Reopening guide to Trinidad and Tobago for travelers
The island country of Trinidad and Tobago reopened its borders to fully-vaccinated international travelers in July. As Caribbean islands enforce and adapt to vaccine requirements for adults and kids, The Points Guy will walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy the sunny warm beaches of these inviting destinations.
What you need to visit Trinidad and Tobago
Individuals are considered to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 if 14 days have passed since they received the full dosage of a World Health Organization-approved vaccine, according to Trinidad's Tourism site.
Related: 5 things to love about Trinidad and Tobago
Travelers to Trinidad and Tobago are required to obtain a digital TTravel Pass prior to arrival for their airline and the Border Control Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago. Visitors will not be allowed to board the flight without a TTravel Pass and proof of a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to travel.
Adults who are not fully vaccinated will not be allowed entry. A mandatory mask requirement is in effect once visitors arrive to Trinidad and Tobago.
Unvaccinated children traveling with a vaccinated parent or guardian will be allowed into the country with a PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival. An additional PCR test must be repeated on the third, fourth or fifth day. Any visitor who tests positive must file a report with the country's chief medical health officers and isolate immediately.
The Caribbean Traveler's Health app is also a resource that provides relevant information for healthier and safer travel to the region.
Related: A country-by-country guide to Caribbean reopenings
How to get there
Major carriers such as American Airlines and JetBlue have flights to Piarco International (POS) the largest airport in Trinidad and Tobago, based in Port-Of-Spain. Panamanian airline Copa also has a variety of options from major cities in the US.
If travelers want to escape winter on the east coast, JetBlue offers nonstop flights to POS from JFK. In January after the height of the holiday travel season, there are round-trip tickets at $190 for Blue Basic seats, $215 or 14,300 points for Blue seats and $240 or 16,200 points for Blue Extra seats round-trip.
American Airlines offers nonstop flights from Miami (MIA) to POS. In January, you'll find round-trip fares for basic economy at $235, main cabin seats for $315 or 20,000 points ($62.07) and business class seats for $573 or 60,000 points ($62.07).
Where to stay
Marriott's Courtyard Port of Spain is oceanside and near downtown and also offers access to attractions such as Emperor Valley Zoo and Nelson Mandela Park. A standard room for a January stay starts at $132-134 per night before taxes and fees. It is a category 4 hotel which will set you back 20,000 points per night for off-peak days, 25,000 per night for standard and 30,000 per night for peak. Note that come March 2022, Marriott is switching to dynamic award pricing, and will do away with its existing award charts.
If you are on a business trip to Trinidad, Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre could be another option. It's located 10 minutes from the National Museum and Art Gallery. It also offers spa services and has an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Every room has a private balcony as well. In January a standard room ranges from $145 or 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night to $249 or 59,000 Hilton points per night for an executive suite.
The Hyatt Regency Trinidad is minutes from attractions such as Holy Trinity Cathedral and Brian Lara Promenade. There are two restaurants and a café along with 24-hour room service. A standard room in January starts at $132 per night or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. You can earn points through Hyatt stays or transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Bottom Line
Trinidad and Tobago has fared well since reopening to travelers. Clear guidelines make it easy for international visitors to enjoy everything this destination has to offer.
Nonstop flights are available on major carriers from New York and Miami, and hotel options exist in popular loyalty program categories.
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at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
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Pros
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- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
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- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
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