Trinidad and Tobago Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
As of early 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to Exercise Increased Caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, including violent crime such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Certain areas, particularly parts of Port of Spain (Laventille, Sea Lots, Beetham, Cocorite) and east-west corridor towns, experience higher rates of violent crime including gang activity. Always check the latest advisory at travel.state.gov before departing.
Before You Travel to Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a vibrant twin-island Caribbean nation known for its Carnival, calypso music, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty — from the Caroni Bird Sanctuary to the Nylon Pool in Tobago. While generally safe for tourists in resort and popular areas, US travelers should plan ahead for both health and safety. Visit a travel medicine physician at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for vaccinations and to obtain any necessary prescriptions.
Visit a Travel Clinic
See a board-certified travel medicine physician at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Bring your immunization records. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Get Travel Insurance
Standard US health insurance typically does not cover care abroad. Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. While healthcare in Trinidad is reasonable in urban areas, complex cases may require evacuation to the US or a regional medical hub.
Documents & Registration
Enroll in the State Department's STEP program at step.state.gov to receive emergency alerts. US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days but must have a valid passport. Carry physical and digital copies of all travel documents.
Pack a Medical Kit
Bring an adequate supply of all prescription medications in their original labeled containers. Include insect repellent (DEET ≥30%), oral rehydration salts, antidiarrheal medication, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and a basic first aid kit.
Water & Food Safety
Tap water is generally considered safe to drink in most urban areas of Trinidad and Tobago. However, during heavy rains or in rural areas, bottled water is recommended. Use common food safety practices — eat at reputable establishments and ensure food is served hot and thoroughly cooked.
Cash & Payments
The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses. ATMs are widely available. Public hospitals may accept local insurance or require payment; private hospitals and clinics typically require upfront payment or proof of insurance.
Yellow Fever in Trinidad and Tobago
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a potentially fatal viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. The disease is called "yellow fever" because of the jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes — that occurs in severe cases. Symptoms begin 3–6 days after infection and include sudden fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Approximately 15% of those infected develop severe disease, which can progress to bleeding, shock, organ failure, and death.
Trinidad is classified by the WHO as having low potential for yellow fever virus exposure, and the CDC recommends vaccination for travelers going to certain areas of Trinidad (but generally not for Tobago). However, the country requires proof of vaccination if arriving from an endemic area. The vaccine is a live-attenuated single-dose vaccine that provides lifelong immunity. It must be administered at an authorized Yellow Fever Vaccination Center and recorded on an official International Certificate of Vaccination (the "Yellow Card"). Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel if required.
Malaria in Trinidad and Tobago
Although malaria is not a concern, Trinidad and Tobago has significant transmission of dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya — all spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that bite primarily during the daytime. Mosquito bite prevention is the single most important protective measure for travelers.
Protective Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants during peak mosquito hours (early morning and late afternoon). Light-colored clothing is preferred as it is less attractive to mosquitoes and makes them easier to spot.
Insect Repellent
Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET (≥30%), picaridin (20%), IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to all exposed skin. Reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating.
Accommodation Measures
Stay in accommodations with air conditioning or window and door screens. Use permethrin-treated bed nets if sleeping in unscreened rooms. Eliminate standing water around your accommodation to reduce breeding sites.
Dengue-transmitting Aedes mosquitoes are daytime biters — most active during early morning and late afternoon. Unlike malaria mosquitoes, they bite during the day, so repellent should be applied throughout daytime outdoor activities, not just at dusk.
Recommended Vaccines for Trinidad and Tobago
The following vaccines are recommended or required by the CDC and WHO for US travelers to Trinidad and Tobago. Discuss your full list with your travel medicine physician, as recommendations may vary based on your itinerary, activities, and health history.
Required if arriving from endemic areas. CDC also recommends for travelers to Trinidad (not Tobago). Live vaccine — single dose, lifelong protection. Must be given at an authorized center at least 10 days before travel.
Transmitted through contaminated food and water. Two-dose vaccine series provides long-term protection. Recommended for all travelers to Trinidad and Tobago regardless of where they are eating or staying.
Spread through blood and body fluids. Three-dose series. Recommended especially for those who may receive medical care, get tattoos or piercings, or have sexual contact with a new partner during travel.
Spread through contaminated food and water. Injectable vaccine lasts 2 years; oral vaccine lasts 5 years. Recommended for travelers who may eat outside of major restaurants and hotels or who are adventurous eaters.
Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you plan outdoor activities, will be around animals, or are visiting areas far from reliable medical care. Bats, stray dogs, and mongooses may carry rabies in Trinidad and Tobago.
MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Ensure you have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine. Measles cases have been reported in the Caribbean region. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
Ensure your Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) booster is up to date — within the last 10 years — before travel to any international destination.
Influenza Vaccine & COVID-19
Annual flu shot recommended before all international travel. Ensure COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are current per current CDC recommendations.
Healthcare System in Trinidad and Tobago
In Port of Spain & Environs
Port of Spain General Hospital is the main public facility. Private hospitals like St. Clair Medical Centre, Medical Associates Hospital, and Westshore Medical offer a higher standard of care with English-speaking staff. Most specialist services are available in the capital area.
In Tobago
The Scarborough General Hospital is the main facility in Tobago. It provides emergency and general care but has limited specialist services and diagnostic capabilities. Serious cases may require transfer to Trinidad or medical evacuation. Carry travel insurance with air ambulance coverage.
Payment Policy
Public hospitals provide free or low-cost care but with long waits. Private hospitals and clinics typically require upfront payment or proof of insurance. Credit cards are generally accepted at private facilities. Most US health insurance plans do not cover care abroad — travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
Pharmacies are widely available in urban areas of Trinidad and in Scarborough, Tobago. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications are available, though some specific brands or specialty medications may not be stocked. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription medications in original labeled containers with a copy of your prescription.
Emergency Numbers in Trinidad and Tobago
Emergency services in Trinidad and Tobago are functional but response times can be slow, particularly outside of urban areas and in Tobago. Ambulance services may be delayed, and some areas have limited access. In a serious emergency, consider using private transport to the nearest hospital if safe to do so. Dial 999 for police and 990 for fire/ambulance.
US Embassy — Port of Spain
15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Phone: +1-868-622-6371
Emergency (after hours): +1-868-622-6371 (follow prompts)
tt.usembassy.gov
US State Dept 24/7 Hotline
For US citizens in distress abroad:
From US/Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
STEP Enrollment
Register your trip at step.state.gov before departure. STEP allows the US Embassy to contact you during emergencies, natural disasters, or security incidents and helps locate you if something goes wrong.
Nature & Weather Risks
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. While Trinidad and Tobago sits south of the main hurricane belt and is less frequently hit, tropical storms and heavy rainfall are common. Flash flooding and landslides can occur during the wet season (June–December). Monitor local weather advisories.
Flooding & Landslides
Heavy rainfall frequently causes flash flooding and landslides, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas. Avoid driving through flooded roads. During heavy rains, waterborne disease risk including leptospirosis increases. Avoid wading through floodwater.
Ocean & Beach Safety
Strong currents and riptides are present on some beaches, particularly on the north coast of Trinidad and parts of Tobago. Swim at beaches with lifeguards. Beware of sea urchins and jellyfish. Do not swim after heavy rains when water quality deteriorates.
Animal & Wildlife Risks
Do not touch or feed stray dogs, monkeys, or bats — rabies is present in bats and occasionally in other animals. Venomous snakes (including the fer-de-lance/mapepire balsain) are found in forested areas. Wear boots and stay on trails when hiking. Scorpions and centipedes are present but rarely dangerous.
Sun & UV Exposure
Trinidad and Tobago is located near the equator and UV radiation is intense year-round. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear a hat and protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours (10am–4pm). Sunburn and heat exhaustion are common among visitors.
Heat & Humidity
The tropical climate means high temperatures (28–34°C / 82–93°F) and high humidity year-round. Stay well hydrated, take breaks in shade or air conditioning, and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Heat-related illness is a genuine risk for unacclimatized travelers.
Crime & Safety Risks
Armed Robbery & Assault
Armed robberies occur throughout Trinidad, including in tourist areas. Do not display expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics. Use hotel safes for valuables. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas. If confronted, do not resist — comply and hand over valuables.
Kidnapping & Express Kidnapping
Express kidnappings — where victims are abducted and forced to withdraw cash from ATMs — have been reported. Use ATMs inside banks during business hours. Avoid hailing taxis on the street; use pre-arranged or app-based transport.
Road Safety
Driving can be hazardous due to aggressive driving, narrow winding roads, poor signage, and inconsistent road conditions. Drive on the left side of the road. Avoid driving after dark outside of urban areas. Use seatbelts at all times. Road fatalities are significantly higher per capita than in the US.
Carnival Safety
Trinidad Carnival is a world-renowned celebration but attracts large crowds that can be targets for pickpocketing and assault. Stay in groups, secure your belongings, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and pre-arrange safe transportation to and from events.
High-Risk Areas to Avoid
Laventille, Sea Lots, Beetham, Morvant (Port of Spain area): High gang activity and violent crime. East-West Corridor towns after dark. Isolated beaches and rural areas without other people present. Always ask local hotel staff about current safety conditions in specific neighborhoods.
Safety for Women Travelers
Sexual assault has been reported against foreign nationals. Women should avoid walking alone, especially at night. Use pre-arranged transportation, stay in well-lit populated areas, and exercise extra caution during Carnival. Report any incident to police (999) and the US Embassy immediately.
Report all crimes to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service by dialing 999. Request a police report for insurance claims. Contact the US Embassy at +1-868-622-6371 for consular assistance. The embassy can help with replacement passports, lists of local attorneys, and communication with family.
Other Health Risks in Trinidad and Tobago
Dengue is the primary mosquito-borne disease risk in Trinidad and Tobago, with significant outbreaks occurring regularly, especially during the rainy season (June–December). Transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and rash. No specific treatment — seek medical care promptly. Prevention: insect bite precautions.
Zika virus is transmitted by the same Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue. Most infections are mild, but Zika poses serious risks during pregnancy — it can cause birth defects including microcephaly. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should consult their doctor before travel. Use rigorous mosquito bite prevention.
Chikungunya is transmitted by daytime Aedes mosquitoes. Causes fever, rash, and severe joint pain that can persist for weeks to months after the acute illness resolves. Trinidad experienced a major outbreak in 2014–2015. A vaccine is available in some countries but not widely recommended. Prevention: insect bite precautions.
A bacterial disease spread through contact with water or soil contaminated by animal urine. Risk increases significantly during and after heavy rains and flooding. Avoid wading through floodwater, puddles, or freshwater streams after rains. Wear protective footwear. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and jaundice.
While tap water is generally safe in urban areas, traveler's diarrhea can still occur from food handling or dining at less hygienic establishments. Wash hands frequently, eat at reputable restaurants, ensure food is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Ask your doctor about carrying a standby antibiotic for treatment.
HIV/AIDS
Trinidad and Tobago has one of the higher HIV prevalence rates in the Caribbean. Practice safe sex, avoid sharing needles, and ensure any medical procedures use sterile equipment. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be available at major hospitals in an emergency.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Trinidad and Tobago
- See a travel medicine physician — bring your immunization records
- Get Yellow Fever vaccine if arriving from endemic areas or traveling to Trinidad — carry your official Yellow Card
- Get Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines
- Discuss Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines with your doctor
- Update all routine vaccines: MMR, Tdap, flu, COVID-19
- No antimalarial medication needed — but pack DEET insect repellent (≥30%) for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya prevention
- If pregnant or planning pregnancy, consult your doctor about Zika virus risk
- Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage
- Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov
- Save emergency numbers: Police 999 | Ambulance/Fire 990 | US Embassy +1-868-622-6371 | State Dept +1-888-407-4747
- Bring adequate supply of all prescription medications in original labeled containers
- Pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), protective clothing, and insect repellent
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash
- Pre-arrange airport transfers and use reputable transport — avoid hailing taxis on the street
- Do not walk alone at night — stay in well-lit, populated areas
- If visiting during Carnival: stay in groups, secure belongings, pre-arrange safe transport
- Avoid wading through floodwater — leptospirosis risk increases after heavy rains
- Drive on the left — exercise extreme caution on roads, especially at night
