Trinidad and Tobago Goes Digital for Entry and Exit Forms
Trinidad and Tobago is set to digitize arrival and departure cards starting March 10, 2026, eliminating paper forms for travelers. Learn how the new online system works and what to expect.
It's set to be a game-changer for travelers heading to the Caribbean. If you’ve flown into Trinidad and Tobago before, you’ll remember that tedious moment: flight attendants handing out those pesky little paper immigration cards just before landing at Piarco International Airport.
Big news! Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of National Security has just announced that arrival and departure cards will go fully digital. The official platform goes live on March 10, 2026.
Press release issued by the Ministry of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago
What to expect from March 10, 2026 onward
The government has confirmed the roll-out of its new electronic platform, the “Trinidad and Tobago Digital Arrival Card.” This is part of a broader Caribbean push to modernize border management and reduce customs wait times. Until now, travelers filled out a paper form by hand during the flight. From next March, it will be mandatory to complete an online declaration before departure.
This new requirement applies to all travelers—international tourists, business visitors, and Trinidadians returning home. Most importantly, it covers both arrival and departure.
How the new Trinbagonian e-form works
The process is designed to be simple, but it requires some advance planning. Here’s the three-step sequence mandated by the authorities:
1. The strict 72-hour window
You can’t fill it in months early. The platform only opens submissions within a maximum of 72 hours before you arrive (or leave) Trinidad and Tobago.
2. Set up your account and upload your passport
To begin, the government requires you to create an online profile. You no longer need to type out all your details by hand: the system asks you to upload a clear image of the biometric page of your passport (the page with your photo). Your data will fill in automatically.
3. Receive and save your QR Code
Once validated, you’ll get a digital receipt by email containing a unique QR Code.
Pro tip: Save this QR Code on your phone (in your photos or Wallet app) and print it on paper. Immigration officers will ask for it on arrival.
FAQs
Does this digital form replace the visa for Trinidad and Tobago? No. The arrival/departure card is an obligatory customs and health declaration for every traveler. If your nationality normally requires a visa to enter Trinidad and Tobago, you’ll still need to secure that in advance.
Do I need to fill out a form when leaving? Yes. The new digital system demands an electronic declaration on arrival and a separate departure card before you exit the country.
What happens if I forget to complete it before my flight? Airlines will likely deny boarding if you can’t show your immigration QR Code. Generate it before you reach the airport.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
