• The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago.
• The agency is recommending travelers “reconsider travel” due to crime, kidnapping, and terrorism.
• The country has been under a state of emergency since December 2024.

To many, the Caribbean is seen as a tropical escape—a place of sun, sand, and relaxation. But that perception is sometimes challenged by travel advisories that warn of increased violence or gang activity. The dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago is the latest to see an increased travel warning from the U.S. State Department. On March 21, the department issued a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” rating for U.S. travelers to the island nation, citing a surge in violent crime.

The warning notes an increase in assaults, robberies, and shootings, stating that “foreigners and a U.S. legal permanent resident have been recent victims of kidnapping.”

The crime levels in the sunny nation have been so bad that Trinidad and Tobago declared a temporary nationwide State of Emergency on Dec. 30, 2024 and then extended the warning on Jan. 13, 2025. There are also specific warnings for travelers who have plans to visit Port of Spain, the nation’s capital on the larger island of Trinidad. Currently, U.S. government employees are prohibited from travelling to certain neighborhoods in Port of Spain.

However, major cruise companies like the Royal Caribbean and Carnival’s Princess Cruises still have plans to stop at Port of Spain in 2025. In that case, cruise travelers are advised to remain within the secured cruise port areas and only join cruise-line sponsored excursions.

Beyond its latest troubles, Port of Spain is world-renowned for its huge annual spring carnival, featuring calypso and Caribbean soca music. Northeast of Trinidad is the tiny island of Tobago, which has wide, sandy beaches and a tropical rainforest framed by mountains.

If you already have tickets to this beautiful nation or must travel to Trinidad and Tobago during the state of emergency, the U.S. State Department suggests enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The STEP will send you alerts from the embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The department also suggests reviewing the Country Security Report for Trinidad and Tobago and buying travel insurance in case you have to be evacuated or need to cancel your trip. In general, travelers should take care when walking or driving at night and avoid poorly lit or remote areas.

For additional help and to prepare for emergency situations, you can review the Traveler’s Checklist or visit the U.S. State Department’s website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.