{"slug":"trinidad-and-tobago","title":"Trinidad and Tobago travel advice","updated_at":"2026-09-21T16:13:58+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-09-21T15:13:58Z","change_description":"Removal of information about State of Emergency ('Warnings and insurance' page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/trinidad-and-tobago","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Trinidad and Tobago’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Trinidad and Tobago set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/high-commission-london-united-kingdom/\">Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Trinidad and Tobago your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You can visit Trinidad and Tobago without a visa for up to 90 days.</p>\n\n<p>You must have:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>an onward or return ticket</li>\n  <li>proof of funds for your stay</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>For business or study, see visa requirements on the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nationalsecurity.gov.tt/divisions/immigrationdivision/\">Trinidad and Tobago immigration division website</a> or contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/high-commission-london-united-kingdom/\">Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<p>You can get your 90-day visit extended by <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nationalsecurity.gov.tt/faq/how-to-apply-for-an-extension-of-stay-in-trinidad-and-tobago/\">applying to the passport and immigration department</a>.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\">\n<p>Make sure you get your passport stamped.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>If you do not have an entry stamp in your passport, it will be difficult to extend your stay.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"entry-by-sea\">Entry by sea</h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements-\">Vaccine requirements  </h2>\n\n<p>For details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/225/trinidad-and-tobago#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Trinidad and Tobago guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://tradeind.gov.tt/tlu/\">goods you can take into or out of Trinidad and Tobago</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-trinidad-and-tobago\">Taking money into Trinidad and Tobago</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-trinidad-and-tobago\">Terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago</h3>\n\n<p>Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<p>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.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"violent-crime-and-assault\">Violent crime and assault</h2>\n\n<p>In Trinidad and Tobago, there is a high level of violent crime, including gang-related attacks and shootings. Instances of homicides and armed robberies are common. </p>\n\n<p>Be cautious particularly when travelling in or around: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte street, south and west of Picadilly street, and north of Independence Square) </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Carenage, Sea Lots, Belmont, Laventille, Morvant and Beetham </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Barataria and Cocorite  </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>the interior of Queens Park Savannah</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings </h3>\n\n<p>Criminals may carry out attacks, ranging from the threat of violence to sexual assault and robbery, kidnapping for ransom, rape and murder. A significant portion of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago is gang-related. You can take precautions against being targeted: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>always be alert to your surroundings - do not wear headphones when out and about </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>avoid walking or hiking alone, deserted beaches or isolated areas</p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>avoid walking at night </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>avoid poorly lit or quiet areas of streets or parks </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>consider removing expensive jewellery </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>keep money, valuables and passports somewhere safe </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>park in well-lit areas </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>never leave anything in an unattended vehicle </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>do not leave bags, purses, handbags, laptops and phones exposed on the seat of a moving vehicle - there have been incidents of items being snatched through car windows </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>be careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs or changing money - use well-lit ATMs, withdraw small amounts only and preferably during daylight hours </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>keep an eye on your card when making purchases to avoid card skimming </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>if you’re staying in a villa, especially in an isolated area, make sure it has adequate security, including external security lighting, grills and overnight security guards </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>be cautious about what you post online - social media platforms are increasingly being monitored by criminals </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>if you’re attacked or robbed, don’t resist - criminals are often armed, and you can be seriously injured or killed </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>if you’re the victim of a violent crime, especially rape, get urgent medical help</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"drug-assisted-robbery-and-sexual-assault\">Drug assisted robbery and sexual assault</h3>\n\n<p>There have been reports of criminals in Trinidad and Tobago using drugs, deception and sexual solicitation, including via dating apps, to facilitate robbery and sexual assault. Victims may be lured and drugged or beaten and robbed. Incidents have occurred in bars, nightclubs, hotels and on city streets, sometimes involving groups working together.</p>\n\n<p>You should:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>avoid accepting invitations from strangers or inviting them to your accommodation</p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>take care when using dating apps</p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>keep food and drinks under supervision</p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>plan travel routes in advance, particularly at night</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If drugged, seek local medical attention as soon as possible.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"carnival-and-other-large-scale-events\">Carnival and other large-scale events </h3>\n\n<p>Robberies and opportunistic crime may occur during the carnival period.  If you are attending a large-scale event, such as the Carnival celebrations in Trinidad, you should take sensible precautions and always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid displaying jewellery or valuable items that may attract attention of criminals. Practice caution at crowded events and have a clear plan to return home safely after attending any events.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"drink-spiking\">Drink spiking</h3>\n\n<p>Avoid accepting drinks from anyone you do not know, and do not leave drinks unattended.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism</h2>\n\n<p>Providers of recreational and adventure tourism may not meet UK safety standards. Check safety standards and make sure you’re insured if you take part in activities like boat trips, water sports, quad biking or horse riding.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"laws-on-clothing\">Laws on clothing</h3>\n\n<p>It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing or bring any into the country.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-penalties\">Illegal drugs penalties</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>If you are stopped with these amounts, you can be fined up to  50,000 Trinidad and Tobago dollars. For larger quantities there are more hefty fines and possible imprisonment. There are also severe penalties for other drug-related offences.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>In March 2025, consensual same-sex activity was reinstated as a crime punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. It is also illegal for LGBT+ foreign nationals to enter the country. However, neither of these laws has been enforced in recent times. It is possible LGBT+ visitors could receive negative attention if they show affection in public. </p>\n\n<p>Take care when using dating apps especially those used by the LGBT+ community. Criminals have used apps like Grindr to trick, rob and assault people.</p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"trespassing\">Trespassing  </h3>\n\n<p>If you enter private property without permission, you may face a fine of up to 750,000 Trinidad and Tobago Dollars or imprisonment for up to 25 years. Local laws allow legal occupants of private property to use defensive and even deadly force against trespassers.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>Criminals may carry out attacks in vehicles. You can take precautions against being targeted by: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>using well-established taxi firms, recommended by locals or your hotel </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>being cautious about accepting lifts in a private car or ‘maxi taxi’ </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>taking local advice to avoid areas affected by gang violence </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>keeping the windows closed and doors locked while driving</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Trinidad and Tobago, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">1949 version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a>) as well. You’ll need an <abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr> if you stay longer than 90 days.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"driving-standards-and-road-conditions\">Driving standards and road conditions</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>Some roads are narrow and winding, and road surfaces are of a mixed standard. Pedestrians often walk on the roads, and drivers do not always indicate. Take care when driving and observe speed limits.</p>\n\n<p>Take extra care when driving at night as some roads are unlit. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes</h3>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/\">US National Hurricane Center</a> and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/country.html?countryCode=27\">World Meteorological Organisation weather reports for Trinidad and Tobago</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"earthquakes\">Earthquakes</h3>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes\">what to do before, during and after an earthquake</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"volcanic-eruptions\">Volcanic eruptions</h3>\n\n<p>Monitor the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/tag/kick-em-jenny/\">alert level of ‘Kick’em Jenny’</a>, 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.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","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.","be careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs or changing money - use well-lit ATMs, withdraw small amounts only and preferably during daylight hours","It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing or bring any into the country.","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."]}
