Trinidad and Tobago Travel Risk

Reconsider travel in Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, health, and terrorism. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

State of Emergency

On March 2, 2026, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a new nationwide State of Emergency (SOE). This is due to a spike in violent criminal activity that could threaten public safety.

During the SOE, the GOTT has imposed the following measures:

• The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service can: Arrest people on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities. Search and enter public and private properties as needed.
• Bail is suspended for those suspected of committing a crime.
• Members of the Defense Force are following similar regulations as the local police.
• There are currently no curfews or restrictions on public gatherings.
• The GOTT will monitor the SOE daily. Restrictions may change with little or no notice.

Although violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago has dropped greatly since 2024 due to security efforts started during the previous state of emergencies, crime remains a challenge throughout the country. Crime rates are lower in Tobago than in Trinidad.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Violent crime and assault

In Trinidad and Tobago, there is a high level of violent crime, including gang-related attacks and shootings. Instances of homicides and armed robberies are common.

Be cautious particularly when travelling in or around:

• downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte street, south and west of Picadilly street, and north of Independence Square)
• Carenage, Sea Lots, Belmont, Laventille, Morvant and Beetham
• Barataria and Cocorite
• the interior of Queens Park Savannah

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Criminals may carry out attacks, ranging from the threat of violence to sexual assault and robbery, kidnapping for ransom, rape and murder. A significant portion of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago is gang-related. You can take precautions against being targeted:

• always be alert to your surroundings - do not wear headphones when out and about
• avoid walking or hiking alone, deserted beaches or isolated areas
• avoid walking at night
• avoid poorly lit or quiet areas of streets or parks
• consider removing expensive jewellery
• keep money, valuables and passports somewhere safe
• park in well-lit areas
• never leave anything in an unattended vehicle
• do not leave bags, purses, handbags, laptops and phones exposed on the seat of a moving vehicle - there have been incidents of items being snatched through car windows
• be careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs or changing money - use well-lit ATMs, withdraw small amounts only and preferably during daylight hours
• keep an eye on your card when making purchases to avoid card skimming
• if you’re staying in a villa, especially in an isolated area, make sure it has adequate security, including external security lighting, grills and overnight security guards
• be cautious about what you post online - social media platforms are increasingly being monitored by criminals
• if you’re attacked or robbed, don’t resist - criminals are often armed, and you can be seriously injured or killed
• if you’re the victim of a violent crime, especially rape, get urgent medical help

Drug assisted robbery and sexual assault

There have been reports of criminals in Trinidad and Tobago using drugs, deception and sexual solicitation, including via dating apps, to facilitate robbery and sexual assault. Victims may be lured and drugged or beaten and robbed. Incidents have occurred in bars, nightclubs, hotels and on city streets, sometimes involving groups working together.

You should:

• avoid accepting invitations from strangers or inviting them to your accommodation
• take care when using dating apps
• keep food and drinks under supervision
• plan travel routes in advance, particularly at night

If drugged, seek local medical attention as soon as possible.

Carnival and other large-scale events

Robberies and opportunistic crime may occur during the carnival period. If you are attending a large-scale event, such as the Carnival celebrations in Trinidad, you should take sensible precautions and always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid displaying jewellery or valuable items that may attract attention of criminals. Practice caution at crowded events and have a clear plan to return home safely after attending any events.

Drink spiking

Avoid accepting drinks from anyone you do not know, and do not leave drinks unattended.

Risk level

Trinidad and Tobago - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to violent crime.

Regional risks

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to high levels of violence and gang-related crime:

• Beetham Estate Gardens
• Cocorite (north of Western Main Road)
• Downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte street, south and west of Picadilly street, and north of Independence Square)
• Laventille
• Sea Lots

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft, occurs in Trinidad and Tobago. Theft can occur at traffic lights or in slow moving traffic.

• Avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas
• Don’t walk alone at night
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or show signs of affluence
• Keep your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• Never leave personal belongings, such as money, credit cards, cell phones and other electronics, unattended
• If possible, stay in hotels or villas with guards and security cameras
• Drive with windows closed and doors locked

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs in Trinidad and Tobago, including:

• armed robberies
• carjackings
• assaults
• sexual assaults
• kidnappings
• murders
• home invasions

Gang-related attacks, gun violence and drug-related crimes occur in Trinidad and Tobago. Weapons have been used on victims who refuse to cooperate.

There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and becoming the victim of gun-related crossfire throughout the country, even during the day. Emergency services’ response may vary.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially around cruise ship docks in Port of Spain and in tourist destinations
• Don’t walk alone, especially at night
• Ensure that your windows and doors are securely locked
• If armed criminals threaten you, cooperate and don't resist

There are robbery rings operating in the country. Some use online dating applications and social media platforms to lure potential victims and schedule meet-ups to assault and rob them. Incidents against foreigners have occurred.

• Be cautious if using online dating apps
• Avoid meetings in isolated locations
• Don’t bring new acquaintances to your accommodations
• Share your plans with a family member or friend, including specifics about who you are meeting and where

特立尼达和多巴哥风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在特立尼达和多巴哥中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。