Threat level: Medium-High
The overall travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago is that you should be mindful of gang-related crimes that occurs in the country. There have been a reported number of incidents particularly the inner cities of the capital in Trinidad. Crime does not often affect travellers but can be costly when it does. You should remain vigilant when visiting at risk areas of the country.
Trinidad and Tobago consists of two very different islands. Trinidad is characterised by its swamps, rainforests and oil refineries whereas Tobago is considered the more traditional Caribbean island consisting of white beaches and palm trees. It is thought that the safer island is Tobago, with crime against foreigners being rare and mostly extending to petty theft only. Tobago is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the Western hemisphere.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides Executive Protection services in the Caribbean islands. If you are interested in these services, please visit: Bodyguards in the Caribbean.
COVID-19 Situation in Trinidad and Tobago
Due to the pandemic, Trinidad and Tobago has closed its borders and halted international flights until further notice. Further to this, Trinidad and Tobago has implemented a series of measures to curb the spread of the virus including the mandatory use of face masks in public places and private vehicles, a ban on public gatherings over 10 people and public transport services are operating at 50% capacity. However, travel between Trinidad and Tobago via ferry and by plane is no longer restricted. Beaches are open the public but public swimming pools and rivers remain closed to the public. See our healthcare section for more information about preventive measures.
Recent Security Risk Events
There have been a number of cases of violence against tourists in both islands of the country, most recently a couple were found dead in their rooms in 2015. Many deaths are thought to be associated with robberies that have gone wrong, resulting in violence.
Security Risks
You should be aware of cash point scams that frequently occur across the islands, particularly in Trinidad. X-ray film is placed inside the card slot and tourists’ card get stuck when inserted into the machine. The thief will stay close and offer ‘help’ when you find yourself stuck, suggesting you put your pin number in backwards. This will obviously not help you but allow the thief to see your pin number. When you eventually leave the cash point without your card, they will remove it from the machine and withdraw your money.
Trinidad and Tobago enjoys friendly foreign relations with many of its neighbouring Caribbean countries as well as taking a lead role in the Caribbean Community (CARCOM). As a key member of this organisation, Trinidad and Tobago strongly supported the United Nations effort to bring political stability to Haiti.
The country gained independence in 1962 and since then has been a member of the Commonwealth of Nations Relations with the United States are strong as it looks to help Trinidad and Tobago increase investment and allow a more stable supply of energy resources.
Relations between Trinidad and Venezuela are strained as there are issues with fishing and the exploitation of cross-border petroleum reserves.
Most nationals are able to use their driving licenses for up to 90 days when driving a vehicle in the country. Alternatively an international driving permit can be used. You should drive with your windows and doors locked to prevent car theft when waiting at traffic or during slow-moving periods. Cars drive on the left hand side of the road.
The road conditions in Trinidad are thought to be in adequate condition for the main highways throughout the island however you should take car on secondary roads as these are not as well maintained. There are some narrow and winding roads in the country and these should be approached with extreme caution. There have been a number of reported cases of violent and fatal attacks along these roads caused by careless and erratic driving.
Many drivers choose to operate their vehicle whilst intoxicated and is something you should be extremely aware of, particularly at evenings and the weekend as people return from social activities. The best travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago is that you do not attempt to drive whilst intoxicated or enter the car with an intoxicated driver as this can lead to severe injury and fatalities.
There is a potential threat of natural disasters in Trinidad and Tobago. Earthquake tremors are occasionally felt in the country. Severe storm conditions and occasional hurricanes can cause disruption on the islands. Visitors are advised to monitor local news and weather updates and familiarise themselves with what to do if caught up in a natural disaster.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with
Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for
business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Police emergency: 999
Fire emergency: 990
Medical emergency: 990
Coastguard emergency: 634 4440
Capital: Port of Spain
Largest City: San Fernando
Official languages: English
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
U.S. Embassy Port of Spain
15 Queen's Park West,
Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago
Telephone: +868 622 6371
Emergency telephone: +868 622 6371, then press 1
Email: acspos@state.gov
British High Commission Port of Spain
19 St Clair Avenue,
St Clair,
Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago
Telephone: +868 350 0444
Most visitors are entitled to enter Trinidad and Tobago for the period of 90 days without requiring a visa, however there are some EU and British Commonwealth countries that do not qualify.
Travellers’ passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry. Some visitors may be asked to provide evidence of onward travel upon entry to the country.
It is advised that visitors to Trinidad and Tobago are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus, which is usually administered when you are a young baby.
Yellow Fever is present in parts of Trinidad and Tobago. People travelling to densely forested locations should consider getting vaccinated against the disease.
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in Trinidad and Tobago and there is no vaccination against the disease, protection is through preventive measures such as wearing a face mask in public places, washing your hands, maintaining social distancing, avoiding gatherings and unnecessary travel.
It is recommended that if medical treatment is required, you seek private care as medical facilities in the country can be limited. In serious cases, medical evacuation may be required to Miami or another adequate region. As such, it is absolutely necessary that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that will cover you for all medical requirements.
Trinidad and Tobago has seen a number of reported cases of the Zika virus, the Dengue virus and Chikungunya Fever. These diseases are transmitted via mosquito bites and travellers should take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten, such as wearing appropriate clothing and mosquito nets at night time.
For more information on the Zika virus, see: Zika virus facts
For more information on the Chikungunya Fever, see: Chikungunya Fever
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