport. Mistakes may result in processing delays or even application rejection.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR ETIAS
For Trinidadians, the authorised ETIAS is electronically connected to the traveller’s passport. This implies that dual nationality candidates must use the same passport to apply for ETIAS and travel to the Schengen Area.
For the same reason, if the traveller’s passport expires, the ETIAS will become invalid, even though the application was accepted less than three years ago. With the new Trinidad and Tobago passport, travellers must apply for a new ETIAS.
ETIAS REQUIREMENTS FOR CITIZENS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
For Trinidadians and Tobagoians to apply for an ETIAS to travel to Europe, they must satisfy the ETIAS standards.
- Have a valid biometric passport from Trinidad and Tobago
- Supply valid credit or debit card details to pay the ETIAS for Trinidadians fee
- Provide a current email address at which to receive the approved ETIAS
The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least three months after the proposed departure date from one of the European ETIAS nations.
ETIAS APPLICATION FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: HEALTH AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
After filling in the personal and travel information listed above, applicants are required to answer a few health and security questions.
The information provided on the form is screened against European databases to detect potential threats. ETIAS will improve the security of EU citizens and visitors to the Schengen Area.
Security databases used are managed by eu-LISA, the EU Agency which manages the operations of its large-scale information systems and includes SIS, VIC, Interpol, and a dedicated ETIAS watchlist.
Applicants who have commited minor offences may be granted an electronic travel authorisation for Europe with a criminal record. However, applicants with a criminal record for serious offenses are unlikely to receive an approved ETIAS from Trinidad and Tobago.
If an ETIAS application from a citizen of Trinidad or Tobago raises a red flag during automated revision, the application will be manually revised by ETIAS officials.
TRAVEL TO EUROPE WITH AN ETIAS FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The majority of Trindad and Tobago ETIAS visa waiver applications will pass the automated screening process and be approved quickly. Trinidadians are advised to apply for ETIAS as soon as possible before their trip in case of any unexpected delays.
When an applicant’s ETIAS application is approved, they are notified via email. The travel authorization is linked to the passport; when travelling from Trinidad and Tobago to Europe, the permit will be verified at the external Schengen border.
ETIAS will be valid for the following periods:
- Multiple-entries to the Schengen Area, as long as the authorisation and passport remain valid
- Stays in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per 180-day period without a visa
- To travel to all countries in the Schengen Area, the total stay must not exceed 3 months
- Tourism, business, short-term medical treatement, and transit
To travel to Europe with a Trinidad and Tobago passport, you must first register with ETIAS.