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Trinidad And Tobago
- Travelers to Trinidad and Tobago face risks associated with petty and violent crime, including assaults and armed robberies, especially in isolated areas and known crime hotspots in parts of Port of Spain.
- Use ATMs in secure locations (e.g., inside hotels or reputable establishments) to minimize the risk posed by express kidnappings, where victims are temporarily abducted to withdraw cash from ATMs.
- The country is prone to natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding, particularly during the rainy season from June to December.
Risk Factors
- Travelers can be affected by the prevalence of petty and opportunistic crime; the risk of petty crime is higher at night and near popular beaches and well-populated areas. Avoid walking alone at night.
- Beaches should be visited during daylight hours; avoid isolated beaches due to the risk of muggings and sexual assault. Exercise caution or avoid Englishman's Bay and King Peter's Bay in Tobago due to their remote location, limited security, and reports of incidents.
- Kidnap for ransom, though rarely affecting foreign nationals, could pose a risk to any individual perceived as affluent.
- Crime risks are elevated during the annual Carnival celebrations in February, holiday periods and in specific areas such as downtown Port of Spain, Fort George, and Queen’s Park Savannah.
- Violent crime, including murder, robbery, and kidnapping for ransom, is a significant concern, though such incidents are related to gang violence and do not target foreigners. However, nightclubs and hotels popular with foreign travelers have experienced shootings connected to gangs.
- The risk of violent crime is higher in Port of Spain’s districts of Laventille, Morvant, and Barataria, and Beetham due to gang activity.
- Travelers should be particularly cautious on isolated beaches and remote areas, where muggings and violent crimes are reported. If confronted, do not resist a robbery attempt, as it is more likely to escalate to violence.
- Road safety is a concern due to inconsistent driving standards and poorly maintained vehicles. The use of seat belts is mandatory, and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless hands-free.
- Public transportation varies in reliability and safety. Small buses known as ‘Maxi-taxis’ operate throughout Trinidad, but are unreliable and generally not recommended for travelers.
- Taxis should not be hailed off the street. Instead, arrange “tourist taxis” through a reputable hotel or by visiting an official taxi rank. These taxis can be recognized by the letter H on the license plate. All other forms of taxis should be avoided due to safety and crime concerns.
- Several ride-share apps (e.g., TT Rideshare and Drop) provide a safer alternative to hailing unregulated taxis and are available in major areas like Port of Spain and San Fernando.
- Trinidad and Tobago is located outside the principal hurricane belt but can still experience tropical storms and heavy rainfall due to the passage of major hurricanes, which can lead to flooding and landslides.
- The country is located in an active seismic zone; while no significant natural disasters have occurred, concerns persist due to poor infrastructure.
- The air quality in urban areas can deteriorate due to pollution and may affect individuals with respiratory conditions.
The risk of civil unrest to travelers is generally low but can increase during labor strikes or political protests, particularly in urban areas like Port of Spain.
Key protest locations include Woodford Square, Queen's Park Savannah, and government buildings. Monitor alerts for developments and bypass any large gatherings.