The United States has maintained its Level 3 travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, urging travellers to reconsider visiting this country due to ongoing crime concerns and what it described as a heightened risk of terrorism.
In its latest update issued on Monday, the US State Department authorities noted that while there was no change in the overall advisory level, adjustments were made to the advisory’s contents.
The “kidnapping” indicator was removed, while a new area of “increased risk” was added and the advisory summary updated.
The advisory comes against the backdrop of a nationwide state of emergency (SoE) declared by the Government on March 2.
The updated advisory acknowledged that violent crime has decreased significantly since 2024, following security initiatives introduced during previous states of emergency.
However, it stated that crime remains a persistent challenge across the country, with rates generally lower in Tobago than in Trinidad.
It said US government employees stationed in Trinidad and Tobago are prohibited from travelling to several high-risk areas in Port of Spain.
These include Laventille, Piccadilly Street, Besson Street, and parts of Charlotte Street, as well as communities such as Beetham, Sea Lots and Cocorite, and the interior of the Queen’s Park Savannah at any time.
Additional restrictions apply at night, including downtown Port of Spain, beaches near the capital, Fort George, and the Queen’s Park Savannah.
The advisory also highlighted the potential risk of terrorist activity, including possible attacks, and directs travellers to review additional security information provided by US authorities.
Beyond security concerns, the advisory warned of limited healthcare services in rural areas across both islands.
Travellers were urged to exercise increased caution, noting that access to routine and emergency medical care may be restricted in these regions.
The advisory recommended US citizens enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrolment Program (STEP) to receive updates and facilitate emergency contact.
Additional guidance includes avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas, remaining vigilant in public spaces, and refraining from displaying signs of wealth.
Travellers were also cautioned about the risks of online scams, particularly those linked to dating platforms, and were advised to remain alert when using banks and ATMs.
It also warned Americans about the ongoing state of emergency in T&T.
The last advisory update was on May 7, 2025, and reflected the end of a previous state of emergency, which concluded on April 13, 2025, but maintained the Level 3 status due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping risks.
On March 4, 2026, a security alert was issued by the US Embassy in Port of Spain to warn citizens about the latest nationwide SoE declared by the Government due to a spike in gang-related violence.
Trinidad has been at the Level 3 Advisory since November 2022.
—AB
