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TRAVEL REPORT
Trinidad and Tobago

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (hurricane season).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Trinidad and Tobago

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution in this country due to high crime rates.

The hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Crime levels are high, particularly in Port of Spain, San Fernando and other urban areas in Trinidad. Robberies with violence, including assaults and rape, occur frequently. Cruise ship passengers should take particular care when walking around the docks in Port of Spain. Gang and drug-related violence, including shootings and kidnapping, occurs and can affect bystanders. Crimes of opportunity such as petty theft tend to increase during the annual Trinidad Carnival in February or March, and during the Christmas holidays.  

Canadians should be highly vigilant in Laventille and at popular tourist sites such as Fort George and La Brea (Pitch Lake), where crimes targeting foreigners have also been reported. Incidents of gangs following cars leaving Trinidad's Piarco Airport and robbing travellers once they reach their destination have been reported. Deserted beaches and unpopulated areas (e.g. scenic overlooks) should be avoided, especially after dark. Extra care should be taken when travelling late at night.

Travellers should avoid visiting deserted and unpatrolled beaches due to the risk of crime. On certain beaches, security is provided from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. only.

Tourists and foreign nationals are also victims of crime in Tobago.

Visitors should seek the advice of local contacts and be vigilant, especially after dark. They should ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times and that hotel room doors and windows are secure. They should not carry large amounts of cash nor show signs of affluence. Personal belongings and travel documents should never be left unattended.

In case of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago, dial 990 for an ambulance or the fire department, and 999 for police.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest

Sporadic civil unrest and demonstrations may cause significant disturbances throughout the country. You should avoid large crowds and demonstrations and monitor local news reports for current information.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities at the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and its consulates, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadias intending to visit Trinidad and Tobago. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay. A valid return or onward ticket and sufficient funds are also required.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required (for less than 30 days)
Student Visa: Required

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic.

An airport tax of TT$100 cash (approx. C$20) is charged upon departure.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Trinidad and Tobago - PORT OF SPAIN, High Commission of Canada
Address: 3-3A Sweet Briar Road, Maple House, St. Clair, Port of Spain
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1246, Port of Spain,
Tel.: 1 (868) 622-6232 (6-CANADA)
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-800-387-3124
Fax: 1 (868) 628-2581
E-Mail: pspan@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.trinidadandtobago.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the High Commission of Canada in Port of Spain and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 387-3124; call collect at (613) 996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

As in many other areas of the Caribbean, Central America and Latin America, travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever by using mosquito repellent (DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. Using physical barriers such as long sleeved shirts is also recommended.

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Travellers face a greater risk of exposure to the virus when engaging in unprotected sexual activity or when exposed to infected blood products.

Free medical services are offered to the public at the five general hospitals throughout the country. Private hospital care can be quite expensive locally.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

However, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago have a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in Trinidad and Tobago to request a transfer to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Trinidadian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is severely punished. Travellers should not under any circumstance carry a stranger's baggage.

It is illegal for civilians to wear army or camouflage clothing.

Boaters must register their firearms with customs at the point of entry.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Most vehicles are right-hand drive, but left-hand drive vehicles are permitted. Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers. Failure to comply may lead to a fine.

Road conditions are good on highways in Trinidad, but less so on secondary roads, especially in the mountainous northern region. Rural roads are generally narrow, in poor repair, and often congested. If possible, avoid travel outside Port of Spain or San Fernando after dark, especially the Beetham Highway. Drive with windows closed and doors locked, since theft from cars occurs at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Drivers should report a traffic accident to the nearest police station.

Taxi services from hotels are more expensive than public or route taxis. There is an extensive public transportation system of taxis, maxi-taxis (vans), and larger buses. Route taxis will often stop at any point along the road to pick up or drop off passengers. The airport is served by the Airport Taxi Drivers' Cooperative. Fares should be negotiated before departure. Travellers without vehicles should take registered taxis after dark.

Car rentals are available but expensive. Visitors are allowed to drive for 90 days with a valid driver's licence.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$). Major credit cards are widely accepted. When using credit cards, ensure your card remains in view, and retain your transaction copy along with the carbon paper. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. You should use U.S. dollar traveller's cheques. They are easily exchanged at banks upon presentation of your passport; a photocopy is not acceptable. ATMs are common throughout Trinidad, but in Tobago are available only in Scarborough.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Flooding can occur during the hurricane season (which extends from June to the end of November), especially in low-lying areas. Travellers to the region should keep informed of weather forecasts through the National Hurricane Center, and plan accordingly.

Trinidad and Tobago is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians are strongly encouraged to use our registration service (see Section 2) so they can be contacted in case of emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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