The era of the paper immigration form in Trinidad and Tobago is officially coming to an end.

The country’s long-awaited digital Arrival and Departure Card (ADC) system went live on March 14 and will fully replace the traditional paper forms used by travellers entering and leaving the country starting March 17.

Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander launched the new platform, which allows travellers to complete their immigration forms online before arriving in the country, on March 11.

Whether you are a returning national or a visitor, here is what travellers need to know about navigating the new portal at travel.gov.tt portal.

The 72-hour rule

Travellers cannot complete the form weeks in advance.

The system only allows submissions within 72 hours of your scheduled flight or sea arrival or departure.

Officials say the rule ensures the information provided remains current.

Pro tip: Set a reminder three days before your flight so you can complete the form early and avoid delays at the airport.

@ttgovcomms ✈️🚢 From March 17, 2026, Trinidad and Tobago goes paperless! ✈️🚢 No more searching for a pen. No more filling out paper cards mid-flight. No more juggling passports and tiny forms. Introducing the Trinidad and Tobago Online Arrival & Departure Card. It’s faster. It’s easier. And it’s paper-free. Your journey just got smoother. Complete your card online before you travel. Access the portal via http://www.travel.gov.tt from March 14 and the site will go LIVE from March 17. Welcome to simpler travel. 🇹🇹 http://www.travel.gov.tt #TravelPaperless #TTADcard ♬ original sound – ttgovcomms

How to complete the digital arrival and departure card

Step 1: Create your account

Travellers must first visit the travel.gov.tt portal and create an account.

Step 2: Upload your passport bio-data page

One of the most important steps is uploading a clear image of your passport’s bio-data page — the page containing your photograph and personal details.

The system accepts JPEG or PNG files only.

Travellers are advised to ensure the image is clear and free from glare or reflections, as the automated scanner may reject unclear photos.

Step 3: Enter your travel details

Travellers will also need to provide several key details, including:

• Flight number (for example BW483)
• Address where they will be staying in Trinidad and Tobago
• Customs declaration information for arriving passengers

Step 4: Save your QR code

Once the form is submitted, the system generates a digital receipt with a QR code.

Travellers are encouraged to save the code on their phone or take a screenshot rather than relying on email access.

Wi-Fi connections at Piarco International Airport can sometimes be unreliable, and having the QR code easily accessible can help avoid delays at immigration kiosks.

Paper forms still available during transition

Although the digital system becomes the primary method on March 17, authorities say paper forms will still be available as a backup if travellers experience technical issues.

Officials, however, expect most travellers to use the online portal going forward as the country modernises its border processing system.