Clearing customs in Trinidad and Tobago

When arriving in TT, all visitors must pass through immigration and customs, where luggage and personal property may be inspected. To avoid possible delays or even pricey taxation on items you are travelling with, you should know TT's customs policies as well as those of the country you’re travelling to or from. Sometimes customs lines are long and delays inevitable, but most can gain clearance through customs with relative ease when you know what to expect.

Several items must be declared before you may gain clearance through both islands' customs. Tobacco and alcohol products are regulated when visiting most islands in the Caribbean, so travellers are permitted to bring up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and up to one quart of liquor or spirits without any taxation or duty when entering TT. Other personal items such as clothing and most electronics can be brought to the island duty-free.

When packing, try to bring only the necessary personal items. If you bring an excessive amount of personal items, customs officers may impose a charge on them if they believe these items exceed the quantity for personal use. These items are either prohibited or regulated when coming into Trinidad or Tobago:

* Weapons and firearms are not allowed to be shipped or brought onto the island.

* Narcotics and illegal drugs cannot be brought to Trinidad or Tobago, and travellers must have all of their prescription drugs in originally labelled bottles. Prescription drugs are not allowed to be shipped to the island.

* Food and plant products are regulated and often restricted when entering the country, and some animals including dogs and cats are prohibited from visiting the islands, unless they meet certain requirements.

Travellers to the United States will also have to be aware that some items could be taxed or prohibited. Most items must fall under certain quantities to enter without penalty. These are the items that are regulated by US customs and the amounts in which they can be brought into the country:

If you're 21 or older, vacationers can bring up to one litre of alcohol into the US. Up to one litre of perfume containing alcohol can be brought into the country as well as 200 cigarettes and 100 non-Cuban cigars.

Packages can be sent without duty as long as it is one parcel per addressee per day, with the exception of alcohol and tobacco products, or perfume worth more than US$5.

Original works of art including sculptures and painting and antiques (objects more than 100 years old) can be brought into the country duty-free.

Up to US$200 in goods can be mailed to the United States as long as they are for personal use. Vacationers should be sure to mark “PERSONAL USE” on the outside of the parcel and attach a list of its contents and their retail value.

When sending a parcel containing goods that have been used, mark the parcel “AMERICAN GOODS RETURNED” to avoid duty charges.

Customs policies are subject to change, but travellers can keep up to date with the most current information by checking with their home countries' customs.

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