Travel Report for Trinidad and Tobago

Country Profile for
Trinidad and Tobago

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2006 13:58 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:03 EST

Trinidad and Tobago

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

See our Current Issues page for information on the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

TRINIDAD: Port of Spain experienced a bombing in a public area each month between July and October 2005. Up to 25 people were injured as a result of these bombings, with the most recent incident occurring October 14, 2005. The police are investigating all four bombings.

Crime continues to be on the increase, particularly in Port of Spain and other urban areas. Cruise ship passengers should take particular care when walking around the docks and downtown. Gang-related violence, including shootings and kidnapping, occurs and can affect bystanders. Canadians should avoid Laventille and other known high-crime areas. Canadians should also exercise caution at popular tourist sites such as Fort George and La Brea (Pitch Lake), as well as at supermarket and shopping mall parking lots in the western part of Port of Spain, since crimes targeting foreigners have been reported in these areas. Deserted beaches and unpopulated areas (e.g. scenic overlooks) should be avoided, especially after dark. Extra care should be taken when travelling late at night. Crimes of opportunity such as petty theft increase during the annual Trinidad Carnival in February or March. Visitors should ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times and that hotel room doors and windows are secure. It is not advisable to carry large amounts of cash nor to show signs of affluence. Travellers should be cautious leaving Trinidad's Piarco Airport, especially after dark. Incidents of gangs following cars and robbing them once they reach their destination have been reported.

TOBAGO: Tourists and foreign nationals are also victims of crime in Tobago, where such incidents appear to be on the increase. Visitors should seek the advice of local contacts and be vigilant, especially after dark. Robberies with violence, including assaults and rape, continue to occur frequently. Visitors should satisfy themselves that personal security arrangements are in place at any villas or other types of accommodation where they choose to stay. Personal belongings should never be left unattended, and deserted beaches should be avoided. Conspicuous displays of wealth, including jewellery, and the carrying of large amounts of cash should be avoided.

There is often an increase in crime during holidays, especially Christmas and Carnival.

In case of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago, dial 990 for an ambulance or the fire department, and 999 for police.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform and help Canadian women travel safely.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Most vehicles are right-hand drive, but left-hand drive vehicles are permitted. Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers. Failure to comply may lead to a fine.

Road conditions are good on highways in Trinidad, but less so on secondary roads, especially in the mountainous northern region. Rural roads are generally narrow, in poor repair, and often congested. If possible, avoid travel outside Port of Spain or San Fernando after dark, especially the Beetham Highway. Drive with windows closed and doors locked, since theft from cars occurs at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Drivers should report a traffic accident to the nearest police station.

Taxi services from hotels are more expensive than public or route taxis. There is an extensive public transportation system of taxis, maxi-taxis (vans), and larger buses. Route taxis will often stop at any point along the road to pick up or drop off passengers. The airport is served by the Airport Taxi Drivers' Cooperative. Fares should be negotiated before departure. Travellers without vehicles should take registered taxis after dark.

Car rentals are available but expensive. Visitors are allowed to drive for 90 days with a valid driver's licence.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

The rainy season extends from June to December. Flooding can occur in low-lying areas. Trinidad and Tobago are outside the usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms. Nevertheless, travellers to the region should keep informed of weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago have a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in Trinidad and Tobago to request a transfer to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Trinidadian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is severely punished. Travellers should not under any circumstance carry a stranger's baggage. Foreign Affairs Canada also publishes a booklet, Drugs and Travel: Why They Don't Mix, which illustrates the risks and consequences of travelling with illegal drugs.

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

Boaters must register their firearms with customs at the point of entry.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Trinidad and Tobago - PORT OF SPAIN, High Commission of Canada
Address: 3-3A Sweet Briar Road, Maple House, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1246, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Tel.: 1 (868) 622-6232 (6-CANADA)
Fax: 1 (868) 628-2581
E-mail: pspan@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.portofspain.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the High Commission of Canada in Port of Spain and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 387-3124; call collect at (613) 996-8885; or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from hotels in Trinidad and Tobago is 1 800 744-3501 and 22 from seaports, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with authorities at the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on May 1, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit

Trinidad and Tobago

. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay. A valid return or onward ticket and sufficient funds are also required.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required (for less than 30 days)
Student Visa: Required

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic.

An airport tax of TT$100 cash (approx. C$20) is charged upon departure.
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$). Major credit cards are widely accepted. When using credit cards, ensure your card remains in view, and retain your transaction copy along with the carbon paper. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. You should use U.S. dollar traveller's cheques. They are easily exchanged at banks upon presentation of your passport; a photocopy is not acceptable. ATMs are common throughout Trinidad, but in Tobago are available only in Scarborough. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Trinidad and Tobago (capital: Port of Spain) are two islands located in the southern Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela. The official language is English. Tourist facilities are widely available.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Travellers face a greater risk of exposure to the virus when engaging in unprotected sexual activity or when exposed to infected blood products.

Free medical services are offered to the public at the five general hospitals throughout the country. Private hospital care can be quite expensive locally.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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