Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Trinidad and Tobago. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Trinidad and Tobago may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences and trade shows
• Tour a company facility
• Develop business contacts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Trinidad and Tobago?

EU, Canadian, US, and many other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Trinidad and Tobago to conduct business activities for a short duration. If your nationality is not on the list of visa-waivered nationals, you must obtain a Visitor Visa prior to travel from a Trinidadian Consulate or Embassy.

Working in Trinidad and Tobago

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, constitute work under Trinidadian law if performed for more than 30 days per year. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Trinidad and Tobago, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning or implementation
• Marketing
• Auditing
• Management activities

If I am traveling to Trinidad and Tobago for work, what type of work visa do I need?

The type of work visa required depends on your qualifications, salary, whether your employer has an entity in Trinidad and Tobago, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Trinidadian work authorization is the Work Permit (long-term work permit).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

With the exception of the Bahamas and Haiti, nationals from CARICOM member states who have a CARICOM Skills Certificate do not require a work permit to work in Trinidad and Tobago.

Depending on the issuing country of the Skills Certificate, CARICOM nationals may work and reside in Trinidad and Tobago for up to six months or indefinitely. Registrations or other formalities may be required before these nationals can work or reside in Trinidad and Tobago.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.