From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Trinidad & Tobago Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 17:20:21 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1840 Path: world!bzs Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Message-ID: <199807241323_MC2-5413-9028@compuserve.com> Content-Disposition: inline Precedence: bulk Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mime-Version: 1.0 Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com X-List-Info: LN=travel-advisories WHOM=76702.1202@compuserve.com Lines: 104 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Trinidad & Tobago\ ============================================================ Trinidad and Tobago - Consular Information Sheet July 23, 1998 Country Description: Trinidad and Tobago is a developing nation composed 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, telephone (202) 467-6490 or 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 at 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 in the availability of vehicles in many parts of the country. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment outside the United States. Supplementary medical insurance with specific coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions international travelers hotline at 1-888-232-3228, or their autofax service at 1-888-232-3299, or their Internet address at 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 and take local advice on specific areas to avoid. Pilfering from hotel rooms occurs on both islands. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money and passports. Travelers should exercise normal precautions, avoid areas not frequented by tourists, and avoid traveling alone. Any incidents of crime should be reported to the local police and the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain. 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 licenses generally cannot be replaced outside 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 repair, and often congested. Driving patterns/habits are unpredictable. Visitors are urged to drive defensively. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Trinidad and Tobago's Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Trinidad and Tobago's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288. 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 (868) 622-6371. Hours are Monday-Friday, except U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago holidays, 7:30 am - 12 noon. The U.S. Embassy has updated information on travel and security in Trinidad and Tobago. No. 98-108 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 8, 1998 to update information on Crime and Aviation Oversight. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories