Overview

The history of Trinidad & Tobago has been one of invasion and conquest since its discovery by Christopher Columbus, who claimed it for Spain in 1498. In 1888, Tobago was amalgamated with Trinidad and administered as a single colony thereafter. The British sponsored the West Indies Federation as a potential post-colonial model, in the belief that most of the Caribbean islands would be unable to survive politically or economically on their own. The Caribbean peoples thought otherwise and the Federation collapsed in the early-1960s. By this time, Trinidad & Tobago had already been granted internal self-government and achieved full independence in 1962.

The home of carnival, steel bands, calypso and limbo dancing, Trinidad & Tobago's blend of different cultures gives them an air of cosmopolitan excitement. Liming, or talking for talking's sake, is a popular pastime, as is chatting about, watching and playing cricket. Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, thanks to its considerable reserves of oil and gas. Along the north of Trinidad runs the Northern Range of mountains, looming over the country’s capital, Port of Spain. On the north and east coasts lie beautiful beaches.

Port of Spain, surrounded by lush green hills, is the capital and business hub of oil-rich Trinidad. Bazaars throng beneath modern skyscrapers and mosques rub shoulders with cathedrals. San Fernando is the island’s second town and the main commercial centre in the south. Close by is the fascinating natural phenomenon of the Pitch Lake, a 90-acre (36.4 hectares) lake of asphalt which constantly replenishes itself.

Tobago is very different from her sister isle 32km (20 miles) away. The island is so beautiful and fertile that just about every western European colonial power has fought to have it. It is a tranquil island with calm waters and a number of fine beaches, each with their own flavour. They include Pigeon Point on the southwest coast. Buccoo Reef, an extensive coral reef, lies offshore.

The only shadow on the paradisiacal image of the islands is the negative impact of drugs. As with other nations in the region, Trinidad & Tobago - a major transshipment point for cocaine - has become ridden with drugs, gang-related violence and corruption, which is threatening the increasingly important tourism industry.

General Information

Location

Southern Caribbean, off Venezuelan coast.

Time

GMT - 4.

Area

Total: 5128 sq km (1980 sq miles). Trinidad: 4828 sq km (1864 sq miles). Tobago: 300 sq km (116 sq miles).

Population

1.3 million (UN, 2005).

Population Density

253.5 per sq km.

Capital

Port of Spain. Population: 49,031 (2000).

Geography

Trinidad and her tiny sister island of Tobago lie off the Venezuelan coast. Along the north of Trinidad runs the Northern Range of mountains, looming over the country's capital, Port of Spain. South of Port of Spain on the west coast the terrain is low, and the Caroni Swamps contain a magnificent bird sanctuary largely inhabited by the scarlet ibis. On the north and east coasts lie beautiful beaches. Central Trinidad is flat and largely given over to agriculture.

Government

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1962.
Recent history: In the election of December 2000, the Asian United National Congress (UNC) came out on top with a small majority, under the leadership of Basdeo Panday. Panday continued as Prime Minister but his Government was brought down by a serious corruption scandal (the UNC has been persistently dogged by such allegations) after less than a year. At the December 2001 poll, the UNC and Patrick Manning’s People’s National Movement (PNM) were tied on 18 seats each. After 12 months of almost paralysed Government, the country went to the polls once again, in October 2002. This time, the PNM, with Patrick Manning still at the helm, was returned with a small working majority.
The President is the constitutional Head of State. Executive power is vested in a Prime Minister and a Cabinet drawn from the largest parties in the bicameral Parliament. This comprises the Senate, with 31 appointed members, and the House of Representatives, with 36 members elected by universal adult suffrage. Since 1980, Tobago has had its own 15-seat House of Assembly, with 12 members elected and three selected by the ruling party. Tobago was granted full internal self-Government by the national Government in January 1987.

Head of Government

Prime Minister Patrick Manning since 2002.

Head of State

President Maxwell Richards since 2003.

Language

The official language is English. French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese are also spoken.

Religion

30 per cent Roman Catholic, 29 per cent other Christian denominations, 24 per cent Hindu, 11 per cent Anglican, and 6 per cent Muslim.

Electricity

110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. US pattern twin plus earth plugs are standard, though variations may be found.

Social Conventions

Many local attitudes are often reflected in the lyrics of the calypso, the accepted medium for political and social satire since pre-emancipation days. Hospitality is important and entertaining is commonly done at home. Casual wear is usual, with shirt sleeves generally accepted for business and social gatherings, but beachwear is not worn in towns.

Passport/Visa

Passport Note

All nationals of countries referred to in the chart above must be in possession of a valid return ticket to their country of residence or citizenship, and sufficient funds to maintain themselves whilst in Trinidad & Tobago. Visitors must also provide a proper local address in Trinidad & Tobago, and complete an Immigration E/D card (form 1).

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above aged 16 years and over. Passport must be valid for at least six months from date of return.

Visas

Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for the following periods of stay, except nationals of Australia who do require a visa:
(a) 1. nationals of the EU, Canada and the USA for stays of up to three months;
(b) 2. nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia for stays of up to one month.

Note: (a) Citizens who do require visas for Trinidad & Tobago must apply before arrival at the embassy; however, where there is no embassy in the country of residence, they may apply on arrival for a waiver of visa, subject to prior approval by the immigration division. (b) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Note: Special visa arrangements will apply from 15 January to 15 May (during the Cricket World Cup 2007) in order to ease travel between CARICOM countries. These apply to all visitors for any purpose. See www.caricom.org/jsp/cwc_2007/caricom_special_visa.jsp?menu=cwc for more information.

Visa Note

US$8 (single entry). (Please note this price is applicable to embassy in USA).

Validity

90 days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses.

Working Days Required

Tourist visas will normally be issued within five working days (applicable to embassy in USA).

Money

Currency

Trinidad & Tobago Dollar (TTD; symbol TT$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of TT$100, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency can only be exchanged at authorised banks and some hotels.

Credit / Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by most banks, shops and tourist facilities. Many traders charge 5 per cent for the use of credit cards. There are ATMs taking debit and credit cards in both Trinidad and Tobago (Scarborough only).

Travellers Cheque Advice

These are very widely accepted and will often prove the most convenient means of transaction. Banks charge a fee for exchanging traveller's cheques. Check for the best rates. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

The import of local currency is unlimited, provided declared on arrival. The export of local currency is limited to TT$200. There is free import of foreign currency, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of TT$2500 per year.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0800-1400, Fri 0900-1200 and 1500-1700.

Exchange Rate Indicators

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.

2007
1 Jan New Year's Day.
30 Mar Spiritual Baptist Shouters' Liberation Day.
6 Apr Good Friday.
9 Apr Easter Monday.
30 May Indian Arrival Day.
7 Jun Corpus Christi.
19 Jun Labour Day.
1 Aug Emancipation Day.
31 Aug Independence Day.
24 Sep Republic Day.
13 Oct Eid ul Fitr.
9 Nov Divali.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
30 Mar Spiritual Baptist Shouters' Liberation Day.
21 Mar Good Friday.
24 Mar Easter Monday.
22 May Corpus Christi.
30 May Indian Arrival Day.
19 Jun Labour Day.
1 Aug Emancipation Day.
31 Aug Independence Day.
24 Sep Republic Day.
2 Oct Eid ul Fitr.
28 Oct Divali.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

Note

Hindu festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and variations may occur. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. The actual dates are determined one to two weeks beforehand. When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday will be observed on the Monday following immediately. When two public holidays fall on the same date the following date is also given as a public holiday (website: www.gov.tt/events/publicholidays.asp).

Getting There by Air

The national airline is BWIA (BW) (website: www.bwee.com), which flies to other Caribbean islands and to several towns on the North and South American coasts. BWIA operates frequent services from London (Heathrow), Miami and New York to Port of Spain.

Main Airports

Piarco International Airport (POS) is 25km (16 miles) east of Port of Spain. To/from the airport: Buses are available to the city (travel time - 25 minutes). There are taxis to the city for hotels throughout the island with set fares posted in taxis. Fares increase after midnight. Sharing taxis is an accepted practice. Facilities: Duty-free shops, banks, ATMs, car hire, restaurants, light refreshments, shops and tourist information.
Crown Point (TAB) is 13km (8 miles) from Scarborough and very close to most of the main hotels. To/from the airport: Taxis are available (prices for standard journeys are published in the airport arrival lounge). Facilities: Bank, bureau de change, shops, restaurant, duty free shop, snack and car hire.
For more information on airports, contact the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (website: www.tntislands.com).

Departure Tax

TT$100 (payable in local currency only). Transit passengers, passengers over 60 and children under five years of age are exempt.

Flight Times

From Port of Spain to Barbados is 50 minutes; to London is 10 hours (flying BWIA; with a further 30-minute flight to Crown Point, Tobago); to New York is six hours 30 minutes; and to St Lucia is two hours 10 minutes (including stop at Barbados).

Getting There by Water

Main ports: Port of Spain and Scarborough. Cruise lines that stop at Port of Spain include Princess (website: www.princess.com) and Silversea (website: www.silversea.com).

Getting Around by Air

There are flights twice daily run by Caribbean Star (website: www.flycaribbeanstar.com) from Piarco (Port of Spain) to Tobago (Crown Point). During peak seasons (especially Carnival time), these are often heavily booked. Tobago Express also links Tobago and Port of Spain.

Getting Around by Water

There is a daily (except Saturday) car ferry/passenger service from Port of Spain to Tobago (Scarborough) (travel time - approximately six hours). The day journey (from Port of Spain around 1400) gives a good view of the two islands; the night journey (from Scarborough around 2300) can be uncomfortable. Ferry fares are around TT$160 (return). Return by plane to Port of Spain is recommended.

Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the left. The road network in Trinidad between major towns is good, but traffic around Port of Spain can be difficult during rush hour and around Independence Square at any time. Two major highways run north-south and east-west. Roads which run off major routes can be very unpredictable, and are susceptible to poor weather conditions.

Tourists should have no qualms about driving around Tobago at any time of the day or night, although caution should be exercised in more rural areas where chickens and sheep may wander across roads. Hand signals, which may be unfamiliar, are often used.

Bus: Services are operated by the state Public Service Corporation (PTSC). In the absence of a railway, the main towns are served by bus but although these are cheap, they are crowded and unreliable. The use of shared taxis has increased due to the shortcomings of the bus network; these are available both outside and within Port of Spain. In Tobago, there are regular bus services between Scarborough bus station and Crown Point, Buccoo, Plymouth and Roxborough.

Taxi: All official taxis have registration 'H'. Hiring a private taxi is much more expensive but gives the freedom to go where you like. Though there are fixed rates for certain journeys, it is best to establish this before you start your journey. The quickest and most cost-effective way to get around is by Route taxis and Maxi taxis which serve standard routes within Trinidad, particularly around Port of Spain, starting their route from, in or near Independence Square. These have fixed rates. In Tobago, Route taxis (H registered and unregistered) are plentiful along most major routes during the day and can be stopped anywhere along them. Drivers will indicate they have room by sounding their horn.

Car hire: Cars and motorcycles are available in Port of Spain or Scarborough, and can be arranged via hotels and in Tobago at the airport or through the hotels. Trailbikes are becoming more popular in Tobago, but mopeds are more advisable for the inexperienced rider.

Bicycle hire: In Tobago, there are a number of places in the Lowlands (southeast) where you can hire bicycles.

Documentation: Visitors in possession of a valid driving permit issued in any of the countries listed below may drive in Trinidad & Tobago for a period of up to three months. They are, however, entitled to drive only a motor vehicle of the class specified on their permit. Drivers must at all times have in their possession: (a) their International Driving Permit or equivalent; and, (b) any travel document on which is certified their date of arrival in Trinidad & Tobago. Visitors whose stay exceeds the three-month period are requested to apply to the Licensing Department, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, for a local Driving Permit. The above information applies to all signatories to the Convention on International Driver's Permits including The Bahamas, Canada, France, Germany, the UK and the USA. Excluded: China, South Africa and Vietnam, whose nationals require a passport, International Driving Permit and national licence.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Owing to the deterioration of bus services, most public transport journeys in Port of Spain are now made by shared taxis (see above).

Communications

Telephone

IDD is available. Country code: 1 868. There are no area codes. In Tobago, international telephone calls can be made from the TSTT building on Wilson Road in Scarborough. Many public phone booths take phonecards which can be bought from local shops and the TSTT building.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is available in most of Trinidad & Tobago.

Internet

There are numerous Internet cafes on the islands.

Post

The main post office is on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. Airmail to Western Europe takes up to two weeks; incoming mail can take much longer. The main post office in Tobago is in Market Square, Scarborough.

Media

The former public broadcaster NBN, which operated two TV and four radio stations, closed in January 2005 after more than 40 years on the air. A new state-owned company, the Caribbean News Media Network, is expected to launch. Privately-run TV6 dominates the ratings in Trinidad and Tobago.

Press

English-language dailies include Newsday, The Trinidad Guardian and Trinidad & Tobago Express. As well as these dailies and numerous weekly publications such as The Bomb and The Punch, Tobago has its own weekly paper, Tobago News.

Television

TV6 is a private channel owned by Caribbean Communications Network (CCN); Gayelle is a private channel; NCC TV is operated by National Carnival Commission.

Radio

Trinidad Broadcasting Company operates Radio Trinidad, Sangeet 106.1 FM and several other stations; Radio 90.5 broadcasts Indian music; Ebony 104 broadcasts Creole music and culture; Other stations include WEFM and i95.5 FM.

Climate

The tropical climate is tempered by northeast trade winds. The dry season is from November to May, but it is hottest between June and October. The climate in Tobago is pleasant most of the year and although May, June and July can be wet at times, the differentiation between the wet and dry seasons is much less acute.

Required Clothing

Tropical lightweights are required. Rainwear is advisable, especially for the wet season.

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