Trinidad & Tobago
About Trinidad & Tobago
| Currency | Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Port of Spain |
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a nation of two islands northeast of Venezuela, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and with a population of about 1.2 million people. Although English is the official language, French, Spanish, and Hindi are also spoken.
The government is a parliamentary democracy with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
Due to its oil and natural gas production, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean and enjoys a higher standard of living than many other countries in Latin America. The government is now planning to expand the tourism sector in Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago is well known for its annual carnival, soca music, calypso music, and steel-pan bands. Trinidad is more of an industrial island with less tourist infrastructure. Visitors to Tobago can enjoy the beaches, diving, coral reefs, and rainforests.
Recommended Vaccinations For Trinidad & Tobago
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
A Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older travelling to densely forested areas on the island of Trinidad. Vaccination is not recommended for cruise ship passengers and aircraft passengers in transit or travellers whose itineraries are limited to the island of Tobago.
Recommended Medications For Trinidad & Tobago
There are no recommendations for Trinidad & Tobago at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Trinidad & Tobago
For Most Travellers
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Trinidad and Tobago, and the risk to travellers is significant.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Trinidad and Tobago.
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Trinidad and Tobago through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
For Some Travellers
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Trinidad and Tobago, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Zika Fever
There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
Yellow Fever
There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of this country.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Trinidad & Tobago
Personal Safety
There is a high level of serious crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Violent crimes such as murder, kidnapping, shootings, armed robbery, rape, carjacking, and home invasions are common. Exercise a high degree of caution. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid showing signs of wealth, keep valuables and important documents secured, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Ensure that your accommodations have adequate security, particularly those in isolated areas. Criminals have targeted beaches, both popular and isolated.
Never walk alone in deserted areas, day or night, including the beaches. Travellers are advised to use the official transportation system only.
All official public transportation vehicles have license plates starting with H. Public buses are painted red, white, and black.
The airport is served by the Airport Taxi Drivers’ Cooperative. These taxis are not shared.
Same-sex sexual relations are not illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. LGBT+ travellers should note that due to the conservative nature of the country, there could be intolerance towards public displays of affection.
Extreme Violence
Gang and drug related incidents and shootings have been reported particularly in and around the city centre of Port of Spain, including Laventille, Morvant and Barataria.
Political Unrest
Avoid any demonstration or large public gathering since the situation can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.
Areas To Avoid
Travellers are advised to exercise high caution if travelling in this country, particularly in the following areas: Laventille, Beetham Gardens, Sea Lots, Corcorite, Carenage, Morvant, Savannah Park, Fort George, La Brea (Pitch Lake), and Las Cuevas Beach.
