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Before You Go
Trinidadian Entry Requirements for UK Citizens:
It is not necessary for British visitors
to have visas to enter Trinidad and Tobago. Visitors are generally given 90
days to remain in the country but can be obtained from the Passport and Immigration
Department, 67 Frederick Street, Port of Spain. Due to the recent outbreak of
Foot and Mouth disease in the United Kingdom, all visitors must walk over a
disinfectant mat on arrival at Piarco Airport (Trinidad) and Crown Point Airport
(Tobago). Import of meat and meat products (including dairy products) from the
UK is prohibited until further notice. Hand luggage can be checked.
Trinidadian Entry Requirements for US Citizens:
Passport required, permit for certain employment
including missionary work. Contact Embassy of Trinidad & Tobago, 1708
Massachusetts Av., NW, Washington, DC 20036. (202) 467-6490 or consulates in Miami & NYC.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth
Office updated travel advisory for visitors to France. Updated 9th
January 2003.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
TRINIDAD
Sensible precautions should be taken against theft, which can be
a problem at night in parts of downtown Port of Spain and in other urban areas.
Stick to main tourist areas. Do not resist robbers or muggers.
Particular care should be taken when travelling from Piarco Airport,
as there have been incidents of violent theft by gangs who follow cars and attack
their victims when they reach their destination.
Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery.
Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money and passports.
There has been a recent spate of kidnappings of wealthy local businessmen
and women. So far no foreigners have been targeted. But visitors should be aware
of the problem.
TOBAGO
Crime against tourists in Tobago remains a problem. Be alert. Take
sensible precautions. Do not visit isolated beaches. Use taxis after dark. If
in doubt, consult your tour operator or hotel staff.
Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery.
Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money and passports.
Country areas are best visited in groups. At tourist attractions,
use official guides – agree a price before you set off.
On your day of departure, ask your hotel to store your belongings
until airport check-in time.
TERRORISM
We believe Trinidad and Tobago to be one of a number of countries
where there may be an increased terrorist threat. British nationals should exercise
vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels,
restaurants and shopping malls.
ROAD TRAVEL
The standard of driving in Trinidad and Tobago is poor. Road accidents
leading to fatalities are a regular occurrence. Some of the roads are narrow
and winding and the surface of a low standard. When hiring a car, drive with
care.
Use taxis after dark.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Drug traffickers face severer penalties in Trinidad and Tobago. The authorities
are very alert to the carriage of illicit drugs of any kind and checks are thorough.
Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry items which do not belong to you.
Women should not sunbathe topless.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British visitors do not need visas to enter Trinidad and Tobago. Visitors are
generally given 90 days to remain in the country but extensions can be obtained
from the Passport and Immigration Department, 67 Frederick Street, Port of Spain
HEALTH
There is a very high prevalence of AIDS/HIV in all the Caribbean
islands, including Trinidad and Tobago. Unprotected sex should be avoided. Blood
or fluids contact carries a risk of infection. Medical advice should be sought
as soon as possible after contact.
Dengue fever has become a problem in recent years particularly in
the wet season – May to December. Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever is on the increase.
Minimise exposure to mosquito bites by using repellents.
GENERAL
We strongly recommend that all travellers abroad take out adequate comprehensive
insurance.
For current updates visit
The UK Foreign
and Commonwealth Office website.
Health: Medical care more limited than in the
USA and Western Europe. Care at public health facilities significantly below
par for treatment of serious injuries & illness. Some private facilities
better than most public facilities, but doctors & hospitals often expect
immediate cash payment. Ambulances very scarce, both in quality & availability
of vehicles in many parts of country. US medical insurance not always valid
outside USA. Supplementary medical insurance
with specific coverage for locations outside USA recommended, particularly for
extremely expensive medical evacuation.
Crime& Security: Government
has taken initiatives to curb growing crime rate - a major concern. Avoid isolated
areas & public beaches after dark. Crime lower in Tobago but petty pilfering
from hotel rooms occurs on both islands. Exercise normal precautions & avoid
travelling alone. Drug Penalties: Many Americans convicted for drug
offences were caught taking suitcases or packages containing drugs out of country.
Even if package or suitcase carried for someone else, traveller liable for contents.
Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences & fines.
Money: Trinidad & Tobago Dollar (TT$)
= 100 cents. Notes of TT$ 100, 20, 10, 5 & 1. Coins of TT$ 1 &
50, 25, 10, 5 & 1 cents. Exchange at authorized banks & some hotels.
Delays in obtaining foreign exchange, though banks authorized to sell up to
$75 in notes for legitimate travelling requirements. MasterCard, Diners,
Amex & Visa accepted by selected banks, shops & most tourist facilities.
Many traders charge for use of credit cards. Cards also used to gain immediate
cash in many ATMs in both Trinidad & Tobago (Scarborough only). Travellers
checks widely accepted & most convenient means of transaction. Banks charge
fee. Banking hours - 8 am-2 pm Mon - Thurs, 9 am-Noon & 3 pm-5 pm on
Fridays.
Weather: Tropical climate tempered by northeast
trade winds. Dry season Nov - May, but hottest June - Oct. Tobago pleasant
most of year although May, June & July can be wet at times: differentiation
between wet & dry seasons much less acute.
Advice & Tips for Trinidad
& Tobago:
Road Safety: Drive on left. Roads & streets
(except few major highways) narrow, in poor maintenance & often congested.
Driving patterns/habits unpredictable. Drive defensively. Visitors in possession
of valid licenses issued in U.S., Canada, France, U.K., Germany & Bahamas
may drive for up to 3 months. International licenses also accepted.
Tax & Customs: Duty Free allowance - 200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1.5 litres of wine or spirits; gifts up to value
of TT$1200. Each family required to fill in Customs Declaration on arrival.
Electricity & Voltage:
115-220 volts AC, 60Hz. Continental 2-pin plugs standard, though
variations found.
Public Holidays: Jan 01; Feb 10 & 23-24; Mar 30;
Apr 10 & 13; May 30; Jun 11 & 19; Aug 01 & 31; Dec
25-26.
Airports
Port of Spain, Piarco International
By Taxi:
To Maraval/Chaconia Inn US$24. Port of Spain $20. San Fernando $31. Siparia
$44. Asa Wright Nature Centre $27. 50% increase 10pm to 6am.
By Car:
19 miles/45mins ride time from capital,
Port of Spain
Info Tel #: Call
Your Airline.
Terminals: one
international & one domestic.
Duty Free: Confectionery, Cosmetics, Perfumes, Jewellery, Tobacco, Liquor,
Crystals, Ceramics, Leather Goods, Sun Glasses, Records, Toys, Gift items.
Banking: First Citizens Bank Bureau de Change
opens from 6 am -10 pm daily. Banking at FCB in main concourse extension.
Banking hours - Mon-Thurs 8 am - 2 pm & Fri. 8 am to 1 pm; 3 pm-5 pm.
Restaurant available on 24 hr basis - Pizza Burger
Boys Restaurants.
Duty Free allowance - 200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1.5 litres of wine or spirits; gifts up to value
of TT$1200. Each family required to fill in Customs Declaration on arrival.
Crown Point Airport, Tobago
15mins from Scarborough, capital of Tobago.
Hourly bus service to/from Crown Point
International Airport. Fare $2.00 TT one-way.
Ferry Service between Trinidad & Tobago
Ferry Service operated by T&T Port
Authority, providing transport for passengers, vehicles & cargo. Services
include dining (on Panorama) & bars.
Tickets sold at Port of Spain
& Scarborough offices of Port Authority, Royal Bank branches at Arima,
Chaguanas, San Fernando, & Point Fortin. Office hours (Port of Spain only)
Mon to Fri - 7.30am to 4.00pm. Ticket sales closed 2 hrs before departure; vehicles
must be boarded 2 hrs before sailing. Tickets valid for 90 days from purchase.
Now You’re There
Regions & Resorts of Trinidad &
Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago are southernmost islands of Caribbean archipelago,
& geological extension of South American continent. Separated from Venezuela
by 7-mile (11km) straits of Gulf of Paria.
North Coast
Maracas Bay & Beaches
Popular beach 35mins
from Port of Spain along scenic coastal road. Also: Tyrico Bay & Las Cuevas
beaches; many more small beaches & bays along road to Blanchisseuse.
Asa Wright Nature Centre:
200-acre conservation & study area, for both professional
& amateur naturalists and for visitors interested in birds & wildlife.
8 trails, including home of world's most accessible colony of oilbirds. Daily
9 a.m. - 5 p.m; guided tours 10 a.m. & 1.30 p.m.; book in advance (667-4655).
Admission US$6 (children under 12, US$4).
Lopinot Complex: 5 miles off Eastern Main Road up Lopinot
valley, restored estate house of French count, who arrived in Trinidad 1800
& planted cocoa on magnificent site. One of main centres of Parang, traditional
music of Christmas. Open 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free.
Maracas Waterfall: In Northern Range north of St Joseph,
91-meter fall, popular spot for picnickers, campers, swimmers & bird-watchers.
Easy 2.4 km. hike from road.
West
Fort George: Overlooking Port of Spain & approaches,
dates from earliest British days. Mainly view that attracts visitors now, &
cool mountain air. Closes 6 p.m. Free.
Gasparee Caves: Offshore islands like another world
(when people say they're going "down the islands", this is where they're
heading). Nearest, Gaspar Grande (Gasparee), short boat ride from Chaguaramas,
easily accessible cave complex as well as picnic facilities & ruins of colonial
fortifications. Tour guide & entrance fee to caves TT$10 (children TT$5).
9am. - 2.30 pm. weekdays & to 3 pm. weekends. 634-4364.
East
Aripo Caves: Trinidad's largest cave system: lengthy
hike & good guide needed.
Matura, Grande Rivière
and Matelot: 3 wild & beautiful beaches, first 2 nesting sites
for several turtle species including endangered Leatherback. Matura is protected
area - permits obtained from Wildlife Division of Forestry Dep. (622-7476).
Bathe with caution - waters treacherous.
Paria Waterfall: Popular with hardy hikers, beautiful
waterfall accessible only on foot or by boat along north coast. Take knowledgeable
guide.
Galera Point: Most dramatic spot in Trinidad: old
lighthouse overlooks point where Atlantic meets Caribbean. Nearby Salybia beach
a popular & safe swimming.
East Coast
Manzanilla and Mayaro:
2 of longest beaches - miles of sand
lined with coconut palms facing Atlantic. Water rougher than on west coast -
beware currents.
Nariva Swamp: Complex freshwater system. Bush Bush
Wildlife Sanctuary, for Red Howler monkeys, caiman and manatee. Permits
required (contact reputable tour operator or Wildlife Div of Forestry Department,
662-5114).
South
Caroni Bird Sanctuary:
Home of Scarlet Ibis, large wetland
area on northwest coast, and place of striking stillness and beauty. Birds return
to roost at sunset; boat tours start in late afternoon (US$10, children half
price). Sanctuary 30mins from city. Contact Winston Nanan (645-1305).
Chaguanas: Fastest-growing
urban area, heart of sugar-belt, crowded & bustling. Novelist V. S. Naipaul's
family lived in Lion House, not far from highway.
Sewdass Sadhu Shiv Mandir:
Temple stands in sea a few hundred yards off west coast at Waterloo.
Built single-handedly in 1930s by devout Hindu, replaced earlier temple destroyed
by colonial authorities.
Pointe-à-Pierre Wild Fowl
Trust: Research & conservation centre on 26 hectares of Petrotrin
oil refinery, with trails and learning centre, dedicated to protecting endangered
waterfowl & other birds & reintroduction into natural environment. Mon
to Fri 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat 12 to 4, Sun 10.30 to 6. Tours daily, small fee.
Book in advance (662-4040 before 8 a.m., or 637-5145).
San Fernando: 2nd city, focus of oil industry.
Convenient base for Pitch Lake & Wild Fowl Trust. Overlooking town is much-quarried
San Fernando Hill, thought to have been sacred to original Amerindian settlers.
Devil's Woodyard: Bubbling mud volcanoes near Princes
Town; eruptions infrequent but dramatic.
Pitch Lake: Dark mass of imperceptibly churning
natural asphalt near town of La Brea. Doesn't look like much at first glance.
Objects vanish & reappear years later as pitch slowly swirls. Fault line
in sandstone 250 ft down, through which crude oil or bitumen seeps, providing
endlessly replenished pool of bitumen for roads & mastic asphalt roofs.
Small museum. 10 am. - 6 pm. TT$15 (children TT$10). Bookings 648-7697.
Entertainment & Night Life
Trinidad has wide and varied nightlife including hotel entertainment
and nightclubs with calypso, limbo dancers and steel bands.
During carnival season (New
Year to Carnival, held 2 days before Ash Wednesday) both islands alive with
live music in the Calypso Tents and Pan (steel band) Yards.
In Tobago, main Calypsonians from Trinidad travel
over to perform at Shaw Park Scarborough & Roxborough. Something happening
most nights of week in season - details available from locals and Tobago News.
Eating Out on Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad's bars
& restaurants open until late, with very wide choice of local and Western
food and drink. Chinese, Indian and West Indian cooking available on both islands.
Tobago also offers some notable seafood specialities such as lobster, conch
and dumplings, crab and dumplings, & all types of fried fish.
Local dishes include pilau
rice & Creole soups, best - sans coche, calaloo and peppery pigeon pea soup.
Tatoo, manicou, pork souse, green salad, tum-tum (mashed green plantains), roast
venison, lappe (island rabbit), quenk (wild pig), wild duck and pastelles (meat
folded into cornmeal and wrapped in a banana leaf - specialty generally available
over Christmas) also well worth trying. Seafood includes bean-sized oysters
& chip-chip (tiny shellfish similar in taste to clams). Crab malete excellent,
as is freshwater fish cascadou. Indian dishes on both islands include roti (dahlpuri
bread stuffed with chicken, fish, goat or vegetables), doubles, palhouri &
hot curries.
Shopping on Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidadian 'Good Buys': Gold & silver jewellery can be good
value, also Indian silks & fabrics. Rum should also be considered. Bright,
printed fabrics & other summer garments available, particularly in Port
of Spain.
PLEASE do NOT buy Black Coral
or Turtle shell souvenirs - this will only damage to our reefs.
Please ensure to cover up
when venturing into shops from beach.
Shopping Hours: Retail Outlets: 8 am-4 pm on Mon - Thurs & Friday until
6 pm. Retail outlets based at shopping malls remain open til 9 pm.
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