Trinidad and Tobago | North America

Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island archipelagic state located at the southernmost end of the Lesser Antilles, situated 11 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela. The nation's economy is defined by its substantial petroleum and natural gas reserves, making it one of the most industrialized countries in the Caribbean; the capital city is Port of Spain.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders are granted visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Entry requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival, proof of an onward or return ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. Extensions are processed through the Immigration Division's Passport and Immigration Department.

Language & Communication

English is the official language and the primary medium for administration, education, and commerce. English proficiency is high and universal across the population. The dominant local vernaculars are Trinidadian English Creole and Tobagonian English Creole, while Spanish, French, and Hindustani are spoken in specific minority cultural contexts.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD). Credit cards (primarily Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in urban centers, hotels, and established retail outlets. Cash is necessary for smaller transactions, street markets, and transport in rural areas. ATMs are abundant in Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Scarborough but less frequent in remote coastal villages.

National Transport Grid

Inter-island transit is facilitated by high-speed ferries operated by the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-island Transportation Co. and frequent domestic flights via Caribbean Airlines. Intra-island travel relies on a network of public buses (PTSC), "maxi-taxis" (private minibuses with color-coded bands), and shared sedan taxis. There is no passenger rail network in operation as of 2026.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Bmobile (TSTT) and Digicel. 4G/LTE coverage is robust across both islands, with 5G deployment active in the capital and major commercial hubs. As of January 2026, the National Payment and Innovation Company (NPICTT) has fully operationalized a national digital payment platform for public services.

Climate & Seasonality

The islands have a tropical maritime climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (January to May) is characterized by lower humidity and cooler nights. The wet season (June to December) features high humidity and frequent precipitation, often in the form of heavy afternoon showers. Unlike the northern Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is located on the southern periphery of the hurricane belt.

Health & Safety

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic zone and recommended for those visiting Trinidad. Health risks include mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue and Zika. The emergency number for Ambulance is 811, while the Police can be reached at 999 or 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Northwest Trinidad: Hub: Port of Spain.

Tobago Island: Hub: Scarborough.

South Trinidad (Industrial/Commercial): Hub: San Fernando.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 8.00 TTD ($1.18 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 14.00 TTD ($2.05 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 295.00 TTD ($43.50 USD)

Facts & Legends

Trinidad is the birthplace of the steelpan, the only new acoustic instrument developed in the 20th century; it was invented in the 1930s by musicians who repurposed discarded oil drums after colonial authorities banned traditional percussion. The island of Trinidad also contains the Pitch Lake in La Brea, which is the world's largest natural deposit of asphalt, covering approximately 40 hectares and reaching depths of 75 meters.