Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft, occurs in Trinidad and Tobago. Theft can occur at traffic lights or in slow moving traffic.

• Avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas
• Don’t walk alone at night
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or show signs of affluence
• Keep your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• Never leave personal belongings, such as money, credit cards, cell phones and other electronics, unattended
• If possible, stay in hotels or villas with guards and security cameras
• Drive with windows closed and doors locked

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs in Trinidad and Tobago, including:

• armed robberies
• carjackings
• assaults
• sexual assaults
• kidnappings
• murders
• home invasions

Gang-related attacks, gun violence and drug-related crimes occur in Trinidad and Tobago. Weapons have been used on victims who refuse to cooperate.

There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and becoming the victim of gun-related crossfire throughout the country, even during the day. Emergency services’ response may vary.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially around cruise ship docks in Port of Spain and in tourist destinations
• Don’t walk alone, especially at night
• Ensure that your windows and doors are securely locked
• If armed criminals threaten you, cooperate and don't resist

There are robbery rings operating in the country. Some use online dating applications and social media platforms to lure potential victims and schedule meet-ups to assault and rob them. Incidents against foreigners have occurred.

• Be cautious if using online dating apps
• Avoid meetings in isolated locations
• Don’t bring new acquaintances to your accommodations
• Share your plans with a family member or friend, including specifics about who you are meeting and where

Terrorism

Groups with terrorist connections are known to operate in Trinidad and Tobago.

Targets may include:

• public gatherings and festivals, such as sporting and cultural events
• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• diplomatic missions
• public areas and tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, and hotels

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places and exercise caution.

Fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs frequently.

When using your debit or credit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and labour strikes occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to essential services, traffic, and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Fraudulent police officers

Individuals posing as police officers have been involved in armed robberies and home invasions.

If you encounter police officers:

• ask for the officer’s name, badge and patrol car number
• try to cooperate by following the instructions of police to avoid escalation
• ask for a clear explanation of the offence

Spiked food and drinks

There are reports of criminals adding drugs into items that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery. Items include food and drinks.

Incidents are most likely to occur:

• in nightclubs
• in bars and restaurants
• on public transportation, including taxis

While you’re in Trinidad and Tobago:

• be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
• order drinks in sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastic cups

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment, verbal abuse or sexual assault.

In some cases, the victims are drugged before being assaulted.

Reported incidents have occurred in unregistered taxis.

• Always remain vigilant
• Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers
• Avoid dark alleys and isolated areas
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Avoid unattended beaches
• Don’t hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers

Advice for women travellers

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous.

In certain areas, sharks pose a risk to swimmers.

Rescue services may not be consistent with Canadian standards. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags to warn of unsafe conditions, including riptides.

• Don’t swim alone, after dark or outside marked areas
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Only undertake scuba diving and other water activities with a well-established company
• Monitor weather warnings
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities
• Check that your travel insurance covers accidents related to recreational activities

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities can be dangerous.

Tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:

• share your itinerary with a friend or family member
• stay on marked trails and consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• obtain detailed information on your activity and the environment in which you will be setting out
• buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to these types of recreational activities
• monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards
• ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water

Water shortages

Water shortages occur regularly in Trinidad and Tobago. They are more frequent during the dry season, from January to May, and can occur for extended periods of time.

• Keep a sufficient supply of water on hand
• Monitor local media for the latest information

Roads

Road safety

Major roadways are generally reliable. However, robberies and carjackings along the East-West Corridor to and from Piarco Airport and Port of Spain continue to be reported despite an increased police presence.

If travelling along this route:

• exercise extreme caution
• do not leave valuables within reach or in plain sight
• avoid stopping for minor mechanical issues, including flat tires

Road conditions

Road conditions are good on highways on both islands.

Rural roads are generally narrow, poorly maintained and congested.

At night, many roads are unlit and shoulders are unmarked.

When driving after dark:

• familiarize yourself with your itinerary before you leave
• be extra cautious

Driving habits

Drivers may not necessarily respect traffic laws and are known to stop abruptly. Drinking and driving is a concern, especially during festivities.

Public transportation

Private taxis and mini-buses called maxi-taxis are shared transportation and cash-based. Drivers stop frequently along their routes to pick up and drop off passengers. They should be avoided.

Ride-sharing apps are not always reliable. You should plan for an alternative transportation method.

You should reserve transportation services through official taxi companies such as those associated with major hotels or the airport. Confirm the fare in advance.

Piracy

Pirates commit attacks, kidnappings and armed robberies against ships in coastal waters. Travellers should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report – International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Trinidad and Tobago. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Student visa: required

Upon arrival, tourists receive a stamp indicating the authorized stay period.

Useful links

• eVisas – Ministry of National Security
• Business visas – Ministry of National Security

Other entry requirements

You must show a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are below Canadian standards.

Public hospitals offer free medical care, but they may be under-resourced and lack medical supplies and equipment.

Private hospital care is expensive and requires immediate cash payment.

Emergency services are available, but response times can be slow, especially in rural areas.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Useful links

• Health and safety outside Canada
• Older travellers

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Trinidad and Tobago are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Trinidad and Tobago to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Trinidadian and Tobagonian authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons have been harassed and verbally and/or physically abused.

Discriminatory laws against 2SLGBTQI+ persons exist in Trinidad and Tobago.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Trinidad and Tobago.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Trinidad and Tobago, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Trinidadian and Tobagonian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Trinidad and Tobago to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. Most vehicles are right-hand drive, but left-hand-drive vehicles are permitted and identified as such.

All children below the age of 5 must be buckled into a car seat or a booster seat in the back seat of a vehicle.

Visitors aged 17 or older are allowed to drive for 90 days with a valid Canadian driver’s licence. If you plan to stay beyond 90 days, you should apply for an International Driving Permit prior to arrival in Trinidad and Tobago.

International Driving Permit

Drinking and driving

Persons found guilty of drinking and driving face heavy fines and/or jail sentences. Police use roadblocks to check for drunk drivers and breathalysers to test drivers on the spot.

Death penalty

Trinidad and Tobago retains the mandatory death penalty for persons convicted of murder, although the law is not always enforced.

Camouflage clothing

It is illegal for civilians to wear army or camouflage clothing.

Money

The currency of Trinidad and Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD).

You can convert Canadian currency at all major banks or currency exchange bureaux in Trinidad and Tobago.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Trinidad and Tobago. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

While hurricanes rarely hit Trinidad and Tobago directly, tropical storms, and hurricanes passing to the north of the country, can cause heavy rains leading to severe flooding and landslides.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Earthquakes

Trinidad and Tobago is located in an active seismic zone.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management and the University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Centre provide information and advice in the event of an earthquake.

Useful links

• Alerts and more information about seismic activity – Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management
• Earthquakes – What to Do?