Immigration Officers Clarify Rules: Non‑Nationals Cannot Travel Using National ID Cards 

By Val Matthias. Updated 10:46 a.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

On the “COP Chat” programme on WEFM, senior immigration officers sought to clear up widespread misconceptions about travel, entry, and compliance in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Sitting in studio were Mr. Kurt Noele, Ms. Veronica Harry, and Mr. Sean Bradshaw.

The officers emphasized that while national identification cards are important for local identification, they cannot be used by non‑nationals as travel documents.

“The national ID card is not a travel document,” one officer explained. “Non‑nationals who receive it must understand that it cannot be used to leave or enter the country. Travel requires a valid passport and, where applicable, a visa.”

The clarification comes amid growing public confusion about whether non‑nationals who are issued national ID cards can use them for international travel. Immigration officials stressed that the card is strictly for identification within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and does not replace internationally recognized documents. 

Beyond the ID issue, the programme also tackled common mistakes made by travellers. Officers noted that many visitors enter the country claiming to be on vacation but later seek employment without proper authorization.

“Your entry visa clearly states employment prohibited, and it is there in bold letters on the stamp you receive,” Bradshaw pointed out. He added that persons caught working without a permit would face legal consequences. 

The officers also highlighted the importance of having sufficient funds and proper accommodation when entering the country.

“We have to protect our borders properly,” said Noelle. “If someone arrives without enough money or a clear place to stay, they risk being denied entry. Immigration has a compliance section that works behind the scenes to ensure visitors do not become a charge on public funds.”

The discussion extended to regional agreements, with officers explaining that citizens of OECS countries enjoy free movement rights, including the ability to live and work without a permit. However, they stressed that these privileges do not extend to all CARICOM or international visitors.  At present Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) currently enjoys full freedom of movement with Barbados, Belize, and Dominica. Since October 1, 2025, nationals of these four CARICOM countries can live and work freely across each other’s borders without visas or work permits.

At the end of the programme, the officers reiterated their role in balancing national security with facilitating travel. “We are here to make you travel hassle‑free while ensuring that everyone who travels is a bona fide traveller,” Harry said. 

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