Trinidad & Tobago
Country Specific Information
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March 21, 2011

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.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to visit or live in Trinidad and Tobago, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

The U.S. Embassy is located at 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain, telephone 868-622-6371, Consular Section fax 868-822-5955. American Citizen Services public hours of operation are 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, and 1:00 PM through 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, except U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago national holidays. Most routine American Citizen Services require an appointment. For additional information, you may send email inquiries, or visit the Embassy website.

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required of U.S. citizens for entry to Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. passport card alone is not accepted for entry to Trinidad and Tobago or for direct air travel from Trinidad and Tobago back to the U.S. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business-related visits of 90 days or less. Work permits are required for compensated and some non-compensated employment, including missionary work. Visas may be required for travel for purposes other than business or tourism. For further information concerning entry, employment and customs requirements, please visit the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago website, 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, telephone (202) 467-6490, or the Trinidad and Tobago Consulates in Miami or New York City.

If you are a U.S. Citizen – or a dual U.S. citizen – you must have a valid U.S. passport in order to board U.S.-bound flights departing from Trinidad and Tobago. Airlines are no longer permitted to board U.S. citizen passengers carrying Certificates of Naturalization or expired U.S. passports. Such passengers are routinely refused boarding until they return with a valid U.S. passport.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Trinidad and Tobago.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY: When visiting or residing in Trinidad and Tobago, you 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. You should also exercise caution when visiting or residing in Port of Spain, especially in crowded urban areas.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Take some time before travel to improve your personal security – things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME: The incidence of violent crime remains high on both islands and affects local and expatriate communities, and tourists. You should exercise caution and good judgment as in any large urban area. Be particularly cautious when traveling after dark from Trinidad’s Piarco Airport as incidents have been reported involving armed robbers trailing arriving passengers from the airport and accosting them in remote areas of the airport parking lot, on the highway leading from the airport to downtown Port of Spain, and outside the gates of residences. Areas of metro Port of Spain to avoid include Laventille, Morvant, Sea Lots, South Belmont, scenic rest stops (after dark), the inside of 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 expatriate residents and tourists, including U.S. citizens. The perpetrators of many of 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. You should avoid wearing expensive jewelry, riding in flashy cars or displaying large amounts of money in public. In some cases, robberies of Americans have turned violent and resulted in injuries after the victim resisted handing over valuables.

In Tobago, violent crime ishigh, including attacks on expatriate residents and tourists in their residences, many of which involve the use of machetes.. There have been reports of home invasions in the Mt. Irvine/Buccoo Bay, and Bacolet areas, and robberies occurring at the waterfalls and on isolated beaches in Tobago where visitors are not in a group. If you rent a villa or private home, the Embassy urges you to ensure adequate, 24-hour security measures are in place.

Be cautious when visiting isolated beaches or scenic overlooks where robberies can occur. In Trinidad, for example, there are isolated strips of beach at Las Cuevas, just beyond Maracas Bay, where visitors have been robbed of valuables. You should not walk alone or in unfamiliar areas. Valuables left unattended on beaches and in other public places are vulnerable to theft. You should avoid neighborhoods known for high crime rates. When in doubt, consult the establishment where you are staying to identify areas to be avoided.

Traditional, non-shared, marked yellow-cab-style taxis do not exist in Trinidad and Tobago. Unmetered, unmarked private taxis are available at the airports and major hotels. You can hire them to take you door to door (fares should be agreed upon in advance). Private taxis and route taxis both have plate numbers beginning with “H”. You should ensure your taxi is not a route taxi before getting in, because route taxis will stop to pick up additional passengers. Crimes including rapes, assaults, robberies and thefts have taken place inside shared taxis. These taxis have also caused serious traffic accidents when they swerved suddenly across several lanes of roadway in order to pick up or discharge passengers. You should also avoid small buses and vans known as “Maxi Taxis” for the same reasons. You should therefore use only private taxis for transportation around Port of Spain, and only private taxis or full-sized inter-city buses for travel between cities.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are these articles illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Scams: While Nigeria-operated scams are infamous for their cleverness and ingenuity, these types of financial scams are also common in Trinidad and Tobago. These scams target foreigners worldwide posing risks of both financial loss and personal danger to their victims. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings and unsolicited emails. No one should provide personal or financial information to unknown parties via email, telephone, mail or fax. Bilateral law enforcement efforts are targeting Internet fraud, with the goal of reducing the overall level of overt fraud activity, but criminals are continually introducing new types of sophisticated scams.

A recent scam involved calls to elderly persons in the U.S. by scammers who told them their grandchild had been arrested in Trinidad and Tobago for involvement in a traffic accident, and needed money immediately. Often an actual relative’s name was used, lending credibility to the hoax. In all cases, the young relatives were ultimately located, and in fact had never traveled to Trinidad or Tobago. If you are informed that a loved one has been arrested, please note the arresting officer’s name, the police station name, and contact number. Then contact the U.S. Embassy immediately.

If you are notified via email that a loved one has been arrested or detained in Trinidad and Tobago, we strongly urge you not to provide any personal or financial information in response. Please immediately forward any such communications to the Embassy’s American Citizen Services unit so that the claims can be investigated. If a U.S. Citizen is arrested, an Embassy consular officer will arrange to visit the arrestee as soon as possible.

U.S. citizens are frequently the victims of Trinidad and Tobago con men/women offering companionship through Internet dating web sites. These con men/women almost always pose as U.S. citizens visiting or living in Trinidad and Tobago who unexpectedly experience a medical, legal, financial or other type of “emergency” that requires the immediate financial assistance of the U.S. citizen in the United States. In these cases, we strongly urge the U.S. citizen in the United States to be very cautious about sending money to this person or any unknown person purportedly acting on his/her behalf, or traveling to Trinidad and Tobago to meet someone they have only known via the Internet and have never actually met in person. For additional information on these types of scams, see the Department of State’s publications, International Financial Scams, and Internet Dating and Romance Scams.

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates ). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and help them send you money if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if you need one.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Trinidad and Tobago is: Police 999, Fire and Ambulance 990, Ambulance 811, and Coast Guard (for boating emergencies) 634-4440. The Anti-Crime hotline is 555 or 800-TIPS, and the kidnapping hotline is 623-6793.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Trinidad and Tobago, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. Criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. For example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods abroad, even if the purchase was legal in the visited country. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Trinidad and Tobago, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Persons violating Trinidad and Tobago laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Trinidad and Tobago are severe, and convicted offenders can expect frequent court delays, long jail sentences and heavy fines.

If you are arrested in Trinidad and Tobago, authorities of Trinidad and Tobago are required to notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: You are prohibited from importing camouflage pattern materials without prior permission from the Minister of National Security. It is also illegal to wear military or camouflage clothing in public, unless you are in Trinidad and Tobago on official military business.

Accessibility: While in Trinidad and Tobago, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Trinidad and Tobago has no statutes mandating equal access for persons with disabilities to the political process, employment, education, transportation, housing, health care, or other citizen services.

Even in Port of Spain, few sidewalks have wheelchair ramps. In fact, most sidewalks are impassible for wheelchairs, due to the deep gullies that run alongside most roads. Additionally, cars parked on sidewalks, uncovered manholes and other obstacles force persons in wheelchairs onto the main roadways, causing very dangerous traffic conditions. Since only a small portion of public transit conveyances are equipped for persons with disabilities, most wheelchair-bound persons are also homebound.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: 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. Most ambulances lack standard emergency life-saving equipment.

The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccine for travel to Trinidad. However, CDC does NOT recommend vaccination if you ONLY plan to visit Tobago. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from an infected area within a 5-day time period or have an onward destination that requires proof of vaccination for travelers coming from a country with Yellow Fever.

Dengue fever deaths were recorded in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 and 2011. Dengue is the most common cause of fever in travelers returning from the Caribbean, and is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Usually dengue fever causes a mild illness, but it can be severe and lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be fatal if not treated. People who have previously been infected with dengue fever are more at risk of getting severe dengue. There is no vaccine for dengue. To avoid infection, you should stay in hotels or resorts that are well screened or air conditioned and that take measures such as spraying with insecticide to reduce the mosquito population. You should also use a repellent that contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.

Marine hazards include corals, jellyfish, sharks, and sea urchins. Heed posted warnings at organized beaches, and do not bathe at unmarked, unpatrolled beaches. Use extreme caution at Maracas Beach on Trinidad, as the tides and undercurrents can be dangerously strong, and waves often exceed five feet in height.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions, on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

If you use a private medical doctor or hospital, payment in cash (or proof of ability to pay) may be expected at the time of service. In some cases, foreign patients must pay for services that are provided for free to Trinidad and Tobago citizens, even at public hospitals. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in Trinidad and Tobago. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you 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.In February 2011, Trinidad and Tobago outlawed the use of mobile phones while driving, except in “hands-free” mode. The penalty for talking or texting while driving is USD$240 or three months’ imprisonment. In early 2010, Trinidad and Tobago begin administering breathalyzer tests at unannounced checkpoints and traffic stops when driving under the influence is suspected. The threshold is very low, while penalties are stiff and may include imprisonment and steep fines.

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.

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 limited and may be subject to lengthy delays. The Beetham Highway, a main thoroughfare in and out of the city, is dangerous if your vehicle has broken down. If your vehicle is still drivable you should get out of the area before seeking help. On the Beetham stretch, there are regular incidents of persons running out into the road or throwing debris at cars – including masonry bricks – for the purpose of causing accidents and forcing cars to stop, whereupon a group of accomplices then descend upon the accident victims, robbing them of valuables, and often violently assaulting them, even if they are compliant. Elsewhere in Port of Spain, especially in Laventille, a growing number of “bump and rob” incidents have been reported, in which the perpetrator rear-ends the victim, often causing only minor damage. When the victim emerges from his car, s/he is then robbed of valuables, and possibly even his car. Some of these incidents have turned fatal, even when the victims are compliant. If you are involved in an accident in Laventille or on the Beetham Highway, if your car still drives, you should get out of the area, and get to a safe location before seeking help or assistance. 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 may 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 winding roads leading in and out of beaches and small towns in Trinidad and Tobago. As always, defensive driving is strongly encouraged.

Please refer to our Road Safety page, and the Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Tourism page for more information.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Trinidad and Tobago’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Trinidad and Tobago’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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 incidents 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.

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CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Trinidad and Tobago dated September 25, 2009, to update sections on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Entry/Exit Requirements, Crime, Victims of Crime, Special Circumstances, and Medical Facilities and Health Information.

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Worldwide Caution

Travel Warnings

Travel Alerts

Country Information

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