Trinidad and Tobago customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Trinidad and Tobago enforces some of the Caribbean's toughest biosecurity rules: a single undeclared apple or sandwich can trigger an on-the-spot fine, and all food, plant and animal products must be declared for inspection. The other major trap is cash — carrying more than TT$84,000 (about US$10,000) in any currency without declaring it can mean seizure of the entire amount.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
Travellers aged 18 or over may bring 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages duty-free. Anything above this is subject to customs duty plus VAT at 12.5%.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
TT$84,000 (approx. US$10,000) or the equivalent in any foreign currency, including bearer negotiable instruments. Declare it on the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) before landing. Undeclared cash can be seized in full and you may face a fine or prosecution.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to TT$6,000 (approx. US$800) are duty-free. Above that, customs duty applies (rates vary by item, often 20–30%) plus VAT at 12.5% on the total value plus duty.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs, including marijuana, even if legal where you are from
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants without a permit
  • Meat, poultry and dairy products from countries with animal diseases
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media
  • Offensive weapons, including switchblades and butterfly knives
  • Endangered species products such as ivory and turtle shell

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Commissioner of Police)
  • Prescription medicines (up to a 3-month supply; controlled drugs need prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
  • Pets and live animals (require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate)
  • Drones (may require permission from the Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones (require a licence from the Telecommunications Authority)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Complete the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) handed out on the plane or available in the arrival hall before you reach the checkpoint. At Piarco International Airport or ANR Robinson International Airport, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within your allowances; use the red channel if you are over any limit or carrying restricted goods. If unsure, ask a customs officer before choosing a channel.

Bringing medication

Bring personal prescription medication in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter. You may bring up to a 3-month supply for personal use. Controlled drugs (opioids, strong painkillers, some sedatives, and certain codeine-based products) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health; without it, they can be confiscated and you could be arrested.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, soil and animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, honey) must be declared. Many are prohibited outright — especially fresh fruits, vegetables and meats — to protect local agriculture. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed but still must be declared. Failure to declare brings immediate fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is mandatory

If you carry more than TT$84,000 (approx. US$10,000) in cash or bearer negotiable instruments, you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Undeclared cash can be seized in full, and you may face a fine or prosecution.

Food and plant products are strictly controlled

Even a single apple or sandwich can get you fined. Declare all food items and let customs decide what is allowed. Better to lose a snack than pay a penalty.

Duty-free allowance is per person, not per family

Each adult traveller gets their own allowance. You cannot pool allowances with your spouse or children to bring in more alcohol or tobacco.

Some common medications are illegal

Codeine-based painkillers and certain sedatives are controlled in Trinidad and Tobago. Bring only what you need with a prescription, and check ahead if you are unsure.

Frequently asked questions

Personal electronics for your own use are generally duty-free as part of your personal effects, as long as they are not intended for resale. If the total value of your goods exceeds TT$6,000 (approx. US$800), you may have to pay duty on the excess. Keep receipts for high-value items in case customs asks.
All food must be declared. Hard cheeses and commercially packaged chocolates are usually allowed, but soft cheeses, meats and fresh produce are often prohibited. If you do not declare, you risk fines and confiscation. When in doubt, declare it.
Customs can seize the entire amount, and you may face a fine or even criminal charges. There is no tax on bringing cash in — only the declaration requirement. Declare it on the form.
Bring your medication in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor. You can bring up to a 3-month supply. For controlled drugs such as opioids and some sedatives, you need prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Without it, your medication can be confiscated.
Yes, but you need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from a veterinarian in your home country. The pet must also be vaccinated against rabies. Without the permit, your pet will be quarantined or refused entry.
Yes, there are duty-free shops at Piarco International Airport in the arrivals area, but they are mainly for departing passengers. Arriving passengers can use their duty-free allowance, but any purchases made on arrival count toward your allowance.
If you remain in the transit area and do not pass through immigration, you usually do not need to clear customs. However, if you have checked luggage that you need to re-check, you may have to clear customs and immigration. Check with your airline.

Official source

Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division before travelling.