Can You Travel With Beef From Nyc to Trinidad
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On this page
- Risk level
- Safety and security
- Entry and exit requirements
- Health
- Laws and culture
- Natural disasters and climate
- Need help?
Risk level
Trinidad and Tobago - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to violent crime
Island of Tobago - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in the island of Tobago.
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Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
COVID-19 preventative measures and restrictions are still in effect in some destinations.
These could include:
- curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns
- mandatory mask use
- required proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result to access public and private services and spaces
Before travelling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are still in effect.
Foreign Representatives in Canada
Crime
Island of Trinidad
Violent crime, including armed robberies, assaults and sexual assault, occurs frequently on the island of Trinidad, especially in the capital, Port of Spain. Tourists have been targeted.
Since 2018, incidents of kidnapping for ransom have increased. Cruise ship passengers should be very careful when walking around the docks in Port of Spain. Shootings, kidnappings and other gang- and drug-related violence also occur. There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and thefts from cars, occurs. Crimes of opportunity tend to increase during the annual Carnival celebrations in February or March, the Christmas holidays and Tobago Jazz Festival.
- Avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas after dark. On certain beaches, security is only provided from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Don't walk alone at night
- Don't carry large amounts of cash or show signs of affluence
- Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Never leave personal belongings, such as money, credit cards, cell phones and other electronics, unattended, especially on beaches
- If possible, stay in hotels or villas with guards and security cameras.
Criminals target foreigners. Remain highly vigilant in:
- Laventille
- Beetham Gardens
- Sea Lots
- Corcorite
- Carenage
- Morvant
- Savannah Park
- Fort George
- La Brea (Pitch Lake)
- Las Cuevas Beach
If possible, avoid travel outside Port of Spain after dark, especially along the Beetham Highway. Criminals have targeted cars stopped on this road and victims have been carjacked, assaulted and robbed. Drive with windows closed and doors locked, since thefts can occur at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Gangs have followed cars leaving Trinidad's Piarco International Airport to rob travellers at their destination.
Home invasion
Home invasions are common and may turn violent. If you are staying in either private or commercial accommodations:
- be aware of your surroundings at all times
- and ensure that windows and doors are securely locked
Be aware that police response often takes time.
Island of Tobago
Violent crime, including armed robberies, assaults and sexual assault, occurs on the island of Tobago. Incidents against foreigners, including Canadians, have occurred.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, also occurs. Tourists have been targeted.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Avoid unpatrolled beaches and isolated areas, especially after dark
- Ensure that your personal belongings, passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Targets could include:
- public gatherings and festivals, such as Carnival
- 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, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and if attending public events. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places and exercise caution.
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
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Fraud
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:
- pay careful attention when your cards are handled by others
- use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
More about overseas fraud
Road safety
Road conditions are good on highways on the island of Trinidad. Rural roads, in the mountainous northern region and on the island of Tobago are generally narrow, poorly maintained and congested.
Security presence has increased on either side of Trinidad's Beetham Highway. If you encounter difficulties along Trinidad's Beetham Highway:
- don't stop until you see a patrol car or reach the nearest police station
- report traffic accidents to the nearest police station.
Public transportation
There is a large public transportation system of taxis, maxi-taxis, smaller and larger buses.
All official public transportation vehicles have licence plates starting with H. Public buses are painted red, white and black.
Buses
Buses are operated by the government of Trinidad and Tobago. They service both urban and rural areas.
Registered Taxis
The airport is served by the Airport Taxi Drivers' Cooperative. These taxis are not shared. Make sure to establish the rate before driving away. Fares increase after 10 p.m. After dark, only use registered taxis. Taxi services from hotels are more expensive than public or route taxis.
Route taxis
Route taxis are shared cars that stop to pick up or drop off passengers. An official route taxi licence plate starts with H. Fares must be posted in the taxi, and the driver will display his taxi badge.
Maxi-Taxis (shared)
Maxi-taxis are painted white with two coloured bands that indicate the area they service. Fares are posted on the door or at the front of the maxi-taxi, and the driver will display his taxi badge.
Ferries
An inter-island ferry operates between Trinidad and Tobago. Cancellations may occur with little or no notice. Check the status of your travel with the Port Authority.
Water taxi
A water taxi operates between Port of Spain and San Fernando. Purchase tickets at water taxi terminals.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
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Entry and exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
Most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19. These measures can be imposed suddenly and may include:
- entry or exit bans
- quarantine
- mandatory proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing
- suspensions or reductions of international transportation options
Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.
Before travelling:
- verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation
- consider even your transit points, as there are transit rules in place in many destinations
- monitor the media for the latest information
- reconfirm the requirements with your airline or tour operator
The situation could disrupt your travel plans. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.
Useful links
- Travel restrictions and health requirements - United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
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 three 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 less than 90 days)
Business visa: Not required (for less than 30 days)
Student visa: Required
You must obtain a TTravelPass before your arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. If you're arriving by air, you must complete the application online and receive your TTravelPass prior to boarding your flight. You must show a printed or electronic copy to the airline in order to board your flight.
Tourists receive a stamp indicating the period they are allowed to stay in the country.
TTravelPass – Ministry of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago
More information about visas – Ministry of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago
Other requirements
You must show proof of a return or onward ticket, and that you will have enough funds for your stay.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
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Health
Related Travel Health Notices
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
For destination entry and exit requirements, including for COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please check the Entry/exit requirements section.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
- Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
*It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in the Caribbean, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Caribbean. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in the Caribbean, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Dengue
- In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.
Zika Virus
Zika virus is a risk in this country.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy should visit a health care professional before travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country.
Travel recommendations:
- Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
- If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this country for the duration of your pregnancy.
- Women: Wait 2 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy. If your male partner travelled with you, wait 3 months after travel or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer).
- Men: Wait 3 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy.
For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice: Zika virus: Advice for travellers
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing
Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.
There are five public health facilities that offer free medical services to the public. Private hospital care can be very expensive.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Travel health and safety
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.
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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.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. You should never carry a stranger's baggage.
- Alcohol, drugs and travel
- Cannabis and international travel
Laws
It is illegal for civilians to wear army or camouflage clothing.
You must register firearms with customs at the point of entry.
LGBTQ2 travellers
The laws prohibiting sexual acts between individuals of the same sex were ruled unconstitutional. Charges will no longer be laid under these laws. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Trinidad and Tobago society.
General safety information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad
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 sit in the back seat.
Visitors 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.
More about the International Driving Permit
Drinking and driving
Persons found guilty of drinking and driving face heavy fines. Police use randomly placed roadblocks on major roads to check for drunk drivers and use breathalysers to test drivers on the spot.
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.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
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 Trinidad and Tobago 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 Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
- Travelling with children
- The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Emergency Watch and Response Centre
Money
The currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD).
You can convert Canadian currency at all major banks or currency exchanges (Bureaux de Change) in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Natural disasters and climate
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.
Trinidad and Tobago regularly experience heavy rains during the hurricane season, leading to severe flooding and landslides.
These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.
If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:
- know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
- 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
- Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons
- Large-scale emergencies abroad
- Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States' 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 provides information and advice in the event of an earthquake.
Alerts and more information about seismic activity – Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management
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Need help?
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 999
- emergency health services (provided by National Emergency Ambulance): 811
- Tourism Policing Unit, located at Crown Point Police Station, 1-868-639-0020
- fire and alternate ambulance services: 990
- Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management: 511
- Tobago Emergency Management Agency: 211
Consular assistance
Contact us by email or telephone before visiting our offices.
Port of Spain - High Commission of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Port of Spain and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Disclaimer
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.
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Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/trinidad-and-tobago