Trinidad and Tobago travel guide
About Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago: two very different islands, one mighty inviting destination. As the home of carnival, calypso and limbo dancing, not to mention Angostura Bitters, the country specialises in worldly contributions that have always been an assault on the senses. It’s raw in places, cosmopolitan in others and has a wondrous line-up of festivals and celebrations. What’s more, it punches way above its weight in the scenery stakes too. Diving? Hiking? Beaches? Waterfalls? Nightlife? Come on in.
To talk about it as one nation, however, is accurate but misleading. Oil-rich big brother Trinidad plays home to more than 95% of the country’s population and has all the vigour this would suggest. Port of Spain, surrounded by verdant hills, is the main city. Here, bazaars throng beneath modern skyscrapers and mosques share the skyline with cathedrals, while the whole place bounces to the beat of Carnival, one of the planet’s great parties. It takes place annually on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday – and more than meets the hype.
Beyond the capital beckon volcanoes, a self-replenishing asphalt lake and magnificent bird reserves, meaning the island is as famed among twitchers as it is among party animals.
Tiny Tobago, meanwhile, sitting 32km (20 miles) northeast of Trinidad, moves at an altogether gentler pace. No island was more fought over in the colonial era – it changed hands some 32 times, which says something about its appeal. It’s fertile, located outside the hurricane belt and is even said to be the inspiration behind Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Here, too, there are world-class attractions for nature lovers – it is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere – and you’ll also find a spread of modern beach resorts. On both islands, meanwhile, the colourful jumble of different cultural influences has left T&T with a delicious, spice-led cuisine.
Key facts
5,128 sq km (1,980 sq miles). Trinidad: 4,828 sq km (1,864 sq miles). Tobago: 300 sq km (116 sq miles).
1,364,973 (UN estimate 2016).
238.4 per sq km.
Port of Spain.
Republic.
President Christine Kangaloo since 2023.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley since 2015.
Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Trinidad and Tobago set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering or travelling through Trinidad and Tobago.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Trinidad and Tobago your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit Trinidad and Tobago without a visa for up to 90 days.
You must have:
- an onward or return ticket
- proof of funds for your stay
For business or study, see visa requirements on the Trinidad and Tobago immigration division website or contact the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in the UK.
You can get your 90-day visit extended by applying to the passport and immigration department.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
If you do not have an entry stamp in your passport, it will be difficult to extend your stay.
If you are a returning resident, you may be asked to show your residence permit or work permit when you arrive in Trinidad and Tobago.
Entry by sea
You can sail into and out of the marinas or Chaguaramas Bay. You must follow government regulations or you could be stopped by the coast guard, who will hand you over to the police.
Vaccine requirements
For details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Trinidad and Tobago guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Trinidad and Tobago. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into Trinidad and Tobago
The amount of currency you can bring in (or take out of) the country is unlimited. However you must declare cash in any currency worth over 20,000 Trinidad and Tobago dollars. There are strict penalties for failing to declare amounts in excess of the limit.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago
Terrorist attacks in Trinidad and Tobago cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Crime
Violent crime and assault: Trinidad
In Trinidad, there’s a high level of violent crime. Gang-related attacks and shootings are increasing around the city centre of Port of Spain, including Laventille, Morvant and Barataria.
There is a risk of armed robbery. You can reduce the risk of being targeted when on foot by:
- avoiding unlit areas at night
- using well-populated roads and paths
Stay aware of your surroundings and carry a mobile phone with roaming for use in an emergency.
Violent criminals often carry out attacks in vehicles, ranging from the threat of violence to sexual assault and robbery, kidnapping for ransom, rape and murder. You can take precautions against being targeted by:
- using well-established taxi firms, recommended by locals or your hotel
- being cautious about accepting lifts in a private car or ‘maxi taxi’
- taking local advice to avoid areas affected by gang violence
- keeping the windows closed and doors locked while driving
Violent crime can also happen in Tobago, but is rarer.
Protecting yourself and your belongings
If you’re staying in a villa, especially in an isolated area, it should have adequate security, including external security lighting, grills and overnight security guards.
Withdrawing cash from an ATM or changing money can make you a target for pickpockets or muggers. Consider asking hotel or villa staff to take you by car.
Keep money, valuables and passports somewhere safe, and never leave anything in an unattended vehicle.
Drink spiking
Avoid accepting drinks from anyone you do not know, and do not leave drinks unattended.
Carnival and other large-scale events
There are likely to be more thefts and opportunistic crimes during carnival period around February.
Laws and cultural differences
Laws on clothing
It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing or bring any into the country.
Illegal drugs penalties
Trinidad and Tobago has decriminalised the possession of up to 30g of cannabis or up to 5g of cannabis resin. However, you’re not allowed to smoke cannabis in public spaces or while operating a vehicle.
If you are stopped with more than these amounts, you could get a fine of 50,000 Trinidad and Tobago dollars. More severe penalties remain in place for other drug-related offences.
LGBT+ travellers
Male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. There are laws prohibiting LGBT+ individuals from entering the country. In practice, these laws are rarely enforced, and there is growing local support for LGBT+ rights. However, showing affection in public may attract negative attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Trinidad and Tobago, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Trinidad and Tobago for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP)) as well. You’ll need an IDP if you stay longer than 90 days.
Check the licence requirements if you’re living in Trinidad and Tobago.
Driving standards and road conditions
Driving standards in Trinidad and Tobago are mixed. High-speed road accidents on the main highways in Trinidad often result in fatalities. There have been accidents caused by drink-driving, including on the Beetham-Churchill Roosevelt Highway to and from the airport.
Some roads are narrow and winding, and road surfaces are of a low standard. Pedestrians often walk on the roads, and drivers do not always indicate. Take care when driving and observe speed limits.
Take extra care when driving at night as some roads are unlit. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Hurricanes
The Caribbean hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Trinidad and Tobago is rarely affected by hurricanes, but can have severe storms. You can monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and check the World Meteorological Organisation weather reports for Trinidad and Tobago.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a risk in Trinidad and Tobago. The last serious earthquake was in 2018 and caused damage to some buildings and communication networks. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Volcanic eruptions
Monitor the alert level of ‘Kick’em Jenny’, an underwater volcano located off the coast of Grenada and about 200km from Trinidad. It erupts every few years. Follow the advice of the local authorities if there is increased activity.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 811 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Trinidad and Tobago guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for some travellers if visiting Trinidad – see TravelHealthPro’s vaccine recommendations.
The 2022 UNAIDS Country Factsheet estimated that around 12,000 adults aged 15 or over in Trinidad and Tobago were living with HIV. Take precautions to avoid exposure to HIV.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities in Trinidad and Tobago
Medical facilities can be limited in some areas of Trinidad and Tobago. Private clinics can treat most ordinary problems, but medical evacuation may be necessary in more serious cases. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of doctors in Trinidad and Tobago.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Trinidad and Tobago
Ambulance: 811
Fire: 990
Police: 999
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding lawyers and funeral directors in Trinidad and Tobago
- dealing with a death in Trinidad and Tobago
- being arrested or imprisoned in Trinidad and Tobago
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
You can also contact FCDO online.
Help abroad in an emergency
If you’re in Trinidad and Tobago and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Port of Spain.
FCDO in London
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Risk information for British companies
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
