May 14, 2020
Location: Trinidad and Tobago
Event: The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of National Security announced the Work Permit Secretariat and Citizenship and Residency Unit located at 52-60 Abercromby Street (Temple Court 2), Port of Spain, will remain closed to the general public until May 24, 2020 as part of government’s precautionary measures aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
During this period queries to the Work Permit Secretariat can be sent via email to eworkpermithelpdesk@mns.gov.tt. For rescheduling or appointment related queries the Citizenship and Residency Unit can be reached via telephone number (868) 623-2441 Extension 13033 or 13044, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm or via email to sarjoonsingh@mns.gov.tt.
U.S. citizens are further advised that foreign nationals who were unable to leave Trinidad and Tobago before the border closure on March 22, 2020 whose certificates expired during period of March 1 – 22 and those whose certificates will expire by April 30 will be granted an extension to June 22, 2020. Holders of student permits will be granted a three-month extension of stay in the first instance, if the permit expires before April 30, 2020. U.S. citizens are advised to email the Immigration Division at extensions.international@gov.tt urgently regarding their immigration status. For details on how to request an extension of stay in Trinidad and Tobago, Landing Certificates, Permanent Residence and Student Permits visit the COVID response frequently asked questions page: http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.tt/FAQ
At this time there are no repatriation flights scheduled from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States. We will continue to collect details of U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (green card holders) who are interested in returning to the U.S. Please use the online Assistance Request form (copy hyperlink and open in Chrome browser) to provide your details. You do not need to complete the form again if you have already submitted it (one form per traveler). You can also send an email to PortofSpainUSCitizen@state.gov. We will contact you if a flight is arranged.
U.S. citizens experiencing symptoms, or who have reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 are advised for their own health to stay at home and contact the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health at +1 (868) 627-1047; 1 (868) 623-8492; +1 (868) 627-0010; +1 (868) 627-0012; +1 (868) 627-0014, and follow their instructions. Government officials in Trinidad and Tobago have taken significant steps to mitigate risk and ensure the health care system will be available to those who require life saving measures. For more information on the GOTT response please visit releases from the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Health.
If you need emergency assistance contact the embassy by email at ACSPOS@state.gov or by telephone at 868-622-6371. Examples of emergency services include a report of death abroad, a U.S. citizen arrest, or a U.S. citizen victim of crime. Please do not come to the embassy without contacting us in advance.
The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain encourages all U.S. citizens in Trinidad and Tobago to complete the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/. STEP is a free service to help the U.S. Embassy contact American citizens in an emergency.
For the most up to date information from the U.S. Embassy Port of Spain in real time, please also check the embassy’s Facebook Page, Instagram (@USinTT), and Twitter feed (@USinTT) and the embassy’s website.
Actions to Take:
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Monitor local media outlets.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information and for the CDC’s latest recommendations on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
- Find official IRS information about the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impact payments at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Port of Spain
15 Queen’s Park West
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Telephone + (868) 622-6371
Emergency + (868) 622-6371, then press 1.
Fax + (868) 822-5955
Email: acspos@state.gov
Website: tt.usembassy.gov