Trinidad and Tobago Travel Guide

Is Trinidad and Tobago safe for LGBTQI+ travellers?

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both men and women in Trinidad and Tobago. While the High Court ruled in 2018 that the country's laws regarding same-sex relations were unconstitutional, the government appealed the ruling and a final decision has yet to be made.

There are other laws negatively impacting the LGBTQI+ community, including a travel ban preventing LGBTQI+ people from entering the country. While these laws are rarely enforced, they contribute to the feeling that LGBTQI+ individuals are not welcome in the country. Attitudes towards the community are improving, but the majority of people in Trinidad and Tobago are still opposed to gay rights.

If you would prefer to visit a country that's more welcoming, take a look at some of our favourite destinations for LGBTQI+ travellers and top places for an exotic but ethical trip.

Practical Info

Culture and etiquette

Religion

Lots of religions are practiced in Trinidad and Tobago. The largest is Christianity, followed by Hinduism then Islam.

Tipping

A service charge is sometimes added to the bill at hotels and restaurants. If not, a tip of around 10% to 15% is appreciated for good service.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, including bars, restaurants and public transport.

Jabs, visas and other advice

For up-to-date advice on jabs, visas and other foreign advice, we recommend following the government's website.

Emergency numbers

For an ambulance call 811, for fire call 990, and for police call 999.

Some facts about Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most biodiverse nations in the Caribbean, home to over 400 species of birds and lots of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. It's often called the 'Land of the Hummingbird' because of the many species of hummingbirds on the islands, which are an important symbol for the native Amerindian people and featured on the country's coat of arms.

Music is never too far away, and if it's not the humming of native birds you can hear it'll likely be the steelpan drums of calypso and soca bands. Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of the steelpan, created from oil barrels and developed during World War II. They're now a symbol of Trinidadian culture, playing a central role in the famous annual Carnival.

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Getting to Trinidad and Tobago

Piarco International Airport on the island of Trinidad is the country's main airport, while A. N. R. Robinson International Airport also serves Tobago. Nonstop flights from London to Trinidad take around 9 hours.

To get to Tobago, you have a few options. You can book flights from the UK straight to Tobago, which takes around 11 hours and involves stopping off somewhere along the way. Or you can fly directly to Trinidad, then book either a 25-minute flight or a cruise taking 3 and a half hours from there to Tobago.

There's also a cruise terminal in Port of Spain if you wanted to visit the country as part of a cruise.

Getting around Trindad and Tobago

Hiring a car is a good option for getting around Trinidad and Tobago, as it will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The roads on both islands are mostly of good quality, although some can be narrow and winding so try to stick to major routes. Driving standards can be mixed, and vehicles are often the targets of violent crimes, so be careful when driving at night and ask locals for advice on areas to avoid.

If you don't fancy driving, taxis are widely available. You can choose between private taxis, which are more expensive but usually the quickest way to get around, or shared maxi taxis that serve popular routes. It's best to use well-established taxi companies recommended by your hotel or locals.

Cycling is as popular as ever, particularly in Tobago. Hiring a bike is a great option for seeing more of the country's beautiful natural landscapes and is more sustainable than driving.

As mentioned above, ferries will get you from Port of Spain in Trinidad to Scarborough in Tobago if you fancied island hopping. The fast ferry takes 2 hours 30, while the slow ferry which also accepts cars takes 6 hours. You can also catch a flight, which takes around 25 minutes.

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