Trinidad and Tobago

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 999 for police
• Dial 990 for Fire
• Dial 990  or 811 for ambulance or emergency medical services
• Dial 634-4440 for Coast Guard
• Dial 800-SAVE for toll-free domestic violence hotline 
• Dial 555 or 800-TIPS for Anti-Crime Hotline
• Dial 623-6793 for Kidnapping Hotline

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Violent crime is common in Trinidad and Tobago. This includes assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, home invasions, and murder. Avoid traveling alone, particularly after dark or in remote areas. 

U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are not allowed to travel to the following areas due to crime risks:

• Laventille
• Beetham
• Sea Lots
• Cocorite
• The interior of Queen’s Park Savannah.

Avoid these places after dark:

• Beaches
• Downtown Port of Spain (from South Quay in the south to Oxford Street in the north, centered around Independence Square and Frederick Street.)
• Fort George
• Queen’s Park Savannah

Tourists are particularly vulnerable to pick-pocketing and armed assaults in these locations. Criminal activity often increases before and during holiday periods. 
 
Gang activity, including drug trafficking, is common. Most violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago is gang related.

Criminals use dating apps and social media in Trinidad and Tobago to trick people into meeting them. Then they rob and attack these victims. Some criminals pretend they need help, then rob people who stop to help them. Others contact people online to scam them with fake sales.

If you rent a property, make sure it has good security system that works 24 hours a day. 

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams or Internet romance scams are common in Trinidad and Tobago. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a “romantic” relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Trinidad and Tobago: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 999. You can contact the U.S. embassy at +1-868-622-6371 and choose option 1.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Swimming safety

• Do not enter the water at unmarked, unpatrolled beaches.
• Tides and undercurrents can be dangerous. Waves can exceed 5 feet in height.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted.
• It may be illegal to take pictures of government and military facilities. Always get permission first.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking drugs in Trinidad and Tobago are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• It is illegal to carry ammunition when entering, leaving, or transiting Trinidad and Tobago. You may be detained, charged, and fined if you’re carrying even just 1 bullet, a previously discharged bullet casing, or spent ammunition used in items such as jewelry or keyrings.
• It is illegal to import any camouflage-pattern material without approval from the Ministry of National Security.
• Wearing camouflage in public is not allowed. Only official military personnel can wear camouflage in Trinidad and Tobago.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Trinidad and Tobago seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.  If your request is denied, politely ask again, contact the U.S. embassy yourself, if you can, or ask family or friends to notify us.
• Dual nationals of Trinidad and Tobago and the United States are not entitled to consular notification to the U.S. Embassy but may request a courtesy notification.

Detention conditions

Detention facilities may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.

• Detainees in Trinidad and Tobago often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications. Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.
• There are high rates of violence between other inmates and prison guards.
• Sometimes there is difficulty sending detainees funds, medications, or hygiene items.
• There is low-quality food with poor nutritional standards.
• The rules about family visits, making phone calls, and buying items in prison facilities are not clear or consistent. These rules and schedules can change at any time without warning.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison. The U.S. embassy has not seen local authorities enforce these laws.

• There are reports of violence targeting people based on same-sex sexual relations.
  • Gay men have been attacked at gunpoint, robbed, and in some cases physically or sexually assaulted.
  • Several of these incidents have occurred through dating apps. Criminals convince victims to meet and then attack them.
• Most people who engage in same-sex sexual relations act discreetly to avoid public attention and violence.
• Same-sex sexual relations may not be accepted by people in Trinidad and Tobago. Many may have conservative or religious views about relationships. They may view same-sex sexual relations as a threat to traditional values. 
• Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Trinidad and Tobago.
• There are no specific protections against discrimination in employment or housing for gay and lesbian people in Trinidad and Tobago. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Trinidad and Tobago prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. However, implementation is uneven.
• The most common types of accessibility may include bathrooms, ramps, handrails, signs, parking spaces, and hearing loop systems.
• Expect accessibility to be extremely limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Accessibility is uncommon throughout the country. There is a lack of physical and mental health care. There are many social barriers limiting accessibility in employment, education, and other areas.
• People in Trinidad and Tobago often have negative views about disability.  People with disabilities may be seen as burdens rather than equal members of society. Many people respond to disability with pity, charity, shame, or confusion. However, travelers may find helpful people when they ask for assistance.
• Rental, repair, replacement parts for devices, as well as service providers like sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are limited.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Incidents of sexual assaults, child sex abuse, and violence against children have stayed the same or increased in recent years.

Domestic violence and sexual abuse are often not reported in Trinidad and Tobago.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination before traveling.

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trinidad and Tobago Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 811 for emergency medical services.
• Dial 999 for police.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available, but not always equipped with advanced medical equipment, and not always staffed with well-trained paramedics.

• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option may be faster than waiting for an ambulance.
• Public ambulance service is limited and often has slow response times due to low availability and high demand. Public ambulances can only transport to public hospitals
• Private ambulance services require payment at the time of service.
• Review these lists for private air ambulance services in Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. government does not recommend any specific ambulance provider.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Public medical care is free in Trinidad and Tobago. However, there are long wait times, overcrowding, and limited staff and supplies.
• Private medical care is not free. If you require medical attention in a private facility, you will incur expenses.
• If you don’t pay what you owe, you may not be allowed to travel to Trinidad and Tobago in the future.
• Most care providers abroad only accept cash payments.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available in Trinidad and Tobago. It may be difficult to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Some public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• U.S. citizens have filed many complaints about unethical business practices. They have expressed concern about high prices and collection methods from some private hospitals. Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.  
• Be aware that some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers. This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.  
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Trinidad and Tobago.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Trinidad and Tobago.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• We strongly recommend against getting care from non-licensed practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Trinidad and Tobago with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.
• If you are considering traveling to Trinidad and Tobago to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
• Water may become more polluted immediately after a storm or other severe weather.
• Trinidad and Tobago is high risk for traveler’s diarrhea, with a moderate risk in luxury accommodations.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Trinidad and Tobago.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

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 $2000 TT  
• Police use breathalyzer tests at unannounced checkpoints. They stop vehicles if they suspect the driver is intoxicated.
• Roadside assistance exists but is limited and may be slow to arrive.
• Drunk drivers are a risk on weekends, especially after dark.
• Drive defensively and be careful on narrow or winding roads near beach areas and small towns.

Traffic laws

• U.S. driver's licenses and International Driving Permits are valid for up to 90 days after arrival.
• 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.
• Seatbelts are required for drivers and front-seat passengers. Violators can face a fine.
• Road deaths increased significantly recently.
• If you are involved in an accident, contact local authorities immediately. If safe, help others and remain on the scene until the authorities arrive. Local law requires that you report accidents as soon as possible, or within 24 hours. You must report it to any police station in Trinidad and Tobago.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Unmarked taxis and “maxi taxis” (minibuses) may stop suddenly in the middle of the road. They may also turn across several lanes of traffic to pick up or drop off passengers.
• Only use private taxis in Port of Spain. 

Public and commercial transportation

• U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are not allowed to use public transportation due to safety risks.
• Visit the website of Trinidad and Tobago's national tourist office.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Trinidad and Tobago’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners arriving aboard a private vessel must register any firearms with local customs authorities.

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Trinidad and Tobago should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Helpful resources

Monitor local news and official channels for updates, especially during the rainy and hurricane seasons:

• Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service
• Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management
• University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre

Weather conditions

Trinidad and Tobago is outside the main Atlantic hurricane belt and rarely experiences hurricanes, but the islands can still experience significant weather events and natural disasters.

The top 5 weather events and most likely natural disasters are:

Heavy rainfall and flooding

• Flooding is most common during the rainy season, which is from June to December. Flash flooding can occur in low-lying and urban areas.

Tropical storms

• Storms are common from June to November, peaking in August to October. Direct hurricane strikes are rare, but the islands can experience tropical storms or the effects of nearby hurricanes. This includes strong winds and heavy rain.

Earthquakes

• Trinidad and Tobago is near Caribbean and South American fault lines, making earthquakes possible any time of year. Most are minor, but moderate earthquakes can cause damage.

Landslides

• These occur during or after periods of heavy rainfall, especially in the rainy season June to December. They are common in hilly or mountainous areas.

Coastal flooding and rough seas

• This is most common during the rainy season and during strong winds, especially from June to December. High tides and rough seas can cause coastal flooding and beach erosion, particularly on the eastern and southern coasts.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.