Trinidad & Tobago

In December 2019, legislation decriminalized the possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana. You are not allowed to smoke in public spaces or while operating a vehicle. Possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis (or more than five grams of cannabis resin) is an offense that could bring a fine of TT$50,000. There are severe penalties for other drug-related crimes, including exporting narcotics.

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. It is also illegal for LGBT individuals to enter the country. However, these laws are rarely enforced. In Trinidad and Tobago, support for LGBT rights is growing, nevertheless, public displays of affection between same-sex couples could attract negative attention and should be avoided.

Exercise caution during festivals and carnival season.

It is illegal for civilians to wear or carry army-style or camouflage clothing in Trinidad and Tobago.

For Tobago:

There are high levels of crime in Tobago, including kidnapping. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid showing signs of wealth and keep valuables out of sight to avoid being targeted. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Keep your belongings in sight at all times.

Ensure that your accommodations have adequate security, particularly accommodations in isolated areas.

Criminals have targeted beaches, both popular and isolated. Never walk alone in deserted areas day or night, including the beaches at Englishman’s Bay, King Peter’s Bay, and Bacolet Beach unless with an organized group.

For Trinidad:

There is a high level of serious crime in Trinidad, including against tourists and expatriates. 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. Never walk in isolated or deserted areas.

There have been reports of robberies at tourist sites (day or night), including at Las Cuevas Beach, Maracas Beach, Fort George, the Pitch Lake, nightclubs, restaurants, and other businesses, and in the parking areas of malls and supermarkets. Avoid Port of Spain at night. Tourists have been robbed at gunpoint.

Gang-related violent crime occurs in Trinidad, particularly in the neighbourhoods east of the centre of Port of Spain, Laventille, Morvant, and Barataria. Other areas to avoid are Sea Lots, Belmont, inside the Queen’s Park Savannah, and Lady Young Road.

When driving at night, avoid any rest stops or scenic stops after dark.

Avoid travel outside of populated areas at night. On the road to and from Piarco International Airport, particularly on the Beetham/Churchill Roosevelt Highway and the Lady Young Road, there have been fatal auto accidents due to bad driving. There have been reports of gangs following cars from the airport and attacking people when they reach their destination. Criminals sometimes place debris on the highway, including cars, to force drivers to stop. Travel with windows closed and doors locked.

Book your taxis through a hotel or with reputable private taxis whose registration plates begin with “H.” Avoid using route taxis, maxi taxis, or shared taxis. Violent crime has occurred when these shared taxis stop to pick up additional passengers.

Avoid any demonstration or large public gathering since the situation can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.