STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Travelers have been urged to reconsider their trips to a country in the Caribbean.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory for Trinidad and Tobago due to serious risks of crime and heightened risks of terrorism and kidnapping.
In December, the local government declared a nationwide state of emergency due to ongoing criminal activity that may threaten public safety.
Under the state of emergency, the government has implemented the following measures.
- The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has the authority to:
- Arrest people on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities.
- Search and enter public and private properties as needed.
- Bail is suspended for those suspected of committing a crime.
- Members of the Defense Force are following similar regulations as the local police.
- There are currently no curfews or restrictions on public gatherings.
The advisory notes that gang activity and violent crime, including murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion and kidnapping are common in the country.
Americans and other foreign travelers have been recent victims in the spree of kidnapping, the advisory notes.
Those who still elected to travel to Trinidad and Tobago are advised to do the following.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
- Review the Country Security Report for Trinidad and Tobago.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid poorly lit or remote areas.
- Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as cash, expensive watches or jewelry.
- Stay alert when visiting banks and ATMs.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt unless forced into a vehicle or isolated area.
- Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on new information.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business). This is so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you’ll confirm you’re safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you’ll contact first to share the information.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
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