The two Caribbean islands include Trinidad and Tobago offer different experiences. Trinidad has a larger size and a lively nightlife, appealing to tourists looking for sightseeing and entertainment. Tobago, on the other hand, exudes traditional Caribbean charm and attracts those looking for a more tranquil atmosphere.
Although government travel advisories regularly highlight potential risks in the country, most visits to Trinidad and Tobago remain problem-free. It is worth noting that crime incidents mainly affect residents and not tourists.
LATEST NEWS from Trinidad and Tobago:
March 8: Visitors to Tobago are not affected by serious crimes
More than 89,000 visitors have arrived in Tobago in the past six months no serious crimes one of them has been reported.
The success is credited to the men and women who work for the Tobago Police Division, particularly the Tourism-Oriented Policing Section (TOPS), for their ‘steadfast and strategically concentrated patrols’.
A released statement said that “TOPS officials are working with tourism and hospitality stakeholders on the island. They have even organized seminars and consultations on crime prevention, in addition to helping their counterparts at Scarborough Police Station and other units.
Areas to avoid
Although crime in Trinidad and Tobago has declined substantially over the past six months, there are some hotspots that travelers should avoid, especially at night.
Do not visit in Port of Spain: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah after dark.
On the other hand, US government personnel are prohibited from visiting downtown Port of Spain, Fort George views and all beaches at night.
Official travel advice
US Travel Advisory – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
According to the US governmentMurder, robbery, assault, home invasion and kidnapping are examples of violent crimes that commonly occur in Trinidad and Tobago.
Gang activity is widespread, including drug trafficking. Gang-related crimes make up a significant portion of violent crimes.
Terrorist groups could target “tourist destinations, transportation hubs, shopping centers, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports and other public spaces.”
Travel advice for Canada
So does the Canadian government warns its citizens about the dangers of traveling to Trinidad and Tobago. They say crimes against tourists are common, especially in Port of Spain.
They also say that kidnappings for ransom have increased since 2018. Cruise ship visitors should exercise extreme caution as they stroll through the port of the Spanish port.
In addition, opportunistic crimes are more common during the Tobago Jazz Festival, the Christmas holidays and the annual Carnival celebrations in February and March.
Common scams
Be aware of these potential scams as you travel to Trinidad and Tobago to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the islands.
ATM scams: Be careful with ATM tampering, which can get your card stuck. Do not accept help from strangers and cancel your cards immediately if you cannot get them from the machine.
Bump and robbery incidents: Beware of thieves who stage small accidents to lure drivers out of their vehicles, then rob them. It is advisable to leave the area and seek help elsewhere.
Smash and Grab: Keep valuables hidden if you leave them in parked cars.
Aggressive street vendors: Be careful if you are approached by street vendors offering overpriced products. Politely decline if you are not interested.
Airport scams: There are reports of travelers being followed from the airport to their accommodation and then robbed. Use reputable transportation companies like Uber and take a detour if you think you are being followed.
Safety tips for Trinidad and Tobago
Please note the following recommendations for increased safety:
- Choose paid parking where possible.
- Only use authorized taxis to return to your accommodation.
- Avoid walking alone in remote or dimly lit areas.
- Only take small amounts of cash with you.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers and keep an eye on your drink. Make sure all bottles are opened for you.
- Moderate alcohol consumption to reduce vulnerability to theft.
- Leave valuable jewelry at home to minimize the risk of theft.
- Travel in groups as much as possible.
