Trinidad and Tobago
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- No restrictions on entry or staying.
The types of restriction are:
- No restrictions.
Restrictions on entry to Trinidad and Tobago
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Trinidad and Tobago based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Trinidad and Tobago does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.
The website of the Consulate of Trinidad and Tobago in London provides a list of supporting documents that should be included with a visa application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs provides a list of visa application requirements and none of those requirements makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
The visa application form does not contain questions or fields in relation to any health condition or status.
Section 9 (5) of the Immigration Act may suggest some limitations on the entry of persons with a health condition, but the same law suggest there might be a prohibition of denying entry on the grounds of health.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Trinidad and Tobago
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in Trinidad and Tobago based on HIV status.
The official website of the Ministry of National Security provides a list of supporting documents that should be included with a work permit application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Trinidad and Tobago
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on long-term stay in Trinidad and Tobago based on HIV status.
The residency application form does not contain questions or fields in relation to any health condition or status.
Treatment access in Trinidad and Tobago
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Trinidad and Tobago. There is no evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
In Trinidad and Tobago, several healthcare facilities provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV. The Ministry of Health operates through various regional health authorities that support HIV-related services.
Primary facilities offering ART and PEP include:
- Queen’s Park Counselling Centre and Clinic – a key site in Port of Spain providing HIV treatment, counselling, and testing services.
- Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT) – which plays a significant role, especially for key populations such as the LGBTI+ community, ensuring access to HIV care and support through their network.
- Major public hospitals like Port of Spain General, San Fernando General, and Scarborough General in Tobago also offer ART as part of the government’s sexual health initiatives.
Additionally, health centres across the country provide HIV testing and follow-up services, particularly in regions with concentrated healthcare facilities under the North Central, South West, and Tobago Regional Health Authorities. These centres, in collaboration with various NGOs, offer support for HIV-positive individuals, aiming to reduce stigma and ensure continuous access to treatment.
For more detailed information on these services, see the Ministry of Health website and Queen’s Park Counselling Centre And Clinic.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
People living with HIV may be criminalised in Trinidad and Tobago. While there are no HIV-specific laws in force, we are aware of reported prosecutions of alleged HIV ‘exposure’, non-disclosure, and/or transmission under general criminal laws. However, there is an HIV-specific sexual assault sentence enhancement provision in force in Trinidad and Tobago.
Visit the Trinidad and Tobago page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
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