Trinidad still dangerous as new travel warning issued

Trinidad and Tobago is still under a nationwide state of emergency, which came into effect on March 3. International visitors to the country can expect an increased police and military presence.

The US Embassy in Trinidad & Tobago explains the state of emergency was declared over “a spike in violent criminal activity, mainly carried out by members of organised criminal gangs.”

For around 10 of the last 14 months, Trinidad and Tobago has been under a state of emergency, with the last one ending January 31.

In December 2024, amid a surge of gang violence and murders, a state of emergency was also declared. That state of emergency was reinstated again.

Travel officials have warned while the state of emergency is in effect, security forces have increased rights, without warrants, to conduct searches of persons and property and arrest and detain persons of interest.

Specific areas travellers are told to avoid all non-essential travel, due to high levels of violence and gang-related crime, include: Beetham Estate Gardens, Cocorite (north of Western Main Road), Downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte street, south and west of Piccadilly Street, and north of Independence Square), Laventille and Sea Lots.