Trinidad And Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island republic located at the southern end of the Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. The country consists of two main islands: Trinidad, the larger and more industrialized island, and Tobago, a smaller, tourism-focused island known for its beaches and coral reefs.

The country is an important aviation hub for the southern Caribbean, serving as the home base for Caribbean Airlines, the region's largest carrier. Piarco International Airport (POS) on Trinidad handles most international traffic, while A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) on Tobago connects to regional destinations.

Trinidad and Tobago attracts visitors for its world-famous Carnival (February-March), diverse culture blending African, Indian, European, and Chinese influences, and as a gateway to South America. The country is also a major energy producer with significant oil and natural gas industries, making Port of Spain an important business destination.

International Gateways

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
POS	Port of Spain	Main international hub	Caribbean Airlines, American, JetBlue, Copa
TAB	Scarborough, Tobago	Regional/tourism	Caribbean Airlines, JetBlue

Piarco International Airport (POS)

Trinidad's Piarco International Airport is located 25 km east of Port of Spain. It serves as the headquarters and main hub for Caribbean Airlines and handles over 2 million passengers annually.

Connections:

• North America: New York (JFK), Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto
• Caribbean: Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Guyana, Suriname
• South America: Caracas, Georgetown, Paramaribo
• Europe: London (seasonal via Caribbean Airlines)

Facilities: Modern terminal with duty-free shopping, lounges, and car rental agencies. Currency exchange available.

A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB)

Tobago's airport, named after former President A.N.R. Robinson, is located near Scarborough. It primarily handles domestic flights from Trinidad (30-minute flight) and some international services.

Getting to Tobago: Caribbean Airlines operates frequent air bridge service between POS and TAB throughout the day. Alternatively, ferries operate between Port of Spain and Scarborough (2.5-hour crossing).

Caribbean Airlines (BW)

Caribbean Airlines is the national carrier and the largest airline in the Caribbean region. Based at Piarco International Airport (POS), it operates an extensive network connecting the Caribbean, North America, and South America.

• Alliance: None (independent carrier)
• Fleet: Boeing 737, ATR 72 for regional routes
• Frequent flyer: Caribbean Miles
• Hub: POS
• Destinations: 20+ destinations across the Americas and Caribbean

The airline was formed in 2006 and acquired Air Jamaica's operations in 2010, significantly expanding its network.

Other Airlines Serving Trinidad and Tobago

International carriers:

• American Airlines — Miami hub connections
• JetBlue — New York (JFK), Fort Lauderdale
• Copa Airlines — Panama City hub connections to Latin America
• United Airlines — Houston (seasonal)
• Surinam Airways — Paramaribo
• LIAT — Regional Caribbean routes

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of many countries can visit Trinidad and Tobago visa-free for tourism and business purposes:

• 90 days: US, Canada, UK, EU/Schengen states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan
• 30 days: Many Caribbean (CARICOM) nations

Visa Required

Citizens of some countries require a visa in advance. Apply at the nearest Trinidad and Tobago embassy or high commission.

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
• Return or onward ticket required
• Proof of accommodation may be requested

Customs Declarations

All visitors must complete an immigration/customs form on arrival. Duty-free allowances apply to alcohol and tobacco.

Official information: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Inter-Island Travel

By Air: Caribbean Airlines operates the air bridge between POS and TAB with multiple daily flights. Flight time is approximately 25-30 minutes. Book in advance during peak periods (Carnival, holidays).

By Ferry: The T&T Spirit and other vessels operate between Port of Spain and Scarborough. Journey time is 2.5 hours. Ferries are cheaper than flights but less frequent. Book at ttitferry.com.

Within Trinidad

Maxi Taxis: Color-coded shared minibuses are the primary public transport. Routes identified by band color:

• Red band: Port of Spain and environs
• Green band: South Trinidad
• Black band: Princes Town area
• Yellow band: North and northwest
• Brown band: Eastern Trinidad

Private Taxis: Widely available but negotiate fare before departure or use ride-hailing apps.

Car Rental: Available at POS airport and in major towns. Drive on the left (British-style). An international driving permit is recommended. Roads are generally good but can be congested near Port of Spain.

Within Tobago

Car rental is the best option for exploring Tobago's beaches and attractions. Taxis are available at TAB airport. The island is small enough to drive across in about an hour.

Peak Season (December-April)

Dry season with pleasant weather. Carnival (February-March) is the biggest event, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. Book flights and accommodation months in advance for Carnival. Expect premium prices.

Shoulder Season (May, November)

Early and late rainy season. Fewer crowds, lower prices. Weather is still warm with occasional showers.

Off-Season (June-October)

Rainy season with higher humidity and occasional heavy showers. Lowest prices and good availability. Hurricane season runs June-November, though Trinidad and Tobago sits south of the main hurricane belt and is rarely directly affected.

Climate

Factor	Details
Temperature	26-34°C (79-93°F) year-round
Dry season	January-May
Rainy season	June-December
Hurricane risk	Low (south of hurricane belt)

Trinidad

Place	Description	Getting There
Port of Spain	Capital city, Carnival HQ, Queen's Park Savannah	POS airport, 25 km
Maracas Bay	Famous beach on north coast, shark and bake	45 min drive from Port of Spain
Caroni Bird Sanctuary	Scarlet ibis viewing at sunset	Boat tours from Caroni
Asa Wright Nature Centre	Rainforest lodge, birdwatching	Northern Range, 90 min from POS
Pitch Lake	Natural asphalt lake, geological wonder	La Brea, south Trinidad

Tobago

Place	Description	Getting There
Pigeon Point	Iconic beach with thatched jetty	15 min from TAB airport
Buccoo Reef	Glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling	Boat trips from Buccoo
Speyside	Diving, manta rays, Brain Coral	Northeast Tobago, 1 hr from TAB
Charlotteville	Quiet fishing village, beaches	Northeast tip, 1.5 hr from TAB
Main Ridge Forest Reserve	Oldest protected rainforest in Western Hemisphere	Central Tobago

Money

• Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD, TT$)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 6.7 TTD = 1 USD (check current rates)
• Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, larger shops
• Cash: Needed for maxi taxis, small vendors, markets
• ATMs: Available at airports and throughout towns
• Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants if service charge not included

Electrical

• Voltage: 115V, 60Hz (same as US/Canada)
• Plug type: Type A and B (two/three flat pins)
• Adapters: Travelers from UK, Europe, Australia need adapters

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: bmobile, Digicel
• SIM cards: Available at airports and phone shops (bring passport for registration)
• eSIM: Limited availability, check with international providers
• WiFi: Available at hotels, restaurants, cafes

Safety

Generally safe for tourists with standard precautions:

• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
• Use registered taxis or hotel transport at night
• Be cautious in isolated areas after dark
• Petty crime exists in urban areas—secure valuables

Local Customs

• Carnival: If visiting during Carnival, book early and expect crowds and festivities
• Doubles: Famous local street food (curried chickpeas in flatbread)—must try
• Steelpan: Trinidad invented the steel drum—catch live performances
• Greeting: People are friendly; a polite "good morning/afternoon" is expected

Health

• No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers
• Mosquito repellent recommended (dengue fever present)
• Tap water is generally safe in urban areas
• Good medical facilities available in Port of Spain

• Tourism: Visit Trinidad and Tobago
• Immigration: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Caribbean Airlines: caribbean-airlines.com
• Ferry Service: T&T Inter-Island Ferry
• Airports Authority: tntairports.com
• Carnival Information: Trinidad Carnival