Trinidad and Tobago

June 25, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION : Trinidad and Tobago is a developing nation composed of two islands. Tourist facilities are widely available.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required of U.S. citizens for entry to Trinidad and Tobago. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Work permits are required for compensated and some non-compensated employment, including missionary work.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

For further information concerning entry, employment and customs requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, 1708 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20036, telephone (202) 467-6490, email embttgo@erols.com, or the Trinidad and Tobago Consulates in Miami or New York City.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: American citizens traveling to or residing in Trinidad and Tobago should avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Non-violent demonstrations occur on occasion, but civil disorder is not considered a threat. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements and Travel Warnings can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIME: Visitors should exercise caution and good judgment, as in any large urban area, when visiting Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. Embassy advises visitors to exercise caution when traveling from Trinidad's Piarco Airport, especially after dark, because of incidents involving armed robbers trailing arriving passengers from the airport and then accosting them outside the gates of their residences. Holiday periods, especially Christmas and Carnival, often see an increase in crime.

Violent crimes, including assault, kidnapping and murder, have involved foreign residents and tourists, including U.S. citizens. Since the beginning of 2002, there has been an increase in kidnappings for ransom. While U.S. citizens have not been targeted, at least one American citizen has fallen victim to kidnappers. Burglaries of private residences are common. Robbery is a risk, particularly in urban areas. Visitors should avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying large amounts of money in public. In some cases, robberies of Americans have turned violent after the victim resisted handing over valuables.

In Tobago, the media have reported a recent increase in the incidence of rapes and robberies. Some of these attacks have targeted privately rented villas in the southwest of the island. While the authorities have announced increased measures to fight crime, the U.S. Embassy advises that when making reservations at private accommodations, visitors should ensure that 24-hour security is provided. Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago are also advised to be cautious when visiting isolated beaches or scenic overlooks where robberies can occur. Visitors should not walk alone or in unfamiliar areas. Valuables left unattended on beaches and in other public places are vulnerable to theft. Visitors should avoid neighborhoods known for high crime rates. When in doubt, consult the establishment where you are staying. Taxis available at the major hotels or through pre-arranged pick-ups with reputable companies are generally safe and reliable.

The U.S. Embassy urges caution in the use of the small buses or vans in Trinidad, known as "Maxi Taxis" (full-size inter-city buses are usually safe). Unmarked shared taxis authorized to pick up passengers will have the letter 'H' as the first letter on their license plates. Some taxis and maxi taxis have been linked to petty crime and serious traffic accidents (see below). Motor vehicle occupants should keep all windows closed and car doors locked. Valuables including travel documents should not be left unattended in parked cars, especially in parking lots as several thefts have been reported.

Police are cooperative, but they are often hampered by lack of resources. Americans who are victims of crime are strongly encouraged to contact the police as well as the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy Consular Section (868-622-6371). The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and to explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, " A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES : Medical care is limited compared to that in the United States. Care at public health facilities is significantly below U.S. standards for treatment of serious injuries and illness, with limited access to supplies and medications. While care at some private facilities is better than at most public health facilities, patients may be expected to prove their ability to pay before assistance is given, even in emergency situations. Patients requiring blood transfusions are expected to arrange for at least the same amount to be donated on their behalf. Physicians and nurses may go on strike, causing serious strain on both public and private medical resources. Ambulance service is extremely limited both in the quality of emergency care and in the availability of vehicles in many parts of the country.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad", available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ from those in the United States. The information below concerning Trinidad and Tobago is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Traffic moves on the left; oncoming traffic is on the right. Most vehicles are right-hand drive, but left-hand drive vehicles are permitted. Rental cars are available, and are generally right-hand drive. A U.S. driver's license and/or an International Driving Permit are valid for up to 90 days after arrival. Seatbelts are required for drivers and front seat passengers, and cars may be pulled over and drivers fined for not wearing seatbelts. Older cars are not required to be equipped with rear seatbelts; many taxis, being older cars, thus lack rear seatbelts. There are no particular requirements for child safety seats.

Trinidad has several good four-lane highways and one controlled-access highway. However, road quality decreases quickly on secondary roads. Rural roads are narrow and often have deep drainage ditches on either side. Some are in poor repair, and are frequently congested. Night travel should be avoided other than on major highways. Roadside assistance exists, but is extremely limited and subject to lengthy delays. The Ministry of Works and Transport is responsible for road conditions and safety in the country.

Trinidadian drivers often use hand signals to indicate turning, stopping, or slowing, which do not necessarily correspond to hand signals used in the United States. Trinidadian drivers are generally courteous, but can be flexible or "creative" with the rules of the road. For example, cars traveling north on a two way street may cross into the southbound lane to stop and let passengers out. Visitors need to be attentive and alert. Defensive driving is strongly encouraged.

The country has an extensive system of taxis, maxi-taxis (vans) and some larger buses. Although the larger inter-city buses are generally safe, the maxi-taxis have been linked to many road accidents and some instances of crime. Fares should be agreed upon in advance. Taxis will often stop at any point along the road to pick up or discharge passengers, often with little or no warning.

For additional information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information about Trinidad and Tobago, contact the Trinidad and Tobago tourist information office at 1-888- 595-4tnt.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Trinidad and Tobago's civil aviation authority as Category 2 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Trinidad and Tobago's air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, the Trinidad and Tobago air carriers currently flying to the U.S. will be subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional flights or new service to the U.S. by Trinidad and Tobago's air carriers will be permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the U.S. Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The US Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of services. For information on DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a US citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ from those in the US, and may not afford the protections available to the individual under US law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Trinidad and Tobago's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Trinidad and Tobago are strict. Suspected offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines, and may be jailed until the trial date, which can be months or even years after the arrest. Many of the US citizens incarcerated in Trinidad and Tobago were caught attempting to take suitcases or packages containing drugs out of the country. Even if the package or suitcase is being carried for someone else, the traveler is liable for its contents.

Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad.

Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS : Trinidad and Tobago is prone to occasional, moderate earthquakes; the last, in October 2000, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale. Trinidad has never been hit by a major hurricane, and Tobago has suffered extensive damage by only two hurricanes since 1963. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is the government entity responsible for disaster preparedness locally. Its Director and coordinators have all received training through the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. Visitors can consult pages 40-45 of the Trinidad and Tobago 2003-2004 phone book for detailed information on how to prepare for hurricane, earthquake, flood, fire, or hazardous material disasters. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and abductions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

EMBASSY LOCATION/REGISTRATION : Americans living in or visiting Trinidad and Tobago are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and obtain updated information on travel and security within Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. Embassy is located at 15 Queen's Park West, telephone 868-622-6371, Consular Section fax 868-628-9036, web site http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/td1/wwwhconsulat.html. Hours of operation are 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM through 4:00 PM Monday - Friday, except U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago national holidays. Not all embassy services are provided at all times, and some appointments are required.

This replaces the Consular Information sheet dated January 12, 2004.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 12, 2004, to update the sections on Safety and Security and Crime, Customs Regulations and Criminal Penalties.