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.
Americans: A visa is not required by US citizens for a stay of up to three months for tourist purposes. A passport is required.
UK nationals: UK passport holders, regardless of endorsement, do
not need a visa for a stay of up to three months.
Canadians: Canadians need a valid passport but do not need a visa for a stay of up to three months.
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 for a stay of up to three months.
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.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry for those coming 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.
