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Trinidad & Tobago
Country Specific Information
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April 13, 2007
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Trinidad and Tobago is a developing nation in the Caribbean composed of two islands. The islands gained independence from
the British in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean, largely as a result of petroleum and natural
gas industries. Tourist travel is mostly to the smaller of the two sister islands, Tobago. Tourist facilities are widely available.
Read the Department of State Background Notes on Trinidad and Tobago for additional information.
See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: American citizens traveling to or residing in Trinidad and Tobago should avoid large crowds and demonstrations. While non-violent demonstrations occur on occasion, widespread civil disorder is not typical.The downtown area of Port of Spain experienced four bombings in 2005.While no similar incidents have occurred since that time, the perpetrator(s) have not been arrested and their identities and motive remain unknown.Americans living or visiting Port of Spain are advised to exercise caution, especially in crowded urban areas.For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Incidents of violent crime have been steadily on the rise on both islands. Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago should exercise caution and good judgment, as in any large urban area, particularly when traveling after dark from Trinidad's Piarco Airport. There have been incidents involving armed robbers trailing arriving passengers from the airport and then accosting them outside the gates of their residences. Areas to avoid in Trinidad include Laventille, Morvant, Sea Lots, South Belmont, scenic rest stops, walking across the Queen’s Park Savannah, and downtown Port of Spain (after dark), as tourists are particularly vulnerable to pick pocketing and armed assaults in these locations. Holiday periods, especially Christmas and Carnival, often see an increase in criminal activity.Violent crimes, including assault, kidnapping for ransom, sexual assault and murder, have involved foreign residents and tourists, including U.S. citizens. The perpetrators of many these crimes have not been arrested.
Burglaries of private residences are common. Robbery is a risk, particularly in urban areas and especially near ATMs and shopping malls. Visitors should avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying large amounts of money in public. One victim was targeted for driving an expensive new car. In some cases, robberies of Americans have turned violent and resulted in injuries after the victim resisted handing over valuables.
In Tobago, the media have reported an increase in the incidence of violent crimes. While local authorities have announced increased measures to fight crime, the U.S. Embassy advises that when making reservations at private accommodations, visitors should ensure that 24-hour security is provided. There have been reports of home invasions in the Mt. Irvine area, and robberies occurring on isolated beaches in Tobago. Visitors to Tobago should ensure that all villas or private homes have adequate security measures.
Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago are also advised to be cautious when visiting isolated beaches or scenic overlooks where robberies can occur. In particular, we advise against visiting the Ft. George scenic overlook in Port of Spain because of lack of security and a number of recent armed robberies at that site. Tourists at La Brea Pitch Lake in South Trinidad were targets of criminals in 2004 and 2005. Visitors should not walk alone or in unfamiliar areas. Valuables left unattended on beaches and in other public places are vulnerable to theft. Visitors should avoid neighborhoods known for high crime rates. When in doubt, consult the establishment where you are staying to identify areas to be avoided.
Taxis available at the major hotels or through pre-arranged pick-ups with reputable companies are generally safe and reliable. The U.S. Embassy urges caution in the use of the small buses or vans in Trinidad, known as "Maxi Taxis" (full-size inter-city buses are usually safe). Unmarked shared taxis authorized to pick up passengers will have the letter 'H' as the first letter on their license plates. Some shared taxis and maxi taxis have been linked to petty crime and serious traffic accidents. Valuables including travel documents should not be left unattended in parked cars, especially in parking lots, as several thefts have been reported.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling. Medical care is limited compared to that in the United States. Care at public health facilities is significantly below U.S. standards for treatment of serious injuries and illness, with limited access to supplies and medications. While care at some private facilities is better than at most public health facilities, patients may be expected to prove their ability to pay before assistance is given, even in emergency situations. Patients requiring blood transfusions are expected to arrange for at least the same amount to be donated on their behalf. Physicians and nurses may go on strike, causing serious strain on both public and private medical resources. Ambulance service is extremely limited both in the quality of emergency care and in the availability of vehicles in many parts of the country.Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Trinidad and Tobago is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.Traffic moves on the left in Trinidad and Tobago. Most vehicles are right-hand drive, but left-hand drive vehicles are permitted. Rental cars are available, and are generally right-hand drive. A U.S. driver's license and/or an International Driving Permit are valid for up to 90 days after arrival. Seatbelts are required for drivers and front seat passengers, and cars may be pulled over and drivers fined for not wearing seatbelts. Older cars are not required to be equipped with rear seatbelts; many taxis, being older cars, thus lack rear seatbelts. There are no particular requirements for child safety seats.
Trinidad has several good four-lane highways and one controlled-access highway. However, road quality decreases quickly on secondary roads. Rural roads are narrow and often have deep drainage ditches on either side. Some are in poor repair, and are frequently congested. Night travel should be avoided other than on major highways. Roadside assistance exists, but is extremely limited and subject to lengthy delays. The Ministry of Works and Transport is responsible for road conditions and safety in the country. Emergency ambulance services exist but may take prolonged amounts of time to reach the site of an accident and may not provide service in rural areas.
Trinidadian drivers often use hand signals to indicate turning, stopping, or slowing, which do not necessarily correspond to hand signals used in the United States. Trinidadian drivers are generally courteous, but can be flexible with the rules of the road. For example, cars traveling north on a two way street may cross into the southbound lane to stop and let passengers out. Visitors need to be attentive and alert. Intoxicated drivers on the road are a particular concern on the weekends, especially after dark when many locals are going to or returning from social events. Drivers should take extra precaution on narrow and windy roads leading in and out of beaches and small towns in Trinidad and Tobago. As always, defensive driving is strongly encouraged.
The country has an extensive system of taxis, maxi-taxis (vans) and some larger buses. Although the larger inter-city buses are generally safe, the maxi-taxis have been linked to many road accidents and some instances of crime. Fares should be agreed upon in advance. Taxis will often stop at any point along the road to pick up or discharge passengers, often with little or no warning.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the country’s national tourist office http://www.visittnt.com. The Ministry of Works and Transport is the national authority responsible for road safety.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government ofTrinidad and Tobagoas being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Trinidad and Tobago’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.MARINE SAFETY AND OVERSIGHT: Visitors arriving in Trinidad and Tobago aboard a private vessel must register any firearms with local customs authorities. Failure to declare firearms or making false customs declarations is a serious offense. U.S. citizens have been jailed and fined for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, attempting to export ammunition, making false customs declarations and not declaring their firearms.
There is a small community of private boat owners who stay in Trinidad temporarily during the hurricane season. There have been several incidents within the past few months in which vessels were boarded and the occupants were assaulted and robbed. Sailors should report any incidents to the Coast Guard and local police, and are encouraged to check with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and yacht facility managers for current information.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Trinidad and Tobago is prone to occasional, moderate earthquakes. . Tobago has suffered extensive damage by only two hurricanes since 1963. In 2004, parts of Tobago were severely affected by flooding and mudslides from Hurricane Ivan and several other major storms that followed soon thereafter. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website. Please see our information on customs regulations. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating Trinidad and Tobago’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Trinidad and Tobago are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Suspected offenders may be jailed until the trial date, which can be months or even years after the arrest.Many of the US citizens incarcerated in Trinidad and Tobago were caught attempting to take suitcases or packages containing drugs out of the country. Even if the package or suitcase is being carried for someone else, the traveler is liable for its contents. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Americans should also be aware that cursing and use of foul language in public is a criminal offense in Trinidad and Tobago, subject to arrest and fines. Several Americans have been arrested recently for this offense. While the penalty for public cursing is usually a fine, it can cause considerable disruption in travel plans due to the realities of an arrest and requirement to appear at hearings, and even incarceration if bail cannot be posted. Travelers are also cautioned against wearing military or camouflage clothing in public, as it is against local laws to do so, unless they are in Trinidad and Tobago on official military business. We have had reports of local immigration and customs officials detaining children wearing camouflage outfits and confiscating the clothing.
Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.This replaces the Country Specific Information dated September 1, 2006, to update sections on Safety and Security and Crime.
