Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/trinidad.tvl

Text File | 1995-12-13 | 6KB | 102 lines

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Trinidad & Tobago
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Trinidad & Tobago - Consular Information Sheet
 August 24, 1995

Country Description:  Trinidad and Tobago is a developing nation
comprised of two islands.  Tourist facilities are widely available.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required for travel to Trinidad
and Tobago.  Visas are not required for tourist or business stays of
up to three months.  Work permits are required for certain types of
compensated and non-compensated employment, including missionary
work.  The immigration regulations of Trinidad and Tobago have been
amended to allow persons entering the country to engage in gainful
employment in any trade, profession or occupation without a work
permit for a period not exceeding 30 days.  For further information
concerning entry and customs requirements, travelers may contact the
Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago at 1708 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: [phone] or the Consulate in New
York City.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is limited.  Care at public
health facilities is significantly below U.S standards for serious
injuries and illness.  Care at some private facilities is better
than most public health facilities, but doctors and hospitals often
expect immediate cash payment for health services.  Ambulance
service is extremely limited both in the quality of emergency care
and availability of vehicles in many parts of the country.  U.S.
medical insurance is not always valid outside of the United States.
Supplementary medical insurance with specific coverage for outside
of the United States has proved useful, particularly when medical
evacuation, which is extremely expensive, is necessary.  For
additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at
[phone].

Crime Information:  The government of Trinidad and Tobago has taken
several initiatives to curb the growing crime rate, which is a major
concern among the populace.  The occurrence of violent crime,
including murder, armed robbery and assault, is on the rise.
Foreign visitors have been the victims of these types of crime in
both urban and isolated areas.  Serious crimes have occured on major
public beaches after dark.  While crime is significantly lower on
the island of Tobago, which is the destination of most tourists,
travelers may wish to exercise normal precautions.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported to
the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Birth
certificates and/or driver's licences generally cannot be replaced
outside of the United States.  Useful information on guarding
valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is
provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."
This publication, as well as "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean",
is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling.  Criminal penalties for
possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are severe and
strictly enforced.  Many of the Americans convicted for drug
offenses in Trinidad and Tobago were caught taking suitcases or
packages containing drugs out of the country.  Even if the package
or suitcase is being carried for someone else, the traveler is
liable for its contents.  Convicted offenders can expect lengthy
jail sentences and fines.

Aviation Oversight:  As a result of an assessment conducted by the
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in June 1994, the FAA has found
the government of Trinidad and Tobago's Civil Aviation Authority to
not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards
for oversight of Trinidad and Tobago air carrier operations.  While
consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Trinidad and
Tobago air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to
the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance.  The FAA is not
providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations
other than the U.S.  For further information, travelers may contact
the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

Embassy Location/Registration:  U.S. citizens may register with the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, located at 15 Queen's Park
West in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad; telephone [phone].  U.S.
citizens may obtain from the U.S. Embassy updated information on
travel and security in Trinidad and Tobago.

 No. 95-102

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 13,
1995, to include Aviation Oversight information.


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