U.S. Embassy Port of Spain

15 Queen’s Park West
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
Telephone: +(868) 622-6371
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(868) 622-6371
Fax: +(868) 822-5955
acspos@state.gov

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Visit the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago website for the most current visa information.                   

Dual nationals should obtain a U.S. passport prior to departing the United States to avoid significant delays when returning.                        

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

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

For more information, see our Terrorism page. 

Crime: Violent crime, including assault, kidnapping for ransom, sexual assault, home invasions, and murder, is common throughout Trinidad & Tobago. Avoid traveling alone, particularly after dark or in secluded areas. 
Due to high crime rates, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the following areas: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah.

Avoid the following places after dark:

• Beaches
• Downtown Port of Spain
• Fort George
• Queen’s Park Savannah

Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related.

Tourists are particularly vulnerable to pick-pocketing and armed assaults in these locations. Criminal activity often increases before and during holiday periods.

Criminals have used dating apps or social media to entice victims to locations where they are mugged and beaten. Some have alleged distress to rob victims who stop to help them. Others have contacted victims for fraudulent online sales schemes.

Exercise caution at isolated waterfalls and beaches in Tobago due to muggings. Violent home invasions have occurred in Tobago, in particular in the Mt. Irvine, Buccoo Bay and Bacolet areas. 

Criminals may use copied sets of house keys to gain entry to residences. If you rent a property, ensure that adequate, 24-hour security measures are in place.

Review the Crime & Safety Report for Trinidad and Tobago.  

International Financial Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago.  Scams are often initiated on social media postings/profiles, dating apps or by unsolicited emails and letters.  Scammers can pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Never provide personal or financial information to unknown parties via email, telephone, mail, or fax. See the Department of State and the FBI pages on scams for more information.
Common scams include:  

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(868) 622-6371.  Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

Emergency telephone numbers:

• Police: 999
• Fire: 990
• Ambulance: 990 or 811
• Coast Guard: 634-4440
• Anti-Crime Hotline: 555 or 800-TIPS
• Kidnapping Hotline: 623-6793Children’s Authority: 996 or 800-2014

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• Support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

It may be illegal to take pictures of government and military facilities. Get permission before taking such pictures.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Trinidad and Tobago are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

It is illegal to carry ammunition when arriving, departing, or transiting through Trinidad and Tobago. Individuals found with as little as one bullet, a previously discharged bullet casing, or spent ammunition used in items such as jewelry or keyrings on their person or in their luggage at the airport have been detained, charged, and fined.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Camouflage Warning: It is prohibited to import any camouflage-pattern material without approval from the Ministry of National Security. Wearing camouflage clothing in public is prohibited. Camouflage uniforms may be worn if you are in Trinidad and Tobago on official military business.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers 
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers: The law in Trinidad and Tobago criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults, but the government does not enforce it, and a court ruling in April 2018 deemed the law unconstitutional.  As of September 2021, the government’s appeal of the ruling was pending.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Trinidad and Tobago prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, and the law is not enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  Most sidewalks are impassible for wheelchairs, due to the deep gutters that run alongside most roads. Many sidewalks are also narrow and uneven. Cars parked on sidewalks, uncovered manholes, and other obstacles may force persons with mobility issues onto the main roadways in what can be very dangerous traffic conditions. 

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Trinidad and Tobago, dial: 999 for police or 990 for Fire/EMS.

Ambulance services are not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Public ambulance service is limited and often has slow response times due to low availability and high demand. There are private ambulance services.  The patient has to pay prior to receiving the service. 

See this page for a list of private air and regular ambulance services in Trinidad and Tobago.

Medical care is below U.S. standards. While care at some private facilities is better than at most public health facilities, patients may need to prove ability to pay before receiving assistance, even in emergencies. Patients requiring blood transfusions are expected to arrange for at least the same amount to be donated on their behalf. Physicians and nurses have been known to go on strike, straining public medical services. 

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.  

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Many care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to ensure the medication is legal in Trinidad and Tobago. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Please note that many medicines prescribed in the United States are not easily accessible through the local pharmacies. It is recommended to have enough stock of medicines for at least 6 months. 

The following diseases are present:

• Zika
• Chikungunya
• Covid-19
• Dengue
• Yellow Fever
• Travelers' Diarrhea. A high risk exists throughout the country, with moderate risk in deluxe accommodations.

Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. 

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Swimming Safety: Do not enter the water at unmarked, unpatrolled beaches. Tides and undercurrents can be dangerous, and waves can exceed five feet in height.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Trinidad and Tobago.  

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Road Conditions and Safety: It is illegal to use mobile phones while driving, except in hands-free mode. The penalty for talking or texting while driving is USD $240 or three months of imprisonment. Police administer breathalyzer tests at unannounced checkpoints and conduct traffic stops if they suspect someone is driving while intoxicated.

Roadside assistance exists but is limited and may involve lengthy delays. Drunk drivers are a particular concern on the weekends, especially after dark. Drive defensively and be careful on narrow and winding roads near beach areas and small towns.

Traffic Laws: Vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Most vehicles are right-hand drive, but left-hand drive vehicles are permitted. Rental cars are available and are generally right-hand drive. U.S. driver's licenses and International Driving Permits are valid for up to 90 days after arrival. Seatbelts are required for drivers and front seat passengers, and violators may be fined.

Public Transportation: Unmarked taxis and “maxi taxis” (minibuses) may stop abruptly in the middle of the road or veer across several lanes of traffic to pick up or drop off passengers. Only use private taxis in Port of Spain. For travel between cities, use private taxis or full-sized inter-city buses.

Vehicle Accident Procedures: Contact local authorities immediately. If safe, render aid or assistance and remain on the scene until authorities arrive. Make sure to file an accident report with the local police station nearest the accident site within 24 hours.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Trinidad and Tobago’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

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.

Maritime Travel: Mariners arriving aboard a private vessel must register any firearms with local customs authorities. Mariners planning travel to Trinidad and Tobago should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.  If you are a mariner and need assistance, you should contact the Master of your vessel.  You may also send an email to EB-A-TRA-OTP-MARITIME@state.gov or contact the various mariner advocacy organizations.