Orientation briefing in Trinidad and Tobago

First colonized by the Spanish, Trinidad and Tobago came under British control in the early 19th century. The emancipation of enslaved people in 1834 disrupted the twin islands' sugar industry. Contract workers arriving from India between 1845 and 1917 augmented the labor force, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export that remains the country's dominant industry. Trinidad and Tobago attained independence in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean, thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. The government is struggling to reverse a surge in violent crime.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

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.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, attacks cannot be ruled out.

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.  

Violent crime and assault

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. 

Be cautious particularly when travelling in or around: 

• downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte street, south and west of Picadilly street, and north of Independence Square) 

• Carenage, Sea Lots, Belmont, Laventille, Morvant and Beetham 

• Barataria and Cocorite  

• the interior of Queens Park Savannah

Protecting yourself and your belongings 

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: 

• always be alert to your surroundings - do not wear headphones when out and about 

• avoid walking or hiking alone, deserted beaches or isolated areas

• avoid walking at night 

• avoid poorly lit or quiet areas of streets or parks 

• consider removing expensive jewellery 

• keep money, valuables and passports somewhere safe 

• park in well-lit areas 

• never leave anything in an unattended vehicle 

• 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 

• be careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs or changing money - use well-lit ATMs, withdraw small amounts only and preferably during daylight hours 

• keep an eye on your card when making purchases to avoid card skimming 

• 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 

• be cautious about what you post online - social media platforms are increasingly being monitored by criminals 

• if you’re attacked or robbed, don’t resist - criminals are often armed, and you can be seriously injured or killed 

• if you’re the victim of a violent crime, especially rape, get urgent medical help

Drug assisted robbery and sexual assault

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.

You should:

• avoid accepting invitations from strangers or inviting them to your accommodation

• take care when using dating apps

• keep food and drinks under supervision

• plan travel routes in advance, particularly at night

If drugged, seek local medical attention as soon as possible.

Carnival and other large-scale events 

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.

Drink spiking

Avoid accepting drinks from anyone you do not know, and do not leave drinks unattended.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

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.

Laws and cultural differences

Laws on clothing

It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing or bring any into the country.  

Illegal drugs penalties

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.

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.

LGBT+ travellers

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. 

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.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Trespassing  

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.

Transport risks

Road travel

Criminals may carry out attacks in vehicles. You can take precautions against being targeted by: 

• using well-established taxi firms, recommended by locals or your hotel 

• being cautious about accepting lifts in a private car or ‘maxi taxi’ 

• taking local advice to avoid areas affected by gang violence 

• keeping the windows closed and doors locked while driving

If you are planning to drive in Trinidad and Tobago, see information on driving abroad.

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 update it to a photocard licence or get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP)) as well. You’ll need an IDP if you stay longer than 90 days.

Driving standards and road conditions

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.

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.

Take extra care when driving at night as some roads are unlit. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Hurricanes

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 US National Hurricane Center and check the World Meteorological Organisation weather reports for Trinidad and Tobago.

Earthquakes

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 what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Volcanic eruptions

Monitor the alert level of ‘Kick’em Jenny’, 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.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 811 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Trinidad and Tobago
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for some travellers if visiting Trinidad – see TravelHealthPro’s vaccine recommendations.

See what other health risks you’ll face in Trinidad and Tobago.

The 2022 UNAIDS Country Factsheet estimated that around 12,000 adults aged 15 or over in Trinidad and Tobago were living with HIV. Take precautions to avoid exposure to HIV.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago

Medical facilities can be limited in some areas of Trinidad and Tobago. Private clinics can treat most ordinary problems, but medical evacuation may be necessary in more serious cases. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Trinidad and Tobago.  

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.