Travelers planning to visit Trinidad and Tobago should proceed with caution, as the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory. The warning is attributed to escalating crime rates and a recently declared state of emergency, which began on December 30, 2024.

Current Travel Advisory Details

The advisory encourages Americans to “reconsider travel” to this Caribbean destination, citing serious criminal risks as a significant concern. According to the advisory, the nation faces heightened threats of both terrorism and kidnapping.

The state of emergency led government officials to suspend bail for individuals accused of crimes, granting law enforcement increased authority to detain suspected offenders.

Crime Statistics and Safety Concerns

The U.S. State Department emphasizes that violence, particularly in specific districts of Port of Spain, is a prevalent issue. Reports of shootings and other violent crimes, including murder, robbery, and sexual assault, have contributed to safety apprehensions.

• Recent crimes include:
• Murder
• Robbery
• Assault and Sexual Assault
• Home Invasion
• Kidnapping

Notably, foreign nationals, including U.S. legal residents, have been victims of kidnapping in the region.

Impact of the Advisory

Due to the volatile situation, U.S. officials are prohibited from traveling to Port of Spain, further underscoring the travel advisory’s seriousness. This decision follows a broader update to other regions, including a recent Level 2 advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands, where travelers are also advised to exercise increased caution due to crime rates.