Arrival and departure forms to go online at last

Kevon Felmine 

Travellers entering and leaving Trinidad and Tobago will soon complete immigration arrival and departure cards online as authorities prepare to replace the long-standing paper-based system.

A notice from the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Homeland Security indicates the Online Arrival and Departure Card Platform is scheduled to go live on March 17, 2026, allowing passengers to submit their immigration declarations electronically before travelling.

Under the system, users must create an account on the Government’s portal, upload a photo of their passport biodata page and complete the form within 72 hours before arrival or departure.

Once submitted, travellers will receive a digital receipt with a unique code and QR code to present to immigration officials.

Asked for confirmation, Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander said the ministry will host a press conference on Wednesday morning to provide details, noting officials were finalising several matters ahead of the launch.

In a notice to the media, the ministry said the platform forms part of efforts to modernise the country’s border management systems and digitise the arrival and departure process for travellers entering and leaving Trinidad and Tobago.

“The introduction of this initiative represents a significant step in the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen border security, and improve the overall travel experience for visitors and returning nationals,” the ministry said.

Similar digital arrival card systems are already used in several Caribbean countries and other international destinations as governments move to modernise border processing.