Costa Rica to require vaccination proof in hotels, bars, casinos, museums. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. <<. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Costa Rica. . Eventually foreign visitors will be required to submit proof of vaccination via the app to obtain a new QR code that can be used to enterbusinesses. . Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. ** Costa Rica does not require quarantine, a health pass, travel insurance, QR code or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling: Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen. Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK.These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.. Country >> Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Costa Rica may be poor. The Ministry of Education announced that all students age 5 -12 will have to be vaccinated in order to attend classes. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to. Costa Rica has eliminated most of its travel restrictions as of April 1, 2022. At the end of April the requirement for mask use indoors was the last to be eliminated. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible to ensure travel protection. Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Rabid dogs are commonly found in Costa Rica. There are no special requirements related to Covid-19 with the exception of visitors from China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have been in those territories during the last 14 days. Traveling around Costa Rica is nearly exactly how it used to be before COVID. There is no current or proposed requirement to be vaccinated prior to entering Costa Rica and visitors who choose not to get the shot may still purchase Covid health and quarantine insurancefor immigration purposes. U.S. citizen tourists are not currently eligible to receive a vaccine. . I was having a hard time locating the info on mixed vaccines as well as the current situation there as I have heard that the numbers are rising again. Report inappropriate content. No, Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine if receiving a positive COVID-19 test? These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and 9 months of age. The Ministry of Education will be providing space for vaccinations at schools for all students to be administered by the proper authorities. This is one of the reasons why we highly tourists to purchase a travel insurance, even though it is not mandatory. In the town, nearby visitors will find some fun activities going on every day. ], How To Maintain A Healthy Life While You Travel, Las Vegas New Orb-Shaped Music Venue Set To Open In Fall 2023 With U2 Appearance, The Most Instagram-Liked Airbnb Houses For 2023, the country is not very safe or at all safe, Colombia Officially Launched A Visa For Digital Nomads This Month, 23 Best Places to Visit in MAY 2023 in the USA (TOP Picks! We are currently unable to provide routine in-person services for U.S. citizens. Another good news is that by December 25, there have been only four cases of the new Omicron variant reported. Digital Content Manager & Editor - Costa Rica is not requiring tourists to be vaccinated against COVID. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Costa Rica, rabies treatment is often available. For this reason, the promotion and attraction of this tourist profile is of great importance to the institution. Try to avoid contact with people who are sick. Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Costa Rica for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Tortuguero is Spanish for a lot of turtles. With more than 77,000 acres, this Amazon rainforest-like is home to rivers, jungles, and a lot of turtles coming to nest along the shoreline. Well help keep you safe at home or abroad. Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK.These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.. Country Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies. You might also like:Discover Costa Rica's most unique tree houses6 road trips in Costa Rica that aren't for the faint of heartYou can do your job from Costa Rica with this new 12-month digital nomad visa, This article was first published November 2021 and updated December 2021. Mytanfeet LLC Copyright 2013 - 2023 - Thank you for supporting our Travel Blog! If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick. Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans. Self Test for Travelers Returning to the U.S. New Instant Covid Viral Test $30, FDA Approved, Crime Tips for Photo, Video & Content Pros in Costa Rica. the "vaccine inspection" has been put off (as expected) from December to January to February to March.That is a government issue. **As of April 1, 2022, all previous COVID entry requirements have been removed. This is according to a law passed Monday and welcomed by civil rights groups. Children under 12 will not have to present proof of vaccination. Activities, organizations or congregations in places of worship, Event rooms for business, academic or social activities 10.Adventure tourism, People who have a medical condition, duly accredited, which exempts them from vaccination following the policies of the. Call. Proof of international travel is required. All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you. WHO). Review Costa Ricas country safety report. Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Costa Rica. No test, no quarantine, no extra expenses, no hassle. Please seeYour COVID-19 Vaccinationfor more information. Between August 29 and September 4, 136 patients died of COVID-19 in Costa Rica. Before, there were 89, 105, and 127 fatalities reported each week, respectively. Costa Rica to require vaccination proof in hotels, bars, casinos, museums. Whether youre looking to bask on idyllic beaches, sail to remote atolls or spy ferocious predators, here are our picks of where to go in March. Tourists entering the country will receive a specific QR code promptly after their Health Pass (digital epidemiological form) application has been reviewed and approved. Expect comfort food made with the countrys fresh and plentiful produce. Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Costa Rica has become the first country in the world to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for children. For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites. Costa Rica Entry Requirements(COVID-19) **As of April 1, 2022, all previous COVID entry requirements have been removed. When it comes to COVID restrictions in Costa Rica, the only ones pertaining to tourists are hand washing and temperature taking when required. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. . Note: Javascript is disabled or is not supported by your browser. If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. We have seen an increase in violent acts and crimes committed by people of Venezuelan nationality. Limit alcohol consumption. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival. For more information click here. Follow the State Department on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Thank you for any info you have, Kim. Travelers who wish to extend their stay beyond the date specified by immigration authorities must contact the Directorate General of Migration. Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes. If your home country requires a negative test and you test positive, you will have to quarantine a given amount of days (usually 5- 14), which is determined by the doctor who attended you and the severity of the disease. Some labs may offer same day PCR tests for ~$300 and at home tests are now available. Costa Rica suffered its second-highest total of COVID-19 cases in a single week between August 29 and September 4, announced the Health Ministry. Travelers who can prove they have a medical condition that doesnt allow them to get vaccinated against COVID-19 will also be exempt from the rule. Costa Rica is set to enact some of the toughest COVID-19 restrictions in the Americas The Palmer /Getty Images. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers entering Costa Rica no longer need to fill out an online health passport or show proof of vaccination as of April 1. COVID-19 hospitalizations also rose in Costa Rica. WebRecommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Costa Rica. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible to ensure travel protection. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. We can expect to see up to 3,500 new cases a day by the end of September. Report inappropriate content. Costa Rica is the only country in the world that has no army. All Travellers. The whole process should also help Costa Rica get back on the European market. Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). No, Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? This mandate applies to Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take. Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times. The beaches of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica are a gay paradise. They must complete the Health Pass and purchase a travel policy that covers COVID-19 care and quarantine, if they are over 18 years of age. Starting Jan 8, 2022 only vaccinated clients will be permitted to enter non essential businesses, Children 12-17 are now exempt from vaccine requirements until Feb 1, 2022. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel. If your travel plans in Costa Rica include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. First, if you are feeling sick or believe you have COVID-19, isolate yourself and go to a clinic or lab to get tested. WebSorry my travelling dates are Jan 8 2022 to feb 5 2022. Travel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica Nationwide Travel Health Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use. In 2019, it contributed to the arrival of 234,621 tourists and in the first three months of this year the arrival of 61,349 Canadians by air was reported, said Ireth Rodrguez, head of ICT promotion. Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. Costa Rica Entry Requirements(COVID-19) **As of April 1, 2022, all previous COVID entry requirements have been removed. **The United States has removed its COVID test requirement on June 12, 2022. Since December some places (us included) require guests 12 and over to be fully vaccinated with or without government requirements. The new rules will apply to anyone over the age of 12including locals and visitors. CDC Privacy Policy. The country has seen an upsurge in crimes, brawls, and other criminal actions by groups of Venezuelan migrants, according to the Municipal Police of San Jos (PMSJ). Disclaimer: Costa Rica border openings, travel restrictions and entry requirements are ever changing. Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance. Read our Privacy Policy. As of May 11, 2022, face masks in public spaces, open spaces and indoors have no longer been mandatory in Costa Rica except for health officials. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth. Other U.S. government agencies work with Costa Rica, some with offices in the Embassy and some throughout the country. If you plan on visiting Costa Rica, here is what you need to know about visiting during COVID-19. Liberia (Guanacaste) International Airport, travel insurance recommendations for Costa Rica. Documentation verifying vaccination status in the Health Pass must contain the following information: Approved vaccines in Costa Rica are: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination. They only need to test after arrival. Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. CDC twenty four seven. Which are the vaccine requirements to travel to Costa Rica? Entry to Costa Rica is allowed for tourists from all countries.Each visitor must comply with the migratory processes established in the General Law of Migration and Immigration.Starting April 1, the temporary migration measures established in the framework of the national health emergency due to COVID-19 are repealed.During their stay in Costa Rica, tourists must follow the health protocols established by private companies in order to participle in any tourist activity. What inoculations do I need before entering Costa Rica? Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. In some cases, the Immigration official may request you show economic solvency for your stay in the country. Important Message for Social Security beneficiaries in Costa Rica: United States and Costa Rica Sign Migration Arrangement, Ambassador Telles Officially Assumes Her Diplomatic Functions in Costa Rica, Commander of U.S. Southern Command to visit Costa Rica for meetings with Costa Rican, regional leaders, https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements. The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has an English-language website detailing entry requirements: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements. Customers must check with individual labs for testing availability, pricing, and length of time for a result. Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching. Thus, for those still wondering, yes, Costa Rica is very safe. Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries. Acceptable documents depend on travelers home country and arethe same as the requirements for proof to eliminate the travel insurance requirement. See what its like to go through customs and immigration in Costa Rica in our post. Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather. WebTravel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica | Passport Health Please note: Due to increased travel demand, appointments are limited. When in town, you must pay a visit to the jaguar rescue center where local wildlife is rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Even if there is no solution in sight yet, it is important that communities and local governments start to become aware of the problem and look for common solutions. In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes. Choose newer vehiclesthey may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK.These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.. Country Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Last November, Costa Rica became the first country in the world to mandate Covid-19 vaccines for minors, with all children 5 and older required to get vaccinated, barring medical exemptions. No Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Costa Rica. There are no COVID-19 sanitary requirements to enter Costa Rica. In the specific case of San Jos, we have also noticed an increase in Venezuelan informal workers, who have already gathered in some streets in the city center, explained Marcelo Solano, director of the municipal police. WebVaccine recommendations. Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days. Do. Please check our post Costa Rica COVID to see details. Make sure you have liability insurance. None of them are related and have not required hospitalization. */, Travelinglifestyle.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Copyright 2022 Traveling Lifestyle Network, LLC, Is Honolulu, Hawaii Safe To Visit? If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history. ), 11 Best Beaches in HAWAII ISLANDS to Visit in Spring 2023, Privacy Policy & Terms of Use & Editorial Policies. This must be verified by means of a QR code or the printed vaccination certificate. The omission of what is established by Costa Rican law (No. Eligible vaccinated travelers arriving in the U.K. from Costa Rica are not required to quarantine anymore at their own expense. Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. Here's your guide. Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below. On Nov. 2, the country's tourism organization Essential Costa Rica updated their entry requirements to inform travelers that many businesses will soon be requiring proof of vaccination. Based on the estimates of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, the situation will most likely not improve any time soon. the "vaccine inspection" has been put off (as expected) from December to January to February to March.That is a government issue. 1-866-816-0197 NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. Seasides for a relaxing holiday. Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Check our post for travel insurance recommendations for Costa Rica here. Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. WebSorry my travelling dates are Jan 8 2022 to feb 5 2022. If you need help finding travel information: Message & data rates may apply. ** Costa Rica does not require quarantine, a health pass, travel insurance, QR code or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. Tourists who are not fully vaccinated, or who have vaccines that have not been recognized by the World Health Organization, will be able to enter the country and stay with family, friends or in their own homes. There are nearly zero restrictions. If that is not enough, here you have 3 excellent reasons to pack your bags. Until 4 am on February 11, 2022: Fully vaccinated travelers must book and pay for a post-arrival test to be taken before the second day. Which are the vaccine requirements to travel to Costa Rica? If youre eager to visit Mayan ruins, charming villages and white-sand beaches, heres all you need to know about securing a visa for Honduras. Do not show signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Book your visit online today! All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has an English-language website detailing entry requirements: Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked. Furthermore, individuals from the above-mentioned places of origin over the age of 12 must have a document that makes it possible to verify that they are up-to-date on their Covid vaccination. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. How do I view different file formats (PDF, DOC, PPT, MPEG) on this site? Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days. Still valid on January 1, 2023. CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Costa Rica take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately: Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Its also the most peaceful country in Central America with a low violent crime rate and high political stability. Since December some places (us included) require guests 12 and over to be fully vaccinated with or without government requirements. Since the previous COVID entry requirements were removed on April 1st, flying into Costa Rica was exactly like how it was pre-COVID. Starting January 8, 2022, most businesses across Costa Rica will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination for those ages 12 and older. The Ministry of Education will be providing space for vaccinations at schools for all students to be administered by the proper authorities. January 7, 2022 Via CCSS. The Ministry of Education announced that all students age 5 -12 will have to be vaccinated in order to attend classes. Starting on July 30, 2007, all travelers coming from the following countries must possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entry into Costa Rica will be allowed: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location. Its best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. This must be verified by means of a QR code or the printed vaccination certificate. Recommended Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Typhoid Rabies (only for people working directly with wildlife) Required Polio Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Chickenpox (Varicella) Influenza Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise: Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. July 15, 2022 Brazil gives emergency use authorization of Chinas Sinovac vaccine in children aged three to five.This comes after a late-June decision to officially stop manufacturing Sinovac in Brazil, where production had halted in October 2021.. July 13, 2022 The World Bank reports that eight in 20 Caribbean countries have yet to reach a the "vaccine inspection" has been put off (as expected) from December to January to February to March.That is a government issue. The new rules will apply to anyone over the age of 12including locals and visitors. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking. The transition period where businesses can admit patrons who are not vaccinated, provided they operate at 50% capacity, is slated to end on January 7. Effective Jan. 8, 2022, all commercial establishments in Costa Rica will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination in an effort to protect the countrys locals and visitors. . If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page. The link for the Ministry of Healths webpage is: Costa Rican sources for useful COVID-19 related information: The link for the Ministry of Healths Spanish social media website is: The link for the Directorate General of Immigration and Nationality is: Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. It features 13 major ecosystems including a rainforest, highland cloud forest, swamps, and beaches. WebYou can't verify it because this is Costa Rica. Beginning on January 8,Costa Rica will require proof of vaccination for access to hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, museums, stores and even the country's famed adventure tourism services. The Ministry of Education announced that all students age 5 -12 will have to be vaccinated in order to attend classes. Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture. WebAll forms of proof of COVID-19 vaccine must have: Personal identifiers (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number) that match the personal identifiers on the passengers passport or other travel documents. On Wednesday, 242 patients were hospitalizedbecause of the virus, of which 55 were in Intensive Care Units. To qualify, individuals must earn at least $3,000 a year, and families must make at least $5,000. Follow. Costa Rica has eliminated most of its travel restrictions as of April 1, 2022. WebTravel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica Nationwide Travel Health Services Mosquito Prevention Options Costa Rica Specific Advice Travellers Diarrhea Kits Available Costa Rica has something for everyone. WebVaccine recommendations. Travel Advisory 2023, 10 Best Beaches in BARBADOS to Visit in Spring 2023, A First Look At Hyatts New All-Inclusive Resort Debuting In Punta Cana, Nomad Cruise Returns: The Ultimate Networking Opportunity For Digital Nomads, 8 Best Amalfi Coast Cliff Towns To Visit In Italy In 2023, Spain To Step Up Their Control On Digital Nomads With Fake Non-Resident Tax Status, 24 Best Places To Visit In August In The U.S. in 2023, Allianz Reveals 8 Most Popular Spring Break Travel Destinations In 2023, 22 Best Places To Travel in June 2023 in USA [Summer Spots! Costa Rica Entry Requirements(COVID-19) **As of April 1, 2022, all previous COVID entry requirements have been removed. The results of these tests are available within a few hours. Mountain resorts for those who want something in-between. This requirement applies to all patrons 12 years of age and older. Flying in to Liberia then going to Samara. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches. Travel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica Nationwide Travel Health Costa Rica destinations guide (Best places to visit). An onward ticket is required of non-residents who are: By law, an onward ticket includes any of the following on approved, commercial transport: When entering or leaving a port in Costa Rica, if you carry an amount equal to or greater than the US $ 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, cash or securities, you must request and complete the form provided for this purpose at the migration post and present it to the Customs Authority for verification; The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Beginning on January 8, Costa Rica will require proof of vaccination for access to hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, museums, stores and even the country's famed adventure tourism services. It includes Tanzania, Zambia and the designated areas of the following countries: Colombia (the entire country except Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, Medelln and San Andrs Providencia and Bogot); Ecuador (applies only to Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbos and Zamora-Chinchipe, and excludes the rest of the country); Paraguay (the entire country except Asuncin, the capital); Peru (the entire country except Lima, the capital, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Lambayeque, Tumbes, Piura and Cajamarca); Trinidad and Tobago (the entire country except the urban areas of Port of Spain, and for travelers in transit or whose itineraries are limited to the island of Tobago).