[UPDATED] E-passports, online embarking/disembarking forms coming soon

FINANCE Minister Colm Imbert says there will soon be shorter wait times for those travelling to and from Trinidad and Tobago as e-passports, as well as online disembarking and embarking forms, will soon be implemented. This, he said, will assist with tourism.

He announced this during his budget presentation in the House of Representatives on September 30.

An e-passport, also called a biometric passport, has an embedded microchip which has biometric data.

Imbert said Cabinet authorised the Ministry of National Security’s immigration division to move from machine-readable passports to e-passports.

“This fosters numerous benefits (including) enhanced security through embedded electronic chips that store personal information and biometric data, making them difficult to forge.”

He said this will “keep TT in sync with the rest of the world,” as e-passports are globally recognised.

“(This will result in) faster processing at airports via automated border control gates and significantly reduce wait times.”

He added that e-passports are more durable and can feature updatable security measures.

“Converting will streamline travel while providing greater peace of mind regarding security.”

Currently, disembarking and embarking forms must be filled out physically.

Imbert said in 2025, a legal team will begin working on the framework for the forms to go online. He called it a digital online disembarkation and embarkation card.

The legal team, he said, will assess requirements, determine the specifications needed, review similar implementations in other countries, identify necessary legislative changes and evaluate model legislation and industry standards to guarantee it meets data protection and privacy requirements.

Imbert said the tourism industry remains “a golden opportunity for TT’s economic diversification.

“From restaurants and transportation to local crafts and agriculture, tourism acts as a powerful connector, ensuring our shared economic prosperity.

“By embracing sustainable practices and showcasing our unique offerings, we are transforming tourism into a key driver of growth and a cornerstone of a bright and sustainable future.”

He added that TT successfully held regional and international sporting events in 2023 and 2024, which showcased the country’s sporting talent.

“...And contributed to its global recognition as a sports tourism destination.

“To truly unlock tourism's potential, we are utilising a targeted approach. We are refining our product offerings, ensuring a unique and enriching experience. Alongside this, we are employing a strategic marketing campaign to showcase our strengths, creating a brand that resonates with travellers seeking something different.”

TT is also experiencing a tourism resurgence, he said, as air travel to the country increased by 36 per cent in 2023. Imbert said he expects this to grow even more by the end of 2024, as more airlines and routes continue to be introduced.

Cruise arrivals also increased, he said, as the 2023/2024 season saw a total of 181,701 passengers.

“This reflects the industry's recovery from the pandemic and growing interest in the destination.

“To sustain this momentum and further develop the tourism industry, the Tourism Trinidad Ltd is focused on increasing visitor arrivals to 500,000 by 2026.”

He said this will be achieved through targeted marketing, product development and “leveraging the country's tourism assets to increase that sector’s contribution to economic diversification.”

In addition, the Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Project has been extended until September 2026.

“The 2020-2023 cycle saw the successful upgrade of 12 properties, thereby enhancing the quality of the accommodation offering and overall visitor experience.”

On the topic of culture, he said with the steelpan now officially being recognised as the national instrument, its versatility and global recognition “would ensure that TT is positioned to benefit from the competitive advantages to be gained by this declaration.”

He said this is reaffirmed by the government’s decision to build Pan Trinbago’s headquarters at Wrightson Road, Port of Spain at an estimated cost of $120 million.

Imbert added that Carnival 2024 was successful and brought over 41,000 visitors.

This contributed to $632 million in spending and created over 15,000 jobs.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

FINANCE Minister Colm Imbert says there will soon be shorter wait times for those travelling to and from Trinidad and Tobago as e-passports, as well as online disembarking and embarking forms, will soon be implemented.

He announced this during his budget presentation in the Red House on September 30.

An e-passport, also called a biometric passport, has an embedded microchip which has biometric data.

Imbert said Cabinet authorised the Ministry of National Security’s immigration division to move from machine-readable passports to e-passports.

“This fosters numerous benefits (including) enhanced security through embedded electronic chips that store personal information and biometric data, making them difficult to forge.”

He said this will “keep TT in sync with the rest of the world,” as e-passports are globally recognised.

“(This will result in) faster processing at airports via automated border control gates and significantly reduce wait times.”

He added that e-passports are more durable and can feature updatable security measures.

“Converting will streamline travel while providing greater peace of mind regarding security.”

Currently, disembarking and embarking forms must be filled out physically.

Imbert said in 2025, a legal team will begin working on the framework for the forms to go online. He called it a digital online disembarkation and embarkation card.

The legal team, he said, will assess requirements, determine the specifications needed, review similar implementations in other countries, identify necessary legislative changes and evaluate model legislation and industry standards to guarantee it meets data protection and privacy requirements.