Trinidad and Tobago launches online arrival and departure card platform

Trinidad and Tobago has launched a new Online Arrival and Departure Card platform aimed at making the border-crossing process faster and more efficient for citizens and visitors.

The platform was officially introduced on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, by the Ministry of Homeland Security (Trinidad and Tobago) during a launch event at the International Waterfront Complex on Wrightson Road in Port of Spain.

The system will be fully implemented on March 17, 2026, at which point the paper-based arrival and departure card will be discontinued. Travelers will be able to access the platform beginning March 14 through the government’s travel portal.

Under the new system, passengers arriving in or departing from Trinidad and Tobago will be able to complete the form online and upload the biodata page of their passport up to 72 hours before travel. After submitting the form, travelers will receive a digital receipt with a QR code that must be presented to immigration officials upon arrival or departure.

The platform will require travelers to create an online account to complete their arrival and departure card and upload the biodata page of their passport. The system will also be accessible in multiple languages.

All passengers traveling to or from Trinidad and Tobago by air or sea will be required to submit the online form.

Speaking at the launch, Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security, described the initiative as marking a “new day” for the country and a step toward aligning its border processes with modern international travel standards.

“This digital platform will make the border-crossing process faster, more efficient and more secure for travellers entering and leaving Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry of Homeland Security continues to work closely with the Immigration Division, the Customs and Excise Division, regional partners, airlines and maritime stakeholders to ensure the smooth rollout of this important initiative,” the minister said.

Alexander added that the system will continue to evolve over time and encouraged members of the public to provide feedback to help strengthen the platform.

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Also addressing the launch was Dominic Alexander Smith, Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, who praised the agencies involved for completing the platform in record time after establishing a joint committee to oversee its development.

Smith noted that several challenges had to be addressed, including amendments to the Immigration Act, to facilitate the implementation of the system.

“Over a long period of time there was an opportunity to have this done to alleviate the difficulties experienced by citizens, and it was not done,” Smith said.

Officials said systems will also be in place at airports in Trinidad and Tobago and through airlines to assist travelers who may encounter difficulty using the platform.

The Ministry of Homeland Security is encouraging all travelers to familiarize themselves with the new system ahead of the March 17 implementation date.