From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Trinidad & Tobago Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 23 Jul 1997 13:54:26 GMT Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1414 Path: world!crb Message-ID: <970723135425_76702.1202_CHN53-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: crb@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 104 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Trinidad & Tobago ============================================================ Trinidad and Tobago - Consular Information Sheet July 22, 1997 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 entry to Trinidad and Tobago. Work permits are required for certain types of compensated and non-compensated employment, including missionary work. For further information concerning entry, employment and customs requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, 1708 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, tel. (202) 467-6490 or the consulates in Miami and New York City. Medical Facilities: Medical care is more limited than in the U.S. Care at public health facilities is significantly below U.S. standards for treatment of 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 U.S. Supplementary medical insurance with specific coverage for locations outside the U.S. has proven useful, particularly for medical evacuation, which is extremely expensive. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/. 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. Foreign visitors should avoid isolated areas and public beaches after dark. While crime is lower in Tobago, petty pilfering from hotel rooms occurs on both islands. Travelers should exercise normal precautions and avoid traveling alone. The loss of 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 licenses generally cannot be replaced outside of the U.S. 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," are 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. Traffic Safety/Road Conditions: Traffic moves on the left. Roads and streets (except a few major highways) are narrow, in poor maintenance, and often congested. Driving patterns/habits are unpredictable. Visitors are urged to drive defensively. Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in July 1966, the FAA has found the government of Trinidad and Tobago's civil aviation authority not to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Trinidad and Tobago's air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Trinidad and Tobago's carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The Department of Defense does not permit U.S. military personnel to use carriers from Trinidad and Tobago for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the U.S. or in extenuating circumstances. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at (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, tel. (868) 622-6371. The hours are 7:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, Monday Friday, except U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago holidays. U.S. citizens may obtain from the U.S. Embassy updated information on travel and security in Trinidad and Tobago. No. 97-120 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 23, 1996, to update entry requirements, medical facilities, crime information and aviation oversight and to include a section on traffic safety/road conditions. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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