The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs reissued the document Travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago Americans are warning to reconsider visiting the country due to crime and to exercise more caution due to terrorism and kidnapping.
According to the latest review published on July 2, the two-island country shows no signs of improvement, so the agency decided to leave it at level 3.
The crime situation on the ground is particularly worrying on Tobago, the smaller of the two islands.
Referring to the eleven murders committed on the island so far in 2024, Martin George, chairman of the island’s business chamber, said: citizens undergo a “enveloping storm of crime and violence.”
“While the hurricane [Beryl] would have spared us, we were not spared the scourge of Tobago’s ongoing storm of crime and violence, as we recorded our eleventh murder during our hurricane preparations.
George also lamented that these “absurd” killings threaten the livelihoods of locals and their beloved tourism industry, on the same day the US government advised its citizens to consider the potential dangers of visiting this country.
The government site also listed some areas in Port of Spain, the country’s capital, where U.S. officials are not allowed to enter. These include Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite and the interior of Queen’s Park Savannah.
After dark, U.S. personnel are not allowed to visit downtown Port of Spain and Fort George Overlook, as well as any beaches.
This is actually a problem for American travelers, as consular assistance will be limited if you run into trouble in any of the places where officials are not allowed to travel.
Unfortunately, violent crimes such as murder, assault, home invasion, theft, assault and kidnapping are common, says the US government.
Most of these crimes are drug trafficking and gang related. Terrorist attacks on tourist hotspots and government locations can also occur at any time.
“Gang activity such as narcotics trafficking is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.” is the advice.
A safe journey is still possible if you take some important precautions. For example:
- There is no point in physically resisting a robbery attempt.
- Monitor local news for important events and make your tourist plans accordingly.
- Only use ATMs in banks or shopping centers.
- Pay extra attention when driving or walking in the dark, even in tourist areas.
- Don’t trust people you meet through dating apps or social media platforms.
- There is no need to show signs of wealth. Don’t make yourself a target.
The last important recommendation will always be to consider registering in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive updates on the situation in the country and make it easier for authorities to locate you in an emergency.
