Govt rolls out new online visa and payment systems

The Barbados Immigration Department has launched a new online visa application portal and introduced online payments for all immigration services.

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, made the announcement on Tuesday during a briefing at the department’s headquarters on Princess Alice Highway, St Michael.
He said the developments are part of the government’s efforts to transition the department into a fully digital and paperless operation.

The online entry visa portal, now available at immigration.gov.bb, allows travellers who require a visa to apply online without needing to visit the department in person.

“The goal is to make it more convenient for travellers and to improve efficiency within the department,” Abrahams said.

Since March 14, the public has also been able to pay online for all immigration services using the Government’s EZPay+ platform, even in cases where services have not yet fully moved online.

“This reduces waiting time and cuts down on the number of trips people have to make to the department,” the minister added.

Officials also announced that the Barbados Postal Service’s courier service will now be used to deliver documents to applicants, further reducing the need for in-person collection.

The upgrades are part of the Immigration Department’s digital transformation strategy, aimed at improving customer service, streamlining operations, and modernising service delivery across the sector.
(SM)