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Caribbean

Trinidad and TobagoTravel guide

Explore Trinidad and Tobago visa rulesCommon scams in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a Caribbean country made up mainly of two islands near Venezuela. Port of Spain is the capital. Tobago has more tourism, while both islands offer beaches, wildlife and natural beauty.

Why go

  1. Watch birds at Caroni Bird Sanctuary and the Asa Wright Centre.

  2. Explore Tobago's coral reef and the shallow Nylon Pool.

  3. Enjoy Trinidad's scenic north coast and beaches.

  4. Try doubles, roti, callaloo and bake and shark.

  5. Experience local music, food and traditions at cultural festivals.

Getting there

By air

  • Piarco International Airport is on Trinidad, about 25 km southeast of Port of Spain.
  • The source lists direct flights from North America, Europe, South America and other Caribbean islands.
  • Caribbean Airlines serves many destinations in the Americas. Connections with other airlines may require you to arrange your own transfer.

By sea

  • Yachts mostly anchor around Chaguaramas in northwest Trinidad, with some anchoring in Tobago.
  • The Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association provides services for boaters.

Getting around

  • Public buses

    Government buses are run by the Public Transport Service Corporation. Buy a ticket before boarding. Drivers do not accept cash or credit cards. Tickets are available at City Gate in Port of Spain, King's Wharf in San Fernando and other terminals and stops.

  • Rental cars

    Car rental is widely available, including at the airport. Booking ahead is best, and some companies require at least two days. Drive on the left. If you only know right-side driving, strongly consider another way to travel. Renting from private individuals is illegal and may cause insurance problems. Watch for large potholes, unmarked speed bumps and drivers who turn or stop without warning. Left turns at red lights and U-turns are illegal. Wear a seat belt and do not drive after drinking. Keep doors locked while driving. Park legally in a visible, well-lit place and leave no valuables in the car.

  • Taxis and maxi taxis

    Taxis and maxi taxis have been linked to crashes and traffic deaths. Drivers may stop suddenly to collect or drop off passengers and may make risky moves. Airport taxi drivers expect tips. Local taxi drivers do not.

What to see and do

  • Asa Wright Centre

    A birdwatching destination near Port of Spain.

  • Caroni Bird Sanctuary

    Birds nest in this Trinidad swamp, including the scarlet ibis, one of the national birds.

  • Bucco Reef and Nylon Pool

    Tobago's natural coral reef has an area of shallow, clear water called the Nylon Pool.

  • Emperor Valley Zoo

    The country's only zoo is in Port of Spain. It has lions, tigers, monkeys, birds and fish.

  • Fort George, Tobago

    See part of Tobago's colonial history and views of the ocean.

  • La Brea Pitch Lake

    Near Point Fortin, this is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt.

Food and drink

  • Doubles

    Curried chickpeas served between two pieces of fried flatbread with your choice of sauces. This common roadside snack costs about TT$6 and is best eaten hot.

  • Roti

    Indian-style flatbread often served with chickpea curry, meat, vegetables and sauces. Types include sada, dhalpouri and buss up shut.

  • Phoulourie and street snacks

    Phoulourie are fried balls made from ground chickpeas and flour. Other snacks include potato pies, roast corn and spinach fried in batter.

  • Callaloo

    A soup made from green leafy vegetables. It may contain crab or pig's tail, so vegetarians should check.

  • Bake and shark

    Deep-fried shark served in fried bread with sauces. It is especially easy to find near Maracas Bay.

  • Pelau

    A popular food linked with beach gatherings, usually served with coleslaw. Look for it in a Creole restaurant, as it is not generally sold at the beach.

Money

Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD), written TT$

  • US dollars are widely accepted, and local dollars are widely accepted for everyday purchases.
  • Visa and MasterCard cards are accepted in many shops. Other card brands are accepted in fewer places.
  • Cash machines using the Cirrus and Plus networks usually allow withdrawals in local dollars.
  • Most cash machines do not accept personal identification numbers longer than four digits. Republic Bank's blue machines accept six digits.

Tipping: Tipping is becoming more common, but most restaurants do not expect it. Some hotel and tourist restaurants do, and airport taxi drivers expect tips.

Typical costs

  • Doubles: about TT$6.
  • Sada roti with fire-roasted vegetables for breakfast: about TT$12.
  • Air passenger service charge: TT$200, included in the ticket.
  • Ferry departure passenger service charge: TT$75.

Language

  • English is the official language, and nearly everyone understands standard English.
  • English Creole is widely used in informal conversation.
  • Caribbean Hindustani, French Creole, Spanish and Chinese are also heard.
  • German is often spoken among German residents in Tobago.
Fete
A party.
Liming
Hanging out in public with friends.
Cunumunu
A foolish person.

Staying safe

  • The source reports a State of Emergency declared on 3 March 2026 because of high crime. Its safety notice was last updated that day.
  • Avoid East Port of Spain, especially areas east of Charlotte Street, as well as Belmont, Morvant and Laventille.
  • Travel with companions at night and avoid side streets. Ask your hotel for local guidance.
  • Crime happens throughout the year. Tobago is described as relatively safer and more tourist friendly.
1 common scams in Trinidad and Tobago, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Greet people before asking a question.
  • Respect religious and ethnic differences.
  • Bring a small gift to show appreciation when visiting or staying with local people.
  • Ask about the water supply when staying outside a major hotel. Conserve water, especially in the dry season.
  • Cricket and football are common subjects for conversation.

Don't

  • Do not bathe nude or topless.
  • Do not harm leatherback turtles or their eggs. This is illegal.
  • Do not bring alcohol onto The Barbecue Hut's grounds.

Laws to know

  • The source describes unofficial US dollar exchange as illegal.
  • Fine to retrieve a towed vehicle: TT$500.

Staying healthy

  • Mosquitoes are present, and isolated cases of dengue fever have been reported.
  • Tap water is generally safe to drink, though it may taste strongly of chlorine. Use your judgement where homes collect rainwater from roofs.
  • Bring enough prescription medicine for your whole trip. Your usual medicine may be unavailable or sold under another name.
  • Use condoms during sexual activity to help prevent human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are sold in pharmacies.

Where to stay

  • Major hotel brands include Radisson, Marriott, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn and Hilton. Rates vary.
  • Smaller guest houses are available, especially in Tobago.
  • Beach houses are found along the coasts, particularly the east coast.
  • Some Trinidad towns have no official accommodation. Staying with local people may be the only option.

Outdoor adventures in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago has scenic beaches, coral reefs, rainforest and places to watch birds and sea turtles. Trinidad’s north coast is largely unspoilt, while Tobago has many popular beaches. Both islands have a rainy season from June to December.

  • Maracas Beach

    BeacheNorth coast, Trinidad

    Visit Maracas on Trinidad’s north coast.

  • Pigeon Point

    BeacheTobago

    Visit Pigeon Point on Tobago.

  • Bucco Reef

    More to doNorth coast, Tobago

    Visit the natural coral reef off Tobago’s north coast.

  • Nylon Pool

    More to doBucco Reef, Tobago

    Visit the shallow-water area on top of Bucco Reef.

  • Caroni Bird Sanctuary

    WildlifeCaroni Swamp, Trinidad

    Visit the bird sanctuary in Caroni Swamp to watch birds.

    • There are many mosquitoes.
    • Crocodiles live in the islands’ swamps.

  • Asa Wright Centre bird watching

    WildlifeTrinidadnear Port of Spain

    Visit the Asa Wright Centre near Port of Spain for bird watching.

  • Mathura Beach leatherback turtle watching

    WildlifeTrinidad

    Around Easter, when turtles return to lay eggs

    Join a turtle-watching tour offered by a conservation group.

    • It is illegal to kill the turtles or harm their eggs.

  • Store Bay

    BeacheTobago

    Visit Store Bay on Tobago.

  • Englishman’s Bay

    BeacheTobago

    Visit Englishman’s Bay on Tobago.

  • Las Cuevas

    BeacheNorth coast, Trinidad

    Visit Las Cuevas on Trinidad’s north coast.

  • Blanchisseuse Beach

    BeacheTrinidad

    Visit Blanchisseuse Beach on Trinidad.

  • La Brea Pitch Lake bathing

    More to doLa Brea, Trinidadnear Point Fortin

    Visit La Brea Pitch Lake near Point Fortin. Visitors bathe in its sulphur-containing waters.

  • Roxborough tropical rainforest reserve

    More to doNorthern Tobagonear Roxborough

    Visit the tropical rainforest reserve in the Roxborough area of northern Tobago.

  • Down the Islands

    More to doOff Trinidad’s northwest peninsula

    Visit the small islands off Trinidad’s northwest peninsula.

    • If travelling on a private boat, pay close attention to weather conditions.

  • Tyrico

    BeacheTrinidad

    Visit Tyrico, which is near Maracas.

  • Toco

    BeacheNortheast Trinidadnear Toco

    Visit the beach at Toco, a village at Trinidad’s northeast tip.

  • Mayaro

    BeacheTrinidad

    Visit Mayaro on Trinidad.

  • Chagville

    BeacheTrinidad

    Visit Chagville on Trinidad.

  • Mount Irvine

    BeacheTobago

    Visit Mount Irvine on Tobago.

  • Bucco Grange

    BeacheTobago

    Visit Bucco Grange on Tobago.

  • Canoe Bay

    BeacheTobago

    Visit Canoe Bay on Tobago.

  • Los Iros

    BeacheTrinidad

    Visit Los Iros on Trinidad.

  • Quinam

    BeacheTrinidad

    Visit Quinam on Trinidad.

  • Great Race powerboat watching

    More to doChaguaramas to Store Bay, Trinidad and Tobago

    Second or last weekend of August

    Watch from a viewing location such as Maracas Bay. The race starts at Pier 1 in Chaguaramas and finishes at Store Bay on Tobago.

Airports, metros and trains in Trinidad and Tobago

Airports with scheduled flights

  • TABA.N.R. Robinson International AirportScarboroughMain international airport
  • POSPiarco International AirportPort of SpainMain international airport

People and safety in Trinidad and Tobago

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian66%
  • Hindu23%
  • Muslim6%
  • No religion2%
  • Folk religions2%
  • Other1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows imprisonment.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #89 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

42% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 102 of 198 countries can visit Trinidad and Tobago easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required102
  • eVisa50
  • Visa required46

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas31 of 34 countries
  • Europe37 of 46 countries
  • Oceania7 of 14 countries
  • Asia13 of 50 countries
  • Africa14 of 54 countries

Questions

Which airport serves Trinidad?

Piarco International Airport is about 25 km southeast of Port of Spain.

When is the rainy season?

The rainy season runs from June to December on both islands. Showers can be brief and intense.

Can I pay cash when I board a bus?

No. Buy a ticket before boarding because bus drivers do not accept cash or credit cards.

Which side of the road do people drive on?

People drive on the left. Roads can have large potholes, unmarked speed bumps and unpredictable drivers.

What money should I use?

The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar, written TT$. US dollars are also widely accepted.

Will I be able to speak English?

Yes. English is the official language, and nearly everyone understands standard English.

What is an easy local snack to try?

Doubles is a common roadside snack of curried chickpeas between two pieces of fried flatbread. It costs about TT$6.

Can I find somewhere to stay besides a large hotel?

Yes. There are guest houses, especially in Tobago, and beach houses along the coasts.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Tap water is generally safe, though it may have a strong chlorine taste. Use your judgement where water is collected from roofs.

Can I see leatherback turtles?

They return to Trinidad's Mathura beach around Easter to lay eggs. Conservation groups offer tours, and harming turtles or their eggs is illegal.

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