Flights, the ferry, the arrival card and the weather are on getting there and when to go, buses and taxis on the villages page, tipping and tap water under food and drink. This page covers what falls in between: safety, money, power and the rules at the border.
Safety and health
How safe is Tobago for visitors?
The German Foreign Office rates crime in Trinidad and Tobago as high, but says gang rivalry has so far been rare on Tobago. More common are pickpocketing, theft, break-ins at holiday lets and drink spiking, among other places in the south-west in Buccoo, Bon Accord, Black Rock and Lambeau. Keep your drink with you and valuables out of the car.
What are the emergency numbers in Tobago?
In Tobago you reach the police on 999, the fire service on 990 and the ambulance service on 811, according to the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health.
Where is the hospital in Tobago?
The island's only hospital is Scarborough General Hospital on Connector Road in Signal Hill near Scarborough. It is open around the clock and run by the Tobago Regional Health Authority.
Do you need a yellow fever vaccination for Tobago?
Only travellers arriving from a yellow fever area have to show proof of vaccination, according to the German Foreign Office. For a stay on Tobago alone it does not recommend one.
Money, power, time and language
What currency do you use in Tobago?
Tobago uses the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$, TTD). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted according to the German Foreign Office, American Express mostly is not, and some banks only exchange US dollars. The central bank of Trinidad and Tobago publishes the rate each day.
Do you need a plug adapter in Tobago?
Yes, unless your devices use North American plugs. Trinidad and Tobago runs on 115 volts at 60 hertz with type A and B sockets, so European and British plugs need an adapter and devices must handle 115 volts.
What time zone is Tobago in?
Tobago is on UTC minus four and does not change its clocks. That puts it four hours behind London in winter and five in summer, and five or six hours behind Central Europe.
What language do people speak in Tobago?
The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English. In everyday life you also hear the islands' creoles, Tobagonian and Trinidadian Creole.
Stays, customs and car hire
How long can Europeans stay in Tobago without a visa?
Germans need no visa for Trinidad and Tobago for up to 90 days within 180 days, and leaving and re-entering in that period can incur a fee, according to the German Foreign Office. The airports authority lists visa-free stays of 90 days for EU and other Schengen countries as well.
What can you not bring into Trinidad and Tobago?
Pepper spray, weapons and fixed-blade knives need a permit according to the German Foreign Office, and camouflage clothing is banned. Local currency may only be taken out in small amounts.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Tobago?
At Enterprise and National at the airport, 21, with a surcharge for drivers aged 21 to 24 and an upper limit of 70. Other firms may have other rules, so ask before you book.
NoteTravel advice for Trinidad and Tobago changes often; between 2024 and 2026 a state of emergency was declared three times. Check your government's advice again shortly before you leave. This page reflects October 2026.