Trinidad and Tobago entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Trinidad and Tobago free of charge. You'll receive a 30-day stay upon entry, but it cannot be extended. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | New Zealand passport holders get a visa on arrival at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago. The visa costs $200 TTD (about $30 USD) and is valid for up to 90 days. Have a printed copy of your return ticket and proof of accommodation ready — immigration officers routinely ask for both.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Trinidad and Tobago. Airlines at Auckland and Christchurch may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Piarco will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket before stamping your visa on arrival. This can be a return flight to New Zealand or a ticket to a third country. Budget airlines like Caribbean Airlines check this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Trinidad and Tobago. Officers at immigration sometimes ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
No extensions — plan accordingly
The visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you think you might need more than 30 days, apply for a tourist visa or other permit before you travel.
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstaying costs about $100 TTD (≈$15 USD) per day. Immigration can also deport you. Don't risk it — leave on time or get the right visa beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Piarco International Airport (POS) or Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport (TAB), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and funds.
3
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 'Visa on Arrival' valid for 30 days. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There's a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods over the duty-free limit.
Download Trinidad and Tobago Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in TTD)
Apply at Trinidad and Tobago embassy or consulate before travel. Allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in TTD)
For frequent visitors. Must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$75 USD (equivalent in TTD)
Requires invitation letter from Trinidad and Tobago company.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$500 TTD (approx. $75 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Trinidad and Tobago. Employer must sponsor. Requires approval from Ministry of National Security.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$200 TTD (approx. $30 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Trinidad and Tobago. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 TTD (approx. $150 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a significant amount in Trinidad and Tobago business or real estate. Minimum investment threshold applies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival is granted free of charge for New Zealand passport holders. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension feeVisa on arrival is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; may also lead to deportation. | ~$100 TTD per day (approx. $15 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Trinidad and Tobago
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Trinidad and Tobago do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsPiarco International Airport (POS) · Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport (TAB)
Health & vaccines for Trinidad and Tobago
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is present year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur periodically.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Trinidad and Tobago; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for most travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Port of Spain
Immigration Division, Ministry of National Security
2A Edward Street, Port of Spain
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and permit inquiries. Not for extensions on visa on arrival.
Scarborough
Immigration Office Tobago
Carrington Street, Scarborough, Tobago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters in Tobago.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalPort of Spain
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyTrinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.75 TTD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage115V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTypes A and B: two flat pins (ungrounded) and two flat pins with round grounding pin.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas, but may be treated in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
You get 30 days from the date of entry. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (like a work or student visa) before you travel.
Yes, it's free for New Zealand passport holders. There is no application fee.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll be fined approximately $100 TTD (about $15 USD) per day, and you may face deportation.
You need to apply for a different visa before you travel. Options include a tourist visa (single or multiple entry), business visa, work permit, student visa, or investor visa. Fees range from $50 USD to $1,000 TTD depending on the type.
No. New Zealand passport holders transiting airside (staying in the airport) with a confirmed onward ticket do not need a transit visa.
You'll be fined about $100 TTD per day (around $15 USD). The fine is assessed at immigration discretion. Overstaying can also lead to deportation and may affect future travel to Trinidad and Tobago or other countries.
The main immigration office is at 2A Edward Street, Port of Spain (phone: +1-868-623-2441, open Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00). There's also an office in Scarborough, Tobago (Carrington Street, phone: +1-868-639-2416). For entry and exit issues, the airport immigration desks at Piarco are open 24/7.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.