Heightened concerns over terrorism and crime have prompted U.S. officials to advise against travel to a popular Caribbean destination.
This comes as both the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. State Department updated their level three travel advisory on Thursday, urging Americans to reconsider trips to the area due to increased risks.
The advisory specifically states, “Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime,” and it warns of a “heightened risk of terrorism.” Certain areas pose greater risks than others, as highlighted in the advisory.
For those who do choose to visit, the notice specifies areas to avoid, particularly at night. These include Port of Spain Beaches, Downtown Port of Spain, Fort George, and Queen’s Park Savannah.
Despite these warnings, Trinidad and Tobago, with its vibrant towns like Port of Spain, remains a popular spot, drawing hundreds of thousands of American visitors annually.
Many Trinidad and Tobago towns, especially Port of Spain, attract hundreds of thousands of Americans each year.
But in the first three months of this year, the islands saw more than 60 killings, reported Fodor‘s. Last year, there were more than 330.
Several Americans have already been caught up in violence on the islands in the last year, including at least three who lost their lives.
Christopher Brown, 43, was stabbed and killed in a remote Trinidad fishing village in November. The US Embassy has now updated its travel advice urging tourists to stay away from the Caribbean island
Trinidad and Tobago have long been a hotspot for American tourism with hundreds of thousands of visitors from the US each year
The US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago recently renewed its travel advisory warning citizens against traveling to the islands
Kawandy Dixon, 38, was shot while attending a family funeral in Enterprise, Trinidad on September 7, according to a GoFundMe set up by his family.
Dixon was a father of three and a resident of Jamaica, New York, reported the Queens Chronicle.
US citizen Rahiem Elijah Thomas, 24, was shot and killed in Belmont on September 8, according to WIC News.
In November, Colorado resident Christopher Brown was stabbed in a remote fishing village in Trinidad after getting dinner and drinks with his friends.
The 43-year-old had allegedly split from his group to purchase marijuana. He was found with multiple stab wounds and a ‘metal object’ protruding from his back, the Daily Mail previously reported.
According to the US State Department, threats of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago are driven by ‘the return of individuals who traveled or attempted to travel to Syria or Iraq to join ISIS.’
Trinidad and Tobago’s government declared a state of emergency at the beginning of March because of the sudden spike in ‘violent criminal activity.’
However, the embassy noted that violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago has dropped significantly since 2024 ‘due to security efforts started during the previous state of emergencies.’
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Kawandy Dixon, 38, was a resident of Jamaica, Queens. He was shot while visiting Tobago for a funeral
Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on March 2 due to a sudden spike in violent crime
The US first declared a state of emergency for American travelers to Trinidad and Tobago in 2024 following a rise in gang violence.
The embassy urges anyone traveling to the islands to exercise increased caution.
It is recommended that US travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, refrain from displaying signs of wealth, and stay alert at all times.
‘Do not physically resist any robbery attempt unless forced into a vehicle or remote area,’ added the release.
US government employees are prohibited from visiting Piccadilly, Besson and South Charlotte Streets as well as Laventille and Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite and the interior of Queen’s Park Savannah.
The Daily Mail contacted the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago and the US Department of State for comment.
