Work and Travel in Trinidad and Tobago

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FOR TRAVELLERS

Trinidad and Tobago is a former British colony sitting at the southern end of the Caribbean. It’s close to the coastline of Venezuela and is known for being outside the hurricane belt. But if you want to travel in Trinidad and Tobago you need to know what to expect.

It’s not as idyllic as some of the other countries in the Caribbean, which typically receive more tourists. Our travel guide to Trinidad and Tobago will show you what you need to know.

1. Work with Turtles in Trinidad and Tobago

One of the most enjoyable volunteering opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago is to work with leatherback sea turtles. This is why so many backpackers choose the Caribbean as their option of choice.

You’ll be able to work with endangered sea turtles and contribute to their conservation. Your work will involve working scientists and conservationists as they track and study them. This is a highly rewarding way to work in Trinidad and Tobago.

2. Rehabilitate Horses in Trinidad and Tobago

Horses were brought to the Caribbean en masse when European colonisation of the Caribbean commenced. Then known as the West Indies, horses were used for centuries, and are still used today. Unfortunately, animal welfare standards are low in this country.

That’s why charities have been setup on both of the main islands for people who want to work and travel in Trinidad and Tobago and support the rehabilitation of horses.

If you love working with animals, or you want experience in the veterinary industry, this is the project for you.

3. Work on a Farm in Trinidad and Tobago

There are plenty of chances to work on a farm across the country. Get out of the urbanised areas and see the real side of the islands. You’ll get the chance to learn traditional techniques and create products you won’t find back home, including pepper sauce.

Some farms also operate using a 100% organic policy. It’s the perfect chance to learn more about this country and learn more about the culture.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

To travel in Trinidad and Tobago, the majority of citizens don’t require a visa of any kind. You’re able to stay for 90 days if you’re from the European Union (EU), the UK, Canada, the USA, Japan, South Korea, Russia, South Africa, and Mexico.

Visas can be easily extended in Port-of-Spain. Extensions are often granted for an additional 90 days, so in theory you can work and travel in Trinidad and Tobago for six months without interruption.

Australians and Kiwis need to get a visa-on-arrival, but these are under the same terms as other countries. The only difference is you need to pay $400 TT. These citizens may find it harder to get extensions when they’re already in the country.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

SPRING WORK

The good news about work in Trinidad and Tobago is you don’t need to worry about the hurricane season as the country is south of the main hurricane belt. The spring season takes up part of the dry season and part of the wet season.

You need to be prepared to deal with the changing weather patterns. That’s why we recommend focusing on educational projects. Going into schools and working with the less privileged children in the countryside is a great way to spend the ‘Spring’ season.

There are also a range of community engagement projects you can involve yourself in. Most of these take place in the impoverished areas of the country. You need to be prepared to deal with basic conditions and a different way of life. But this is a great way to empower communities to improve their situations.

Finally, the changing season also means this is a fantastic time to work on a farm in the countryside. It’s a chance to learn new skills and experience the real culture at the same time.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season is the middle of the rainy season, so you should avoid outdoor volunteering opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago.

Refer back to the ‘Spring’ section for an idea of some of the best options during the rainy season.

AUTUMN

Autumn marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. For the first half of autumn, you should review the previous two sections.
But when the dry weather comes you have a number of options at your disposal.

When you work and travel in Trinidad and Tobago in the dry season, you have a variety of options for work in the conservation industries. Working with the flora, fauna, and wildlife of the country is a great option. You can work with horses, abandoned animals, and endangered sea turtles, to name just a few things.

You can also choose to work within the tourism industry, alongside the locals. There are many options for people qualified in the hospitality industry. You can work in major hotels and resorts if you apply far enough in advance.

Just make sure you apply well before the main tourist season.

WINTER

Winter falls in the middle of the dry season and makes up the main tourist season. You should look back at the ‘Autumn’ section for some of the best volunteering opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago in winter.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Trinidad and Tobago comes with its fair share of dangers. The cities can be dangerous, and you need to take care when moving around them. But by and large travel in Trinidad and Tobago comes with a classic Caribbean flavour and the exotic vistas you’d expect.

The locals are extremely friendly and are always excited to welcome visitors. Just make sure you’re respectful of the culture. Traditional Caribbean culture tends to be on the more conservative side, particularly when it comes to matters of religion.

Do you have what it takes to work and travel in Trinidad and Tobago?