Explore: Trinidad & Tobago - Formalities
Clearance
COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS: New procedures are in place for arriving yachts – see Biosecurity for details.
Yachts entering Trinidadian territorial waters should call Coast Guard control on VHF Channel 16 to advise of the yacht’s arrival and to give an ETA.
Fly the Q flag.
Overtime
If you arrive or depart Trinidad & Tobago Waters outside of regular office hours (0800-1200, 1300-1600 Mon-Fri, except public holidays), you will be charged overtime. This refers to the time you sail into the country’s waters, not the time you go ashore to clear in. It is therefore advisable to time your arrival and departure WELL within normal office hours and go ashore immediately to clear. On departure, be sure to state that you will be departing at 3.59pm.
Inward Clearance
Customs is open 24/7 and it is important to visit them immediately on arrival even if Immigration is closed. Once a vessel has entered territorial waters, the captain and the crew must check in with 24 hours of arrival.
Arriving yachts should clear at either Chaguaramas in Trinidad or Scarborough or Charlotteville in Tobago. Port of Spain is a commercial port, and yachts may only stop there in real emergencies. Chaguaramas has an office dedicated to clearance formalities.
Yachts are required to check in/out when moving between Trinidad and Tobago.
Yachts sailing from Trinidad to Tobago must get the “Arrival Form” endorsed by the Customs officer in Chaguaramas. This form must be presented to Customs on arrival at Scarborough or Charlotteville. The same procedure is necessary for the reverse voyage. Be sure to make sure your paperwork is all in order before moving between the two islands as penalties for incorrect paperwork can be harsh.
With permission from the Customs officer in Trinidad, you can anchor elsewhere in Tobago, such as Store Bay, and go overland to Scarborough to complete the necessary formalities.
Once in Tobago, Customs will require a ‘float plan’ complete with the dates on which you will be at various destinations.
Outward clearance
Yachts must clear out of one of the two recommended ports. Yachts must clear out with Customs, Immigration and Port Authority and notify them of your next Port of Call. Immigration gives you 4 hours to depart Trinidad Waters. It is advisable to assure Customs that you are aware of this rule and it is your intention to do so.
If departing for Grenada, it is now possible to file a passage plan with the coastguard. See the Caribbean Safety & Security Net for further details.
Last updated: January 2019
Immigration
Trinidad & Tobago’s Immigration Department announced in November 2016 that upon arrival, under normal circumstances, all visiting yachts will henceforth be granted an initial period of six months to remain in Trinidad & Tobago. Visitors entering Trinidad & Tobago by air to join yachts that are in Trinidad & Tobago will also be granted six months.
After the initial six month period, yachts are welcome to seek an extension to increase their initial stay if you have a reasonable reason (hurricane season, work on the boat etc.).
Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended stay (3 months for citizens of USA, EU and the British Commonwealth).
Visas for visits of up to 90 days are not required by citizens of the United States, the Caricom countries (except Haiti), European Union and British Commonwealth with the exception of the following countries:
Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Australia, Cameroon, India, Mozambique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Uganda.
Australian crew on yachts are also not required to have a visa, however, Australian tourists entering by plane or ferry do require visas.
Immigration (and Customs) will charge overtime outside of the normal working hours, which are 0800-1200, 1300-1600 Monday to Friday.
Crew departing Trinidad & Tobago by air after arriving by yacht must be signed off the vessel and signed on again when returning. The procedure requires a letter prepared by the marina or boatyard, which must be approved by the Immigration officer. This approval allows for proper paperwork at the airport (or other port of exit) and exclusion of the airport tax if executed within 24 hours of departure. This letter must be in the hands of the crew prior to departure to enable embarkation without a return ticket. This same letter will be used as authorisation for re-entry into Trinidad to rejoin the vessel. When the crew returns to Trinidad & Tobago, the master must present the crew’s passport to the Immigration officer at the Chaguaramas station within 24 hours to sign the crew back on the vessel.
There is a similar procedure for crew transferring to another boat.
Important note: A crew member may not sign on to a vessel that is staying longer than the one on which he arrived.
Immigration requires a Medical Certificate for persons who wish to remain in Trinidad & Tobago for periods exceeding one year. Declaration by the applicant must be made in the presence of the Examining Medical Officer.
Last updated: March 2018.
Immigration Office (Tobago)
Milford Road, Tobago
Tel: +1 868 639 2681
Immigration Office (Trinidad)
67 Frederick Street, Port of Spain
Tel: +1 868 625 3571
Customs
You must report to Customs immediately you arrive, even if Immigration is closed.
Note that on checking-out of Trinidad, Customs give you 4 hours to depart.
If your arrival or departure time is outside of business hours (i.e. 08:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday), you will be charged overtime fees.
Firearms
Firearms and ammunition must be declared on arrival and will be taken by the Customs boarding officer and placed in custody at the central police station.
Requests for their return prior to departure must be made to Customs at least 48 hours before clearance (preferably longer). Failure to do so may result in a delay to departure or departure without the firearms. To keep firearms in your possession during the stay, it is necessary to apply to the Commissioner of Police for a licence.
Fruit & Vegetables
Fruits, plants and plant material must be inspected by a plant quarantine officer before being landed. Honey from other islands may not be allowed.
Any alcohol on board should also be declared.
Temporary Importation of Yachts
Yachts are admitted duty-free for a reasonable period of time. Boats stored for longer terms must be left in the care of an approved yard. Some formalities must be completed at Customs, including a full inventory of items on board.
If a yacht is left unattended, it will be necessary to complete formalities for temporary importation. This is normally carried out through Chaguaramas Customs station.
Importing Yacht Parts
Boat parts and spares for yachts in transit may be imported free of duty by following the recommended procedure by Customs. Only items deemed to be yacht parts can be imported duty-free. The treatment of anything else will depend on the officer in charge at the time.
Only the captain of the vessel is allowed to carry duty-free parts from the airport to Chaguaramas Customs station, where they will be transferred on board.
Parts arriving by courier will be delivered to Chaguaramas Customs station. Parcels arriving via the postal service will come to the Carenage Post Office, which will notify the yacht, after which the parcel will be cleared at the Ajax Street post office in Port of Spain.
It is very important that not only the parcel be marked Yacht in Transit, but ALL the paperwork be also so marked.
There is no longer any overtime charge for the Customs inspection of imported spare parts.
Large items (eg dinghy, engine etc.) can be purchased free of tax by providing a set of your ship’s papers and declaring the purchase is for a yacht in transit. The same is true if you contract for a large job like a set of sails or a new teak deck; you will not have to pay any tax.
Last updated: March 2018.
BioSecurity
While the protocols below are as accurate as per the last date recorded, the situation is constantly changing with regards to Covid-19 protocols for yacht arrivals and skippers should always check with their intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required.
COVID-19: CLOSED
Resources:
- Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT)
- TT Ministry of Health – Travel Restrictions and information on the Coronavirus
- TT Ministry of National Security
- Facebook – Trinidad Cruisers Page
Reports:
- Trinidad and Tobago: Yacht Services Sector Still Awaiting Relief from COVID Restrictions (January 11, 2021)
- Caribbean Bound 2020/21 – Yachting Protocols
- Retreat from Paradise (December 28, 2020)
Yachting Protocols:
08 January, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago remain closed to visiting yachts.
25 July, 2020:
Trinidad: Hurricane Shelter
The message from Trinidad, conveyed by YSATT, is that cruisers who fear they are in danger of life and limb, can seek shelter in Trinidad, but, they must be prepared to explain their decision to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) on arrival. Skippers that try to use protection from severe weather as a pretext to enter Trinidad should not try. All boats will be directed to anchor and be quarantined. The stated position of the TTCG is that once the danger is passed, all boats taking shelter will have to return from where they came.
If you decide to come please do the following.
1. Notify YSATT of your intentions [[email protected]], so they can notify authorities of your plans. They will need names and contact details of all crew, boat name, and ETA at Trinidad.
2. Call North Post Radio as soon as you are in range of the north coast of Trinidad. Advise them of your reason to seek shelter from the storm.
3. If you have a phone (or SAT Phone) call Jesse James of YSATT (at 868-683-5202) once you are in range. Give Jesse your GPS position.
4. Call TTCG and advise them of your arrival. Follow TTCG’s directions to a place for quarantine. In no case, either approach Chaguaramas or go ashore.
5. Because of Covid-19, you will not be allowed ashore and will be asked to leave once the coast is clear. So, you need to have sufficient food, water, and fuel on board.
19 July, 2020:
- The situation is unchanged and borders are still closed to foreign yachts.
- For updates as the situation develops go to http://membersonlymaxitaxi.com/corona-virus-information/.
- Also updated FAQ: http://membersonlymaxitaxi.com/q-a-for-cruisers-trying-to-sail-to-trinidad-for-hurricane-season-2020/
- Cruisers in Trinidad that need a Visa Extension click here for details.
11 June, 2020:
- The latest proposal by YSATT to seek an exemption to the closed boarders to allow cruisers to shelter in Trinidad has failed.
- The Government must give priority to returning Trinidad citizens who want to come home. They will only admit the number of persons that can be accommodated and managed within the Public Health care system, as all Nationals arriving by air will go straight into state quarantine.
- If you are still interested in coming to Trinidad when the borders finally open, contact Bruce Amlicke at: [email protected] and CC Jesse James at: [email protected]
- If you have made a firm reservation with any of the yards in Trinidad, please let them know of your change in plans.
01 June, 2020:
FAQ for Cruisers Trying to Sail to Trinidad for Hurricane Season 2020 – YSATT
22 May, 2020:
Notice from YSATT
We wish to acknowledge the concern of the cruising community in the Caribbean about entry into Trinidad and the upcoming Hurricane season.
The Trinidad government has held a very tight reign on all entries from abroad with the objective of stopping imports of the COVID -19 virus. As you are most likely aware Trinidad has been recognized as the leading country worldwide in readiness to open. Stopping the import of the virus has been high on their agenda and credited with the TT success.
The government has started to allow opening of businesses in a staged manner and so far we have had no spread of the virus allowing this process to continue with the opening of borders.
We at YSATT recognize that cruisers arriving on yachts from within the island chain north of Trinidad are a far lower risk than air arrivals.
Based upon the above YSATT has sent a proposal to the Government to open our borders for the cruising community. We provided separately a comprehensive document – Protocols for Arrivals, to the relevant Health authorities. This includes a risk assessment, process for arrivals, quarantine , monitoring and public health inspections prior to clearance to entry.
We are now anxiously awaiting a reply and feel confident that our proposals will receive approval shortly.
Wishing all a safe and healthy day.
Tommy Johnson
President
YSATT
10 May, 2020:
- T&T has announced a 6 phase plan, starting May 10th, to gradually lift restrictions, with the borders re-opening at the end of phase 6.
- Phase 1 spans from May 10-23, Phase 2: May 24-June 6, Phase 3: June 7-20, Phases 4, 5 and 6 have no dates attached to them yet.
- See more details here.
28 April, 2020:
The stay at home/stay on your boat lockdown has been extended in Trinidad & Tobago until the 15th May 2020.
15 April, 2020:
- T&T borders remain closed to ALL cruisers – both Nationals and Non-Nationals.
- The current lock down runs until 30th April – but may be extended.
- Cruisers are being treated with the same courtesy as locals in that they can come ashore to buy essential supplies and head straight back on board.
- A face mask is now required when out in public.
- No domestic cruising is allowed during lock down for anyone – both locals and foreigners.
- Anyone needing a Visa extension must submit the necessary documents in a timely manner and they will automatically be given an extension until June 22nd.
Jesse James is the point of contact for YSATT with the Government Authorities and posts updates on his website.
07 April, 2020:
- The stay at home order (stay on your yacht) has been extended until April 30, 2020.
- Effective immediately – members of the Public are to wear masks once you are outside.
- No recreational sailing permitted.
- All outdoor activities, including exercise, is prohibited at this time.
- For more restrictions see here.
30 March, 2020:
- From midnight Sunday 29 March all non-essential activities will be prohibited until April 15, 2020.
- This is a stay at home order, so do not move your boat.
- Full details can be found here.
24 March, 2020:
For cruisers that are currently in Trinidad & Tobago:
See the Public Notice from the Ministry of National Security to Immigration which gives instruction to extend visas for all persons whose entry or extensions certificates will expire within the period Mar 1 – Apr 30th 2020.
This can be done via email. You must scan and email the required documentation.
21 March, 2020:
As announced by the Minister of National Security of Trinidad & Tobago today:
MIDNIGHT SUNDAY MARCH 22ND 2020 , THE GOVERNMENT OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO WILL BE CLOSING ITS BORDERS COMPLETELY TO BOTH NATIONALS & NON-NATIONALS. THIS INCLUDES AIRPORTS AND SEA PORTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
The Health Declaration Form is no longer available as no one is permitted entry at this time. This is all in an effort to help contain and stop the importation and spread of the Covid-19 Virus. The numbers of confirmed cases are increasing and in light of this harsh measures are being implemented to flatten the curve.
17 March, 2020:
The Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago has announced that as of MIDNIGHT TUESDAY MARCH 17th 2020 , THERE WILL BE NO ENTRY OF NON-NATIONALS INTO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FOR THE NEXT 14 DAYS, VIA AIR OR SEA. Any Non-National arriving after this via air or sea will be denied entry for the next 14 days.
Please note after the 14 days are up, you still need to check to see if the ban has been lifted or if it has been extended. These measures are being implemented in an effort to contain and prevent the further importation of the Covid19 virus.
Any nationals of T&T returning on their boat must email the T&T Coastguard and advise them of your intentions to return home. They will advise accordingly. Ensure you get answers before you set off for T&T. If any of your crew are non-T&T nationals, your boat will not be permitted to enter T&T.
Contact T&T Coastguard at [email protected] and (1868) 6341476.
13 March, 2020:
With immediate effect all vessels arriving in Trinidad and Tobago waters must submit the following Health Declaration. This information is per Harbormaster requirements to the Maritime Services Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport. This information is required 72 hours prior to arrival of the vessel into Trinidad & Tobago.
COVID-19 Coronavirus Information Form
You must wait in place until you receive notice that the paperwork has been received and you are approved to land.
11 March, 2020:
The Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago has imposed the following travel restrictions with immediate effect.
All persons who:
- are not citizens or permanent residents and
- have visited China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain or The Republic of Korea within a 14 day period of their arrival in Trinidad and Tobago
will not be allowed entry at any of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ports of Entry.
Information from The Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago and Jesse James.
These restrictions are fluid and liable to change.
Related Businesses
Ministry of Health Trinidad and Tobago
Address: #63 Park Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago,
Health
A yellow fever inoculation certificate is needed if coming from an infected area in South America.
Good medical care is available.
ZIKA VIRUS ALERT: (September 2016) There have been recent safety alerts from the US State Department, UK Foreign Office, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding travel to parts of Central and South America, Africa, southern Asia, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific islands. Both islands of Trinidad & Tobago are areas of interest. There is growing concern about the rapid spread of the ZIKA Virus and the impact of the virus on pregnant women and babies. ZIKA is transmitted by mosquitos in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and there is currently no cure or vaccine. This situation is evolving rapidly, so please refer to the CDC’s dedicated website if you are intending to cruise in one of the affected areas.
Documents
A pleasure craft/ yacht arriving at a Port of Entry in Trinidad and Tobago from a foreign port must show:
- General Declaration Arrival Form 10
- Crew List Form 11
- Zarpe or departure clearance from the previous port of call
- Certificate of Registration of vessel
- If the owner of the vessel is not aboard, an authorization letter from the owner for use of the vessel.
Crew arriving on a pleasure craft/yacht at a port of entry in Trinidad & Tobago from a foreign port must:
- Show sufficient means of support for their period of stay in Trinidad and Tobago
- Provide a proper local address if staying at an abode in Trinidad & Tobago, other than aboard a vessel
- Be in possession of a valid outward ticket to the home country or country of residence and show sufficient funds for the upkeep of stay in Trinidad & Tobago if leaving the arrival yacht
- Appear before an Immigration Officer on arrival or departure
- Any change of crew on or off a vessel must be reported to the Immigration Authority for approval prior to such change is effected.
An actual cruising permit is not required; however, on arrival, the captain must notify the authorities of the vessel’s intended itinerary to cruise around the islands and permission must be obtained before sailing. Permission must be obtained from customs for any movement of the yacht, from one port or place to another, and to cruise the coast of either Trinidad or Tobago.
Fees
Immigration
- Visa and visa waiver fee is $TT400/person.
- Visa extensions cost between $TT100 and $TT150.
Customs
After completion of immigration formalities on arrival, the customs officer will collect $TT50 for the first 30 days of navigation dues. The balance of these dues will be collected when the boat clears out.
Harbour Fees
Harbour fees are TT$50 for every 30 days in Trinidad up to a maximum TT$500 in any one year.
Overtime Charges
Overtime for yachts arriving and departing is charged outside of working hours on weekdays and all day Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Customs charge overtime as follows:
- Examination of imported goods: TT$ 91.20.
- Arrival boarding: TT$ 136.79.
- Departure clearance: TT$117.26.
- Immigration overtime is TT$100.
Departure Tax
- Departure tax per person: TT$100.
Last updated: March 2018.
Restrictions
The tanker ports at Point Fortin and Pointe-Ã -Pierre, and the cargo port of Point Lisas are prohibited to yachts.
Trinidad requires cooking gas tanks to be tested every five years. If your tank does not meet this requirement you will be required to have it done.
It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.
Local Customs
Clearance Agents
Related Businesses
Jesse James
Address: Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago,
Local agent Jesse James is able to assist with collecting and emailing permits as well as following up with the Government offices and coordinating contact... Read More
Pets
Trinidad does not have rabies, except in the bat population.
There have been some changes with pet arrivals and quarantine laws since 2016. The good news is, there is NO more quarantine, however consequently the requirements for arriving pets have been made more stringent.
In transit, permits are no longer available. An import permit is required and must be acquired BEFORE your arrival and paid for BEFORE your arrival, which means you will need local assistance.
Before Arrival
1. Apply for a permit in advance of your arrival by emailing [email protected]
2. When the permit is ready, the fee will need to be paid in person at the Government Plaza downtown and the permit collected from the Ministry of Agriculture office, also downtown on Abercrombie St. You will need local assistance with this. See contact details for Jesse James at the bottom of the page.
3. Once the fee is paid and the permit is collected, you will be given a list of conditions that must be met before permission will be granted for the pet’s arrival.
4. Once all conditions are met, email the pet documentation to the government veterinarian. Their email address will be on the permit application.
5. The government veterinarian will review the documentation and grant permission for your pet’s arrival.
6. The vet must be given 48hrs notice of arrival and must come and meet the yacht on arrival.
Upon Arrival
When checking in, in you must declare to customs that you have a pet on board and are awaiting the vet’s arrival. It will be noted on the check-in form. You can go ahead and check in with immigration and customs, but the pet must remain on board at all times before the vet sees it. Upon inspecting the pet and finding the animal and all documents satisfactory, the vet will issue a landing permit.
The landing permit will allow travel throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the pet permission to go ashore and also to fly out of the country if necessary. If the animal leaves Trinidad and Tobago by yacht or plane and wishes to re-enter, you will need to reapply for the import permit.
Last updated: September 2018
Jesse James
Local agent Jesse James is able to assist with collecting and emailing permits as well as following up with the Government offices and coordinating contact between the arriving yacht and the government veterinarian. He can also assist with pets arriving by air.
Related Businesses
Jesse James
Address: Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago,
Local agent Jesse James is able to assist with collecting and emailing permits as well as following up with the Government offices and coordinating contact... Read More
