- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borders of Trinidad and Tobago are closed. Trinidad and Tobago is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases; there have been many deaths recorded on a daily basis. As a result the Government has declared a state of public emergency – Trinidad and Tobago is therefore on lockdown and under a 9.00pm – 5.00am curfew. Breach of regulations under the public emergency carries a maximum fine of $250,000TTD and 6 months imprisonment. It is illegal to be on a beach, to be on a vessel in Trinidad waters (for recreational purposes), to gather in public for a non-essential service and to break curfew. Persons breaching borders and entering through irregular channels can be arrested, detained, sent to a quarantine facility and thereafter deported. Persons can also be arrested and charged with a criminal offence.
2. Entering Trinidad and Tobago through an illegal port of entry is also a criminal offence and carries a maximum fine of $50,000TTD and 3 years imprisonment for a first offence. You can therefore be arrested, charged, prosecuted and sent to prison.
3. Persons assisting others to enter Trinidad and Tobago can also be charged for aiding and abetting which is also a criminal offence.
4. By entering Trinidad and Tobago during this time you also place yourself at risk of being trafficked and/or being accused by the authorities of migrant smuggling or human trafficking. Being smuggled also carries its own risks and you may place your life in danger at the hands of smugglers.
5. You may also inadvertently become involved in criminal activity if you take risks entering Trinidad and Tobago during this time as boats may have other persons carrying drugs, arms and ammunition and other illegal contraband or may be involved in other illegal activities such as gangs.