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

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Trinidad and Tobago for information on U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago relations. 

 Find the link for your country here.

Visit Trinidad and Tobago  Ministry of National Security 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.  All U.S. citizens must enter and exit the United States on a U.S. passport.

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. 

Crime: Violent crime, including assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, home invasions, and murder, is increasingly more 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

Tourists are particularly vulnerable to pick-pocketing and armed assaults in these locations. Criminal activity often increases before and during holiday periods. 
 
Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related.

Criminals have used dating apps and social media to lure 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:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.   

Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1(868) 622-6371 (dial then press 1). 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: 623-6793
• Children’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. We do not endorse or recommend any specific 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 U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They may use simple methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets. 

• 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. 

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated.  Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. 

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

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 crimes 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: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. 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 and/or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and 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

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGB Travelers: The government does not enforce the law criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults. In April 2018, a court ruled the law unconstitutional, but the government is still appealing the ruling.  

See our LGB 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, but the law is not enforced. While accessibility is limited, accessible bathrooms, ramps, handrails, signage, designated parking spaces, and hearing loops can be found. Access is even more limited on public transportation. Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, as well as service providers (sign language interpreters or personal assistants) are available. There is not a significant difference between Port of Spain and the rest of the country.

See our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. students.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Domestic violence and sexual abuse reports continue to be under reported. 

Per Trinidad & Tobago Police Service reporting, incidents of sexual assaults, child sex abuse, and violence against children have held steady or increased in recent years. 

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, which require payment before transportation. 

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. 

See our Health Abroad page for more information. 

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Trinidad and Tobago. 
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip. 
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including: 
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel) 
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates) 
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)  

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to ensure the medication is legal in Trinidad and Tobago.  Please note that many medicines prescribed in the United States are not easily accessible through the local pharmacies. A six-month supply of required medicines is recommended for travelers. 

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. 

While not present in the country, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago issued a warning of the Oropouche virus due to its proximity to South and Central America where there have been recent outbreaks. This disease is spread to humans through the bite of an infected small fly called a midge or possibly certain mosquitos.   

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.

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 Travel advice page

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health page 

Air Quality: Visit AirNow for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates and ZephAir for additional locations.   

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list ofhttps://tt.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2024/07/ACS-Doctors-Listing-2024.pdf doctors and hospitals. The U.S. government does not recommend any specific provider or clinic.

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 $240 USD 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: Road fatalities increased significantly in 2024. If you are involved in an accident, 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. Road Traffic statistics are also available on the Arrive Alive website. 

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 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.