Message for U.S. Citizens
March 29, 2020
Location: Trinidad and Tobago
Event: The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has implemented more significant measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. As of midnight tonight, Sunday March 29, a “Stay at Home” Order will be in effect until April 15.
Movement during this period will be for authorized purposes and essential business only. Citizens are asked to remain at home unless they are part of the essential staff of essential businesses or for essential trips such as to grocery stores or pharmacies. Groceries, banks and pharmacies remain operational, along with corner shops selling food and pharmaceuticals. All public transport will be limited to 50 percent capacity. Inter-island transportation including water taxis, inter-island ferries and flights will continue. On March 21, the GOTT announced restrictions on gatherings at public places and restaurants and bars were ordered closed until further notice. These restrictions remain in place.
Note that individuals out in public may be stopped by law enforcement and asked to justify their movement. The Embassy advises carrying your ID with you; if you fall under essential staff at your place of employment, you may wish to request an authorization letter from your employer. Anyone determined to have breached this public health ordinance may be found liable for a fine of 50,000 TT and imprisonment for up to six months.
For a complete list of essential and non-essential services and businesses and other details, please view the complete Public Health Ordinance.
If you need assistance with an emergency please contact us by email at ACSPOS@state.gov or by telephone at 868-622-6371. Please do not come to the embassy without contacting us in advance.
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. As of March 29, Trinidad and Tobago has 76 confirmed cases. For more information on the GOTT response please visit releases from Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Health.
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, 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.
The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain asks 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.
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
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.
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