IMPORTATION OF VEHICLE FOR RETURNING NATIONALSDefinition of a Returning National A Returning National under Section 45(2)h of the Customs Act is a citizen who has attained 18 years of age and - Is or was a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. Has citizenship of two countries, one of which is Trinidad and Tobago; or Is the spouse of the person referred to in (i) or (ii).
Requirements for Used Left Hand Drive Vehicles Must have resided abroad for a continuous period of not less than five (5) years. Applicants must own the vehicle and have it registered in is/her name prior to the date of arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. Intend to reside permanently in Trinidad and Tobago. Require the vehicle for personal use. Must import the vehicle within six (6) months prior to or after his return. Must not sell or transfer the vehicle within three (3) years of importation without the permission of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Entitled to one vehicle only.
THE RETURNING NATIONAL AND HIS/HER SPOUSE IS ENTITLED TO IMPORT HIS/HER VEHICLE FOR PERSONAL USE UNDER THE CONDITIONS STATED ABOVE. Requirements for Right Hand Drive Vehicles Applicant must have resided abroad for a continuous period of not less than one (1) year. Clauses (II) to (VII) above remain the same for Right Hand Drive Vehicles.
Procedures and Documentation for Right and Left Hand Drive Vehicles An IMPORT LICENCE must be obtained from the Ministry of Trade and Industry prior to the shipment of the vehicle to Trinidad and Tobago. The application should constitute the following:- Three (3) complete Import Application Forms. Original with corresponding Photostat copy of:- Registration Certificate/Certificate of Title of Vehicle in Country abroad in order to verify ownership. Evidence of having resided abroad continuously for one (1) year in the case of Right Hand Drive Vehicles and five (5) years for Left Hand Drive Vehicles. A valid Trinidad and Tobago Passport/s / Foreign Passport/s - must show evidence of being abroad for the period of time, prior to date of RETURN for permanent residency within Trinidad and Tobago. Official employment records/Income Tax documents may be furnished where passport does not cover the full period stipulated at (a).
Marriage certificate, in cases where spouse is not a Trinidad and Tobago national.. One (1) passport size photograph of applicant. Affidavit (see Specimen).
The returning national is to be interviewed for both LEFT HAND AND RIGHT HAND DRIVE VEHICLES before consideration can be given to the application. ONLY NEW AND UNUSED RIGHT HAND DRIVE VEHICLES DO NOT REQUIRE AN IMPORT LICENCE. | 
