Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While traveling in Trinidad and Tobago, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some countries you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you. It also may be illegal to take pictures of government and military facilities. In these instances, it is advisable to obtain permission before taking pictures. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also activities that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, for example you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Trinidad and Tobago, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It is very important to know what is legal and what is not where you are going. 

Persons violating Trinidad and Tobago laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Trinidad and Tobago are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. There has been a recent increase in cases whereby U.S. citizens have been recruited by individuals or fraudulent companies to travel to Trinidad and Tobago in order to hand-carry packages allegedly containing legal documents, medical supplies, or other items to the United States, Canada, or Europe. In all cases, the packages also contained illegal drugs, and some unwitting victims have been apprehended at Piarco Airport, convicted of felony drug trafficking, fined, and imprisoned. It is also illegal to carry ammunition when arriving, departing, or transiting through Trinidad and Tobago. In some cases, individuals found with as little as one bullet or even previously discharged bullet casings in their luggage have been detained at Piarco Airport, charged, and fined.

If you are arrested in Trinidad and Tobago, authorities of Trinidad and Tobago are required to notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

The importation of any camouflage-pattern material without specific approval from the Ministry of National Security is strictly prohibited. It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing in public. However, camouflage uniforms may be worn if you are in Trinidad and Tobago on official military business.

If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: Although Trinidad and Tobago law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activity, with penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment, the government generally has not enforced such legislation, except in conjunction with more serious offenses such as rape. Immigration law also bars the entry of homosexual persons into the country, but this legislation has not been enforced. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Trinidad and Tobago, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013.  For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Trinidad and Tobago, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Trinidad and Tobago has no statutes mandating equal access for persons with disabilities to the political process, employment, education, transportation, housing, health care, or other citizen services.

In Port of Spain, few sidewalks have wheelchair ramps. In fact, most sidewalks are impassible for wheelchairs, due to the deep gullies that run alongside most roads. Additionally, cars parked on sidewalks, uncovered manholes, and other obstacles force persons in wheelchairs onto the main roadways in what can be very dangerous traffic conditions. Since only a small portion of public transit conveyances are equipped for persons with disabilities, most wheelchair-bound persons are homebound.