The United Kingdom has introduced a new visa requirement for nationals of Saint Lucia travelling to the United Kingdom, citing a rise in asylum claims by visitors from the Caribbean nation.

Speaking at a media conference on March 5, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision to impose visa requirements on passport holders from Saint Lucia and Nicaragua was due to what she described as a “back door” into the UK created by their visa-free access.

The move forms part of a broader effort by the British government to curb illegal migration.

In a statement, the Government of Saint Lucia said it had received formal communication from the UK Home Office advising that Saint Lucian nationals will now require a visitor visa to enter the UK.

The change also includes a direct airside transit visa requirement for travellers passing through the UK en route to another destination.

According to correspondence dated March 4, 2026, the UK said the decision is part of wider efforts to strengthen border management and address pressures within its immigration and asylum systems.

British authorities indicated that there has been a notable increase in nationals from Saint Lucia entering the UK as visitors and subsequently applying for asylum, placing strain on border and asylum processing systems.

The new visa requirement took effect on March 5, 2026 at 15:00 GMT (11:00 a.m. AST).However, a six-week transition period will run until 15:00 BST (12:00 p.m. AST) on April 16, 2026.

During that time, Saint Lucian nationals who already hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and booked travel before the policy change will still be allowed to enter the UK visa-free, provided they arrive before the end of the transition window.

The Government of Saint Lucia acknowledged that the move is likely to concern citizens who travel to the UK for family visits, business, education and tourism.

Officials said diplomatic engagement with the British government is ongoing as Saint Lucia seeks clarification on the decision and explores options for maintaining travel arrangements between the two countries.

A similar measure was introduced by the UK in March 2025 for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago after British authorities also reported an increase in asylum claims from visitors travelling from the twin-island Caribbean state.

Saint Lucia now joins Jamaica, Haiti, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic as Caribbean countries whose nationals require visas to enter the United Kingdom.

The Government of Saint Lucia said it will provide further guidance to the public on visa application procedures and travel requirements as additional information becomes available.