Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities amend COVID-19-related curfew nationwide as of July 5 /update 26

Trinidad and Tobago amends COVID-19-related curfew nationwide as of July 5, announces plans to reopen borders with restrictions July 17.

Event

As of July 5 authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have amended the COVID-19-related curfew announced plans to reopen the country's borders with severe restrictions from July 17. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter.

Domestic Restrictions
A nightly 21:00-05:00 curfew is in place from Monday to Sunday. During curfew hours, residents may not leave their homes, except to attend to essential issues, such as going to work at an authorized business or government office, obtaining basic goods, or responding to a health issue. Persons authorized to travel during curfew hours must have a permit provided by authorities.

A previously announced state of emergency remains in place until at least Aug. 24. As the nightly curfews remain in force as long as the country is under a state of emergency, it is likely that curfew restrictions will also be extended until that date. The state of emergency also empowers police officers and members of the military to arrest individuals without a warrant if they consider the individual is putting public health at risk.

Additionally, public gatherings remain banned, and bars, restaurants, theaters, gyms, personal care businesses, and most other nonessential businesses must remain closed. The use of beaches, riverfronts, seashores, and public pools is banned. Religious ceremonies are also prohibited, except for funeral and wedding services which are capped at no more than 10 attendees. Public transport must operate at a 50 percent capacity limit. All individuals over eight years old are required to wear facemasks.

International Travel
The country plans to reopen its borders from July 17. Authorities announced that travelers will be separated into three categories and restrictions will vary accordingly:

Category One: Citizens and residents who have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before travel will be in this category. These travelers will be required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival; no quarantine restrictions will apply to these travelers.

Category Two: Unvaccinated citizens and residents are in this category. These travelers will be required to present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and must undergo a 14-day quarantine in a state-supervised facility at their own expense.

Category Three: Unvaccinated foreign citizens are in this category and will not be allowed entry.

As of July 5, air and seaports remain closed to most foreign nationals. Those allowed by the Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of National Security to enter must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. International and regional flights and cargo vessels transporting food, pharmaceuticals, and freight are permitted entry; however, unauthorized crews are not permitted to disembark.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.