Eligibility of ETIAS
- Trinidad and Tobago is one of the founding members of ETIAS.
- Citizens of Trinidad will be able to apply for ETIAS starting in 2025.
- The citizens of Trinidad will be able to take advantage of the convenience and ease of the online application system when applying for ETIAS.
Other Requirements for ETIAS
- It is possible for Trinidadians to submit their ETIAS applications electronically online.
- The validity of ETIAS applies to individuals travelling to Europe by air, sea, or land, regardless of their mode of transportation.
- Individuals who are planning to travel must ensure that they have an electronic passport that is machine-readable.
- ETIAS has been designed to cater to individuals who are travelling to Europe for short-term purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit.
- Individuals who fall within the age range of below 18 or above 70 will be exempt from paying any fees when acquiring their ETIAS visas.
As of 2025, Trinidadians seeking to enter participating European countries for short stays of 90 days or less, for reasons such as tourism, business, transit or medical treatment, will have to apply for an ETIAS visa. This new visa requirement has been introduced in response to the rising global concern over terrorism and the need to screen travellers coming from abroad.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will serve as a pre-screening tool to assess the potential risk posed by travellers and ensure that they meet the requirements for entering the Schengen area. The ETIAS visa will be mandatory for Trinidadians who plan to visit Europe for a short period, and the application process will be done online, making it a convenient and straightforward process.
The implementation of the ETIAS program will enhance the security of the Schengen area and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of travellers before their arrival. The information that will be collected from the applicants will be shared with different security systems and agencies such as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the Schengen Information System (SIS).
This will help to cross-check the information provided by the applicants against various databases and detect any potential security threats. The sharing of information between these security systems and agencies will ensure that the ETIAS visa process is thorough and effective in maintaining the security of the Schengen area.
The ETIAS program was initiated in 2016 as a response to the increasing global security threats and the need for better screening procedures for travellers entering participating European countries. The four-year development phase was aimed at integrating the new screening tool with existing immigration databases and security data to provide a comprehensive and seamless security process.
Starting in 2025, all Trinidad and Tobago citizens planning to travel to Europe by air, sea or overland will be required to apply for an ETIAS visa prior to their journey. This includes those who are only transiting through Europe en route to other destinations. The ETIAS application process is expected to provide a more secure and efficient way of screening travellers before they enter participating European countries.
To enter Europe for a stay of over 90 days, or for reasons beyond the purview of the ETIAS program, Trinidadians would have to apply for a Schengen visa. Detailed information on the visa process can be obtained by visiting the official website https://etias.co.uk/ and using the assessment tool available on the homepage.
Before embarking on their European journey, Trinidadians are encouraged to submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours, or 4 days, ahead of their scheduled departure. It’s recommended that they peruse the ETIAS requirements page and the FAQs section on the website to get a comprehensive understanding of the ETIAS application process. This way, they can avoid potential delays and the rejection of their ETIAS application.
The implementation of the ETIAS program in 2025 means that citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will need to hold full citizenship status in order to apply for travel authorisation. Travellers holding a passport or travel document with a different status may not be eligible for the ETIAS and instead will have to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa.
It is important to note that the ETIAS is only intended for short-term visits of up to 90 days for the purposes of tourism, business, transit, or medical visits. Those planning on staying in Europe for longer periods or for different purposes will need to apply for a different visa.
The ETIAS application process for Trinidadian citizens is quick and convenient, with most applications being approved and processed within just a few minutes. Once approved, the authorisation is sent via email as a PDF document, eliminating the need for any physical documents to be carried or presented.
This authorisation is stored electronically, linked to the passport details stored in the European Immigration system, allowing for a seamless and efficient travel experience. This innovative system makes it easy for Trinidadian citizens to enter participating European countries for short-term visits, without the hassle of having to carry or present any physical documents.
Benefits of ETIAS
- An ETIAS authorisation remains valid for a period of three years from the date of its issuance.
- ETIAS permits multiple visits to Europe for stays of up to 90 days at a time within its validity period.
- Authorisation is quickly obtained and delivered electronically.
- The ETIAS application can be made using a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Application Advice for ETIAS
- It is recommended to submit the ETIAS application at least 96 hours prior to departure.
- Travellers who are not granted an ETIAS can still opt to apply for a full visitor visa.
- Even if an ETIAS has been obtained, the border security personnel of the European country of arrival have the final decision on entry.