Travel Vaccines and Advice for Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island country about 7 miles off the coast of Venezuela.
Trinidad has gorgeous, natural mangrove swamps and hills covered in trees. It also has oil refineries and huge industrial buildings.
Tobago has white-sand beaches, warm water, and palm trees.
On either island travelers can see waterfalls, experience a lively nightlife and swim or dive in the ocean.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Trinidad and Tobago?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Trinidad and Tobago
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Trinidad and Tobago?
What Is the Climate Like in Trinidad and Tobago?
How Safe Is Trinidad and Tobago?
Visiting Maracas Beach
What Should I Take to Trinidad and Tobago?
U.S. Embassy to Trinidad and Tobago
Do I Need Vaccines for Trinidad and Tobago?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Trinidad and Tobago. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Trinidad and Tobago: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers going to densely-forested areas on Trinidad. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Trinidad and Tobago |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers going to densely-forested areas on Trinidad. |
Chikungunya | Mosquito | Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Trinidad and Tobago |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is transmitted via fecally contaminated food or water, causing severe symptoms. To prevent it, practice hand-washing, consume safe water and food, and consider vaccination, especially when traveling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause serious illness. Protection is essential, and the yellow fever vaccine is the key. This highly effective vaccine, administered before travel to at-risk areas, grants long-lasting immunity, helping to halt the virus’s spread and safeguard travelers from infection.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus, can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and reducing breeding sites. The chikungunya vaccine provides the best protection.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing infection.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travelers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious viral infections, causing various symptoms and complications. To prevent them, vaccination is key. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, safeguards against all three diseases and helps establish herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Yellow Fever in Trinidad and Tobago
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers headed to densely forested regions of Trinidad. Vaccination is not recommended for travel to other regions of the country. It is generally not recommended for cruise ship travelers or those only going to Tobago.
Dengue is present in Trinidad and Tobago. Be sure to use mosquito repellent and netting.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Trinidad and Tobago
Prevent Bug Bites in Trinidad and Tobago
Guard against bug bites by wearing appropriate clothing and applying repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. When bitten, clean the area, resist scratching, and relieve itching with over-the-counter solutions. In severe cases, promptly seek medical assistance.
Food and Water Safety in Trinidad and Tobago
When eating abroad, prioritize cooked and hot foods, choose reputable eateries, and practice good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages, avoid tap water, and enjoy hot drinks or alcohol responsibly. To avoid travelers’ diarrhea, follow these tips: eat well-prepared foods, drink safe water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be selective about local dishes.
Infections To Be Aware of in Trinidad and Tobago
- Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
- Leishmaniasis – Infected sand flies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis. Preventive measures include the use of insect repellents, protective clothing and staying indoors during sand fly peak hours.
- Zika – Zika, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, can have severe consequences, especially for pregnant women. Prevention measures include using repellent, practicing safe sex, and removing mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Trinidad and Tobago?
Travelers visiting Trinidad and Tobago must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens staying less than 90 days.
Trinidad and Tobago Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Trinidad and Tobago? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago are two islands in the Caribbean with warm weather all year long. Many tourists like to visit these islands because of their beautiful beaches and clear waters.
Port of Spain is the capital city of Trinidad and is warm and rainy from June to December. Maracas Bay is a popular beach in Trinidad with warm weather all year long. But, it can also be rainy from June to December.
Pigeon Point is a famous beach in Tobago with white sand and clear water. Buccoo Reef is also a popular spot for tourists in Tobago who want to snorkel or dive. The weather in Tobago is like Trinidad, with warm temperatures all year long and rain from June to December.
It is important to check the weather forecast before going to Trinidad and Tobago because the weather can be unpredictable.
How Safe Is Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago is a beautiful place to visit, but it’s important to stay safe while you’re there. Here are some tips:
- Learn about the place you’re going before you go there.
- Only use official taxis and be careful when walking alone at night.
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Keep your valuables safe and avoid showing them off.
- Stay in safe accommodations and avoid staying in remote areas.
- Be careful when using ATMs and use them in well-lit areas.
- Avoid protests and demonstrations.
- Follow local laws and customs and don’t do anything illegal.
Remember to be cautious, stay aware of your surroundings, and take steps to stay safe while you’re enjoying your trip to Trinidad and Tobago.
Visiting Maracas Beach
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Maracas Beach is a very famous place in Trinidad where tourists like to go. The beach is very beautiful with clear blue water and soft sand. People can swim, sunbathe, surf, and go snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach is also famous for a local food called “shark and bake.” It is a fried shark served in bread, and many people like to try it.
There are also hiking trails in the nearby rainforest where visitors can see different kinds of plants and animals. Some people like to watch birds in the rainforest.
Maracas Beach is a fun place to visit in Trinidad for people who like the beach, trying new foods, hiking, and birdwatching.
What Should I Take to Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago is a popular destination. But, that doesn’t mean you can get away with not packing the essentials.
- Sunscreen – Lounging on the beach or exploring the outdoors is a must in Trinidad and Tobago. Make sure to lather up in sunscreen first to preventing burning.
- Swimsuit – Trinidad and Tobago is known for its beaches so bring a swimsuit or two so you can enjoy the warm water.
- Walking Shoes – Visitors will likely want to explore the gorgeous outdoors.
U.S. Embassy to Trinidad and Tobago
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
U.S. Embassy Port of Spain
15 Queen’s Park West
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
Tel: (868) 622-6371
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Trinidad and Tobago
Overall rating: 5 stars – 4 reviews
★★★★★
“Wonderful Care“
“We’ve met with our advisor three times regarding an upcoming trip to Trinidad and Tobago. She was really well prepared with all the information we needed regarding State Department recommendations for inoculations, conditions in Haiti, and longer term issues for other trips. She took time and discussed all the potential diseases \ problems we might face, was sensitive to costs, and did a great job of explaining what we needed. Vaccine shots were delivered with a smile and a minimum of discomfort. This was a great place to go and I’d recommend to anyone traveling out of country.”
Submitted by: Chuck
★★★★★
“Awesome!“
“We used Passport health before our vacation to Trinidad and Tobago. The RN was wonderful and so knowledgeable! She had everything ready for our visit, was able to go over every destination on our vacation and went over all recommended vaccines. Definitely a one stop shop for travel needs. The office also had DEET based insect repellent and other things like that on hand to buy.”
Submitted by: Lisa
★★★★★
“Very informative and helpful“
“I was very impressed with Passport. I feel much more prepared for Trinidad and Tobago after my visit.”
Submitted by: Morgan
★★★★★
“Great Experience“
“The nurse was very knowledgeable on what I needed for my trip to Trinidad and Tobago. She was pleasant and made the process very simple, and efficient. I would definitely go back.”
Submitted by: Tim
“We’ve met with our advisor three times regarding an upcoming trip to Trinidad and Tobago. She was really well prepared with all the information we needed regarding State Department recommendations for inoculations, conditions in Haiti, and longer term issues for other trips. She took time and discussed all the potential diseases \ problems we might face, was sensitive to costs, and did a great job of explaining what we needed. Vaccine shots were delivered with a smile and a minimum of discomfort. This was a great place to go and I’d recommend to anyone traveling out of country.”
“We used Passport health before our vacation to Trinidad and Tobago. The RN was wonderful and so knowledgeable! She had everything ready for our visit, was able to go over every destination on our vacation and went over all recommended vaccines. Definitely a one stop shop for travel needs. The office also had DEET based insect repellent and other things like that on hand to buy.”
“I was very impressed with Passport. I feel much more prepared for Trinidad and Tobago after my visit.”
“The nurse was very knowledgeable on what I needed for my trip to Trinidad and Tobago. She was pleasant and made the process very simple, and efficient. I would definitely go back.”