Trinidad and Tobago Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Passports must be valid for at least the period of the proposed visit. Visitors require documents for return or onward travel, and a fixed address for the period of their stay. Since 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from Trinidad and Tobago by air require a valid passport; this requirement has been extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Furthermore, all visitors to Trinidad and Tobago must have a fixed address for the duration of their stay (i.e. a confirmed hotel booking). The wearing of camoflage clothing, or the possession of camoflage bags in Tridad and Tobago is illegal for anyone not in the military services. Visitors wearing such items will be asked to change and the camoflage items will then be confiscated. Failure to comply with this rule will result in detention and possible fines.

Americans

A visa is not required by US citizens for a stay of up to 90 days for tourist purposes.

UK Nationals

UK passport holders, regardless of endorsement, do not need a visa. A waiver of visa can be applied for upon arrival in Trinidad and Tobago, a fee of TT$ 400.

Canadians

Canadians need a valid passport but do not need a visa.

Australians

Australians require a visa for Trinidad and Tobago, but a visa waiver can be obtained on arrival for a fee of TT$400. A valid passport is required.

South Africans

South Africans require a visa for Trinidad and Tobago, but a visa waiver can be obtained on arrival for a fee of TT$400. A valid passport is required.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a valid passport but do not require a visa.

New Zealanders

New Zealanders require a visa for Trinidad and Tobago, but a visa waiver can be obtained on arrival for a fee of TT$400. A valid passport is required.

Healthcare

A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry for those entering Trinidad and Tobago from infected areas, but it is recommended that all travelers to Trinidad and Tobago are vaccinated against yellow fever. An inoculation for Hepatitis A is also suggested for those visiting rural areas. Insect protection is advised, as there is an increasing risk of dengue fever. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Medical facilities are limited and medical personnel prone to striking. Proof of ability to pay is often required before treatment is given, even in emergencies. Medical insurance with provision for evacuation is strongly advised.

Safety

Most visits to Trinidad and Tobago are trouble free, but there is an increasing incidence of crime against tourists on both islands. In Trinidad be especially vigilant in downtown Port of Spain (particularly at night), and when traveling from Piarco Airport where gangs have been known to follow cars and attack the occupants at their destination. There has been an increase in robberies, where tourists have been attacked and robbed. There has been an increase in attacks at tourist sites, including Fort George and the Pitch Lake, and sometimes with the use of firearms; visitors are warned not to resist muggers and robbers who are also targeting foreigners at car parks outside places like shopping malls and restaurants. Take precautions like not wearing flashy jewelry and storing valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes. In Tobago there has recently been a spate of violent robberies against foreigners, mainly in the south west area, and crime on Tobago is a serious concern. Those staying in private villas, especially in the south west, are particularly vulnerable to violent robberies and should hire security officers; visitors are also warned against staying in villas near the Mount Irvine Golf Course area where several incidents have been reported. Use official guides to visit attractions, stay in groups in country areas, avoid isolated beaches and use taxis after dark. In December 2005 there were attacks and sexual assaults on foreign nationals at Englishman's Bay and at King Peter's Bay in February 2006.