Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions July 17 and some business restrictions July 19 /update 27

Event

Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago are reopening the country's borders to international travel effective July 17, as part of the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the directives, unvaccinated foreign citizens will not be allowed into the country. Passengers entering the islands will be divided into four categories:

• Unvaccinated residents or citizens who do not require medical attention (Category One): These passengers must take a COVID-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to travel and isolate at a designated State Supervised Quarantine Facility for 14 days. Entry is allowed only via the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad (POS). The individuals will go through a medical assessment and will take a PCR test on the seventh day after arriving. If the PCR test is negative, the individual will complete the rest of the quarantine; if they test positive for COVID-19 the person will be directed to a medical facility.

• Returning passengers requiring medical attention (Category Two): Severely ill patients will be transferred immediately to a medical center; ill but stable patients will be directed to a quarantine facility and checked by healthcare personnel; travelers who test positive upon arrival in Trinidad and Tobago will also be transferred to a medical center.

• Fully vaccinated travelers (Category Three): These passengers will need to take a PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and show proof of being fully vaccinated at least two weeks before their travel. They will not be required to quarantine upon arrival.

• Children (Category Four): Unvaccinated children traveling with vaccinated family members will need to take a PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and take another test 3-5 days after arriving. If the test is positive, they will need to isolate immediately. If they are traveling with unvaccinated parents, they will join them in the quarantine facility for the 14-day period. Fully vaccinated children will follow the guidelines for Category Three.

All travelers entering the country, including children, must complete the TTravel Pass form.

Domestic Restrictions
A nightly 21:00-05:00 curfew remains in place from Monday to Sunday. During curfew hours, residents may not leave their homes except to attend to essential issues 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, authorities will likely extend curfew restrictions until the 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.

Authorities plan to slightly ease business restrictions effective July 19, allowing food establishments to operate for delivery and take-out services. However, in-person dining will remain banned, and other establishments, such as bars, casinos, cinemas, theaters, gyms, will remain closed. Beaches, rivers and public pools are also closed. Public gatherings are limited to five people, while weddings and funerals can have up to 10 people. Public transport can operate at 50 percent capacity. All individuals over eight years old are required to wear facemasks.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government COVID-19 Updates
TTravel Pass