Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states do not require visas for stays up to 90 days. Commonwealth citizens from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states can enter visa-free for up to six months. Travelers from India, China, Nigeria, and most African and Asian countries must obtain visas before arrival through Trinidad and Tobago diplomatic missions. All visitors must hold passports valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date. Immigration officers may request proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, though this is enforced inconsistently. The official government portal for visa requirements is www.ttconnect.gov.tt/gortt/portal/ttconnect/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOKNgo1MLJwMjDwNjTxdDTz9QgKNXI0tDIwtTPQLsh0VAXrvvIU!/.
Entry is typically granted as a stamp in the passport with handwritten dates. Overstaying results in fines calculated per day and potential detention. Extensions beyond 90 days require application to the Immigration Division in Port of Spain on Richmond Street, which processes requests inconsistently. Trinidad and Tobago does not participate in visa waiver programs beyond Commonwealth and CARICOM arrangements. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are mandatory for travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and most of sub-Saharan Africa. The certificate must show vaccination at least ten days before arrival.
The Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD) is the only legal tender. The exchange rate has remained between 6.7 and 6.8 TTD to 1 USD since 2016, maintained through Central Bank intervention. The currency is not freely convertible outside the country. ATMs dispense local currency and accept international Visa and Mastercard networks. Republic Bank, First Citizens Bank, and Scotiabank operate the most widespread ATM networks. Daily withdrawal limits range from 2,000 to 5,000 TTD depending on the bank and card type.
Credit cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and large retailers in Port of Spain, Chaguanas, and San Fernando. Smaller establishments, street vendors, and most maxi-taxi operators accept cash only. Currency exchange is available at Piarco International Airport at rates approximately three percent below market, at commercial banks during weekday business hours, and at authorized cambios which offer marginally better rates than airport kiosks. Banks require identification for currency exchange and may limit amounts for non-account holders. Some merchants quote prices in US dollars but process transactions in TTD at their own exchange rate, which is usually unfavorable. The largest bills in circulation are 100 TTD notes. Coins include 1, 5, 10, and 25 cent pieces, though items are typically priced to avoid small change.
The air route between Trinidad and Tobago operates multiple times daily. Caribbean Airlines flies the 20-minute route from Piarco International Airport (POS) near Port of Spain to ANR Robinson International Airport (TAB) near Crown Point, Tobago. The airline schedules 8 to 12 flights daily depending on season, with one-way fares ranging from 300 to 800 TTD when booked in advance. Same-day tickets often exceed 1,000 TTD. The domestic terminal at Piarco is separate from the international terminal and requires a shuttle bus connection.
The sea route operates via fast ferry between Port of Spain and Scarborough. The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago operates two vessels, the T&T Express and the T&T Spirit, which make the crossing in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The schedule runs twice daily in each direction Monday through Friday, once daily on weekends, with frequent cancellations due to mechanical issues or rough seas. One-way economy fares are 50 TTD, while business class costs 100 TTD. The Port of Spain ferry terminal is on Wrightson Road near Independence Square. The Scarborough terminal is at the main port adjacent to the town center. Vehicles can be transported on the ferry for 400 to 800 TTD depending on size, but this service is suspended during high-demand periods when passenger capacity takes priority. Advance booking is required through the PTSC website or at terminals, as walk-up availability is limited.
Route taxis operate on fixed routes throughout Trinidad, identified by colored stripes painted on white vehicles. Red band taxis run east-west routes from Port of Spain. Yellow band taxis run south from Port of Spain along the main highways. Green band taxis run to and from Diego Martin and northwest areas. Each taxi holds five passengers and departs when full. Fares range from 4 to 25 TTD depending on distance, paid in cash to the driver. Route taxis do not operate on schedules but run continuously during daylight hours on weekdays, with reduced frequency evenings and weekends.