Latest News: Jamaica authorities will place restrictions on travel from Trinidad and Tobago (LoopNews, 04.05.2021).

International Restrictions:

*Entry to Trinidad and Tobago: The Trinidad and Tobago government has closed its borders to all international flights indefinitely. Sea borders are also closed indefinitely to all vessels including yachts. Foreign nationals wishing to enter or depart from Trinidad and Tobago via other available options must first obtain an exemption to do so from Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of National Security via an online application. You must also provide a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which was taken within 72 hours of arrival into the country and follow local advice.

*Quarantine requirements: The government’s rules on exemption policies and quarantine procedures for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago were updated on 7 November. Non-nationals are still not permitted to enter Trinidad and Tobago, except in certain exceptional circumstances. From November 15, nationals entering Trinidad and Tobago will be required to provide a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which was taken within 72 hours of arrival into the country. In response to reports of a new strain of COVID-19, on 22 December the government of Trinidad and Tobago introduced stricter measures for travellers entering Trinidad and Tobago who have been in the UK in the 14 days prior to arrival. Travellers in this category will need a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel and on arrival will be required to be placed in state quarantine or state supervised quarantine for a 14-day period. Nationals arriving into Trinidad and Tobago from other countries than the UK will be required to be placed in state quarantine, or state supervised quarantine for a 7 day period followed by seven day period of home isolation. You will be tested on the sixth day of your quarantine and released to home isolation once you test negative. The Trinidad and Tobago authorities will seek to prosecute people who breach COVID-19 protocols, including those who break quarantine protocols, which may result in a fine and/or a prison sentence

*Sailing travel restrictions: You can sail and transit out of the marinas or Chaguaramas Bay, however it is prohibited to stop at beaches because they are currently closed to the public. You are required to wear a mask and groups exceeding five people are not permitted. Failure to follow government regulations could result in being intercepted by the Coast Guard and being handed over to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

Internal Restrictions:

*Travel in Trinidad and Tobago: The government of Trinidad and Tobago keeps restrictions in response to COVID-19 under review. On 16 May 2021, Trinidad and Tobago introduced a State of Emergency with a curfew in place from 9pm until 5am and all non-essential movement prohibited. This is in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Trinidad and Tobago.

*Accommodation: Many hotels remain open for business. You should contact your hotel directly to understand any restrictions in place.

*Public places and services: Schools and universities remain closed for most year groups. On 8 February, secondary schools reopened for students in forms four to six, using a hybrid system of online classes with physical classes where necessary. Primary schools remain closed.

The government has introduced a range of restrictions to curtail the increase in COVID-19 cases. Effective 16 May 2021 a State of Emergency came into effect with a curfew in place from 9pm to 5am. Outside of these hours all non-essential movement is also prohibited. Public gatherings are limited to groups of 5 people (10 for weddings and funerals). Restaurants, bars, cinemas, casinos and all non-essential retail are closed. All places of worships, gyms, spas, hairdressers and clubs or theatres are closed. Beaches, rivers and public pools are also off-limits for members of the public. Outdoor sports or exercise in public places is also prohibited. The public service is operating on an essential service basis only.

Supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential retail remain open under restricted operating hours.

The inter-island ferry service operating between Trinidad and Tobago has a reduced frequency of 25% and flights have been reduced to three per day for essential travel only (social distancing protocols in place). Public transport is also operating at 50% capacity.

These public health restrictions will be reviewed again on 4 July 2021. Under the public health regulations of 31 August 2020, it is a legal requirement for all individuals aged 8 years and over to wear a mask in public spaces, including when travelling in private vehicles. Failure to do so attracts a fine. You should adhere to all precautionary measures put in place by the local authorities.