Traveler Toolkit
Trinidad & Tobago Country Security Report
Trinidad & Tobago Country Security Report
Published: September 16, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advisory and Trinidad and Tobago International Travel Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: 15 Queens Park West, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Tel: +868 622-6371; Regional Security Office: +868 822-5927
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0730 – 1630.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The Port-of-Spain Country Chapter launched in 2017 and meets on an as-needed basis.
Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should reconsider travel in Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, health, and terrorism.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port of Spain as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, indicating that widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country; local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The Government of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) continues to face challenges in its effort to reduce crime. This includes an overburdened legal system with antiquated laws, bureaucratic resistance to change, corruption, unemployment in marginal areas, disenfranchised youth, the negative influence of gangs, drugs, weapons, and an economic recession. Through multiple States of Emergency and an influx of domestic and foreign support for anti-gang operations, crime has decreased significantly across the islands with reductions in murders over 40 percent and serious reported crimes over 30 percent since 2024. Crime rates are lower in Tobago than in Trinidad.
Violent crime remains a concern for local security services and the general population. Many locations will require cash or debit card. Exercise caution with using U.S. credit cards. If using a credit card, ensure that it stays in your sight. Criminals have been targeting individuals leaving banks and ATMs after withdrawing money. Exercise caution and situational awareness when doing so. Do not withdraw large amounts of cash from banks or ATMs. Instead, consider cashing a check or conducting an electronic transfer.
The crime emergency line in Trinidad and Tobago is 999. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Although violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago has dropped greatly since 2024 due to security efforts started during the previous state of emergencies, crime remains a challenge throughout the country. The Government of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) continues to face challenges in its effort to reduce crime. This includes an overburdened legal system with antiquated laws, bureaucratic resistance to change, corruption, unemployment in marginal areas, disenfranchised youth, the negative influence of gangs, drugs, weapons, and an economic recession.
Violent crime remains a major concern for local security services and the general population. Many locations will require cash or debit card. Exercise caution with using U.S. credit cards. If using a credit card, ensure that it stays in your sight. Criminals have been targeting individuals leaving banks and ATMs after withdrawing money. Exercise caution and situational awareness when doing so. Do not withdraw large amounts of cash from banks or ATMs. Instead, consider cashing a check or conducting an electronic transfer.
The Global Organized Crime Index is a tool designed to measure levels of organized crime in a given country and assess its resilience to organized criminal activity. The most recent index ranks Trinidad & Tobago 87 out of 193 worldwide for criminality, with 1 being the worst possible ranking; and 83 out of 193 worldwide for resilience, with 1 being the best possible ranking.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Crime is one of the most significant security concerns in Trinidad and Tobago, with gang-related violence, kidnappings, robberies, and homicides primarily affecting urban areas, though criminal activity and violent incidents also occur in suburban and rural communities across both Trinidad and Tobago. The country recorded one of the highest totals ever documented nationally at 624 homicides in 2024, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency due to escalating gang violence and organized criminal activity. Authorities extended emergency measures into 2026 as officials assessed that criminal networks continued to pose a significant threat to public safety. Gang-related activity is estimated to account for a substantial percentage of murders nationwide.
Homicide levels have reduced significantly. As of August 2026, approximately 224 murders have been recorded, with shootings, robberies, kidnappings, and burglaries trending slightly downward compared to that in 2025 and greatly reduced from 2024. Trinidad and Tobago is trending to have the lowest number of homicides in fifteen years. Criminal activity is frequently linked to disputes between organized gangs, retaliatory attacks, and trafficking networks between Trinidad, Venezuela, and Caribbean narcotics routes. Public concern regarding crime remains high. While reported crime observed during periods of heightened security operations, violent crime is geographically widespread across Trinidad. Criminal access to illegal firearms, regional drug trafficking routes, and organized gang activity continues to be key drivers of instability and elevated security risks.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago.
Kidnapping is generally targeted and particularly occurs in gang-related and organized criminal activity. In 2025, authorities reported several high-profile kidnapping cases, including the abduction and rescue of a woman who was reportedly held for eight days and the September 2025 kidnapping of the Caribbean Airlines pilot, Captain Daniel Kawall. There is an ongoing risk of kidnapping for ransom and other criminal activities which contributed to the nationwide State of Emergency in March 2026.
Travelers and personnel should maintain a low profile, avoid displaying signs of wealth, avoid high-crime areas, and limit travel after dark. Although the kidnapping risk indicator was removed from the Travel Advisory, kidnapping continues to be identified as a form of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dial 623-6793 for the kidnapping hotline.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port of Spain as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Given the crime rate and weaknesses in border control, there remains an ongoing concern that potential terrorists or terrorist organizations could use T&T as a transit point. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and places of worship. Parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas are also potential target areas for terrorists.
There are also links to Latin American-based transnational criminal organizations that may also be classified as terrorist organizations. These groups often operate in and traffic illicit goods through Trinidad, fueling local violence. The country’s southern border, which is approximately 10 miles from the Venezuelan coast, remained porous and vulnerable to illegal migration, drug trafficking, and human trafficking and smuggling. Venezuelan organized criminal organization and designated terrorist organization Tren de Aragua has been known to exploit this proximity for the transit of personnel and material. Trinidad and Tobago has reaffirmed its commitment to combat narcoterrorism in the region.
Trinidad and Tobago receives international attention due to its history as one of the largest per-capita sources of foreign terrorist fighters traveling to Syria and Iraq to join Islamic State (ISIS) during the 2010s. Authorities have not reported any successful terrorist attacks in Trinidad and Tobago during 2025 or thus far in 2026, though the government maintains counterterrorism measures to include monitoring extremism, strengthening border security, and counterterrorist financing regulations.
There are also international travel advisories warning of potential terrorist threats. In May 2025 and in April 2026, the U.S. Department of State advised travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime, kidnapping, and terrorism concerns. Also, noting that terrorists may target public venues, transportation hubs, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, places of worship, schools, and major public events. These warnings reflect global terrorism risk assessments. The country’s proximity to regional trafficking routes, historic foreign terrorist recruitment, and ongoing concerns regarding transnational crime makes counterterrorism a priority for authorities.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port of Spain as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a parliamentary democracy governed by a prime minister and a bicameral legislature. The island of Tobago’s House of Assembly exercises a degree of administrative autonomy over local affairs. Parliamentary elections were held on 28 April 2025, resulting in a victory for the United National Congress (UNC). UNC leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, replaced the People’s National Movement (PNM) government led by Keith Rowley and later Stuart Young. Local media observers considered the elections generally free and fair.
Protests & Demonstrations
The law provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, and the government generally respects these rights. Protests during election season are typically uncommon. Visitors should avoid political rallies.
All demonstrations require a permit and police approval in advance. Police typically provide appropriate coverage. Protests usually take place in or near the Parliament building downtown, outside the Prime Minister’s Offices in St. Clair, or along the Savannah. Avoid all demonstrations, which can turn violent at any time.
Public demonstrations and peaceful protests in response to crime, economic concerns, government policies, and political developments were common in Trinidad and Tobago throughout 2025 and 2026. Discourse was centered around implemented states of emergency in response to gang violence and organized crime while authorities granted power to security forces. Labor groups, advocates, and opposition politicians publicly criticized the emergency regulations, detention parameters, and civil liberties. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain a civic environment overall and demonstrations are generally peaceful with limited violence. Security risks associated with protests are usually dependent on crowd congestion, transportation disruptions, and opportunistic crime rather than large-scale unrest.
There are currently no curfews or restrictions on public gatherings.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There are no concerns about anti-U.S. sentiment in T&T.
Law Enforcement
The Ministry of Homeland Security oversees two major divisions: police and immigration. TTPS, with almost 8,000 police officers and Special Reserve Police, maintains internal security. The Ministry of Defense overseas is the defense force and is responsible for external security but also has specific domestic security responsibilities under the current State of Emergency. The Coast Guard is responsible for maritime border security in places with no official ports of entry. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There have been credible reports that members of the security forces committed some abuse.
In recent years and in response to citizen concerns, the government of T&T has bought additional police cruisers, constructed and renovated police stations, recruited new officers, and made efforts to improve police customer service. Several TTPS units use dashboard cameras, which support the TTPS goal of continuing to earn the trust of members of the public through honesty, transparency, and accountability. TTPS plans on purchasing and distributing body cameras for frontline officers. Despite many positive steps in combating the high crime rate, TTPS continues to struggle with corruption among its ranks.
Police Response
Police response depends on the location and number of officers assigned to the area. The Port of Spain area sees a high volume of vehicle patrols and occasional horse-mounted patrols. Police can be flagged down for immediate response, contacted through 999, receive a report at a police station, or contacted via the TTPS smartphone application.
Durning states of emergency, TTPS can arrest individuals suspected of involvement in illegal activities and authorize them to search for and enter public and private property when necessary. Bail is suspended for individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses and the Ministry of Homeland Security can issue Preventative Detention Orders (PDO) to incarcerate individuals without due process. Members of the Defense Force are operating under regulations similar to local police.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Trinidad and Tobago’s road safety is primarily governed by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act (MVRTA) and the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations (MVRTR). These laws are set for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
Trinidad has modern four-lane highways and one controlled-access highway. The speed limit on major highways is 100 kilometers per hour. Road quality decreases quickly on secondary roads. Rural roads are narrow, in poor repair, and often have deep drainage ditches on either side of the road. Avoid nighttime travel if possible, other than on major highways. Roadside assistance exists but is extremely limited and may be subject to lengthy delays.
Trinidad & Tobago drivers use the left side of the road, but there is no prohibition on importing left-side drive vehicles. Local law requires the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets.
The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited unless used with a hands-free device. Drivers who are caught talking on a cellular telephone without a hands-free device are subject to fines.
There is an increased police presence on Beetham Highway due to robberies, which are a common occurrence when drivers are stopped in heavy traffic. There have been no recent reports of robberies on that stretch of highway, but it continues to be considered a dangerous road for stopped vehicles. Avoid stopping in this area.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Traditional, non-shared, marked taxis are not common in T&T. Uber is no longer active in T&T, but some local residents use a rideshare application. Private taxis are available at airports and major hotels, but they are unmetered and unmarked. Agree on a fare in advance. Many local residents use “private hire” taxis, often referred to as PH taxis. This is not a registered or recognized service. It is common for criminals to portray themselves as a PH taxi, pick up passengers, take the occupant(s) to a remote area to rob or sexually assault the occupant. Avoid PH taxis, as well as small buses and vans (Maxi Taxis). Route taxis, which pick up additional passengers, have plate numbers beginning with the letter “H.” Use only full-sized inter-city buses for travel between cities. Crimes (e.g., rapes, assaults, robberies, thefts) have taken place in taxis. Taxis have also caused serious traffic accidents by swerving across several lanes to pick up or discharge passengers.
The Piarco Airport Taxi Cooperative Society (868-669-1689/0282) provides service to and from the airport. Taxis are located outside the arrival area, and drivers wear a white shirt, black or blue trousers, and sport a yellow photo identification pass.
U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are not allowed to use public transportation due to safety risks.
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of T&T’s air carrier operations.
The Piarco International Airport (POS) is a hub for Caribbean flights. Airport services may be slow or not up to U.S. standards, but there are no concerns for safety or scams. T&T police and Airport Authority officers appear throughout the airport. Private security is located in the parking lot areas to assist in an emergency.
There have been reported incidents of criminals following travelers arriving to the airport to their destinations.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
There have been reported cases of piracy. Yacht owners traveling in and out of Trinidad & Tobago should submit their float plans with their coordinates to TTCG. For emergencies, reach the TTCG headquarters at 868-634-1476 (MRCC – Maritime Operations Command Centre).
OSAC members have reported instances of fishermen fishing in close proximity to oil rigs in the ocean, which presents a safety concern. The fishermen usually depart before TTCG can respond.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Trinidad and Tobago, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago.
Corruption is a problem at many levels of government. Opaque public procurement processes are a concern. There are allegations that some politicians and ministers have close relationships with gang leaders and facilitate procurement and contracting of road, bridge, and construction projects to companies owned and operated by criminal enterprises. The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not enforce the law effectively, and officials sometimes engage in corrupt practices with impunity.
If arrested or detained, request that authorities notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. If possible, contact the U.S. Embassy directly or ask family and friends to notify the embassy on your behalf. Dual nationals of Trinidad and Tobago and the United States are not entitled to consular notifications but may be requested.
Detention facilities may have limited access to essential medications and medical care. Detainees often experience difficulty obtaining prescribed or over-the-counter medications and may be delayed medical treatment. Food provided in detention facilities is generally of poor quality, with poor nutritional standards.
Health Concerns
Medical care is significantly below U.S. standards for treatment of serious injuries and illness, with limited access to supplies and medications. Adequate private medical care available in Port of Spain is not up to the standards of industrialized countries and is substandard in the rest of the country. Patients requiring blood transfusions must arrange for others to donate at least the same amount of blood on their behalf. Physicians and nurses have gone on strike, which has adversely affected public and private medical services.
Ambulance services are widely available but have slow response times due to low availability and high demand. Ambulances provide basic life support services with some moving toward advanced life support capabilities.
- Dial 811 for emergency services
- Dial 999 for police
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, indicating that health risks are present, including current disease outbreaks or crises that disrupt a country’s medical infrastructure. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Measles cases are rising. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Stay up to date on all routine vaccines for the following; Chickenpox, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Influenza, Polio, and Shingles. Other common vaccines for Trinidad and Tobago travel include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. If rabies exposures occur while in Trinidad and Tobago, rabies vaccines are available.
Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC T&T Traveler’s Health and World Health Organization Travel Advice).
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Bring a supply of medications for at least three months. Trinidad & Tobago pharmacies do not honor prescription written by a U.S. doctor.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Trinidad & Tobago Water and Sewage Authority reports that municipal water is potable, but contamination of the supply after leaving the treatment plants has been known to occur. Trinidad & Tobago maintains that the potable drinking water meets the World Health Organization standards. Nevertheless, it is advisable that all water used for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, or cooking be filtered or bottled.
Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, especially if the seal is intact. Tap water is not safe to drink. Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. Unsafe water is known to cause diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago.
Monitor local developments, especially during rainy and hurricane seasons. The five most common weather events and natural disasters are coastal flooding and rough seas, earthquakes, heavy rainfall and flooding, landslides, and tropical storms. Coastal flooding is common from June to December on the eastern and southern coasts. Expect high tides and beach erosion. Earthquakes in T&T are generally minor in nature but can occur at any time of the year. Heavy rainfall is common during rainy seasons from June to December. Landslides occur from June to December and are common in mountainous areas. Tropical storms are common from June to November, with peaks in August to October.
Review OSAC’s report, Landslides: What Are They and How to Prepare.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
Trinidad and Tobago experienced multiple attacks on government systems in 2025 and 2026. Because of consistently weak security infrastructure, many of these attacks were successful at accessing sensitive information, including government records. Private firms in T&T have also reported cyberattacks on payment processing and employee information systems. Threats and incidents include critical vulnerabilities, fraud, malware abuse, phishing, and supply chain compromise. Organizations operating in Trinidad and Tobago are recommended to maintain updated security infrastructures, be prepared for complex intrusion attempts, provide awareness and training.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
T&T remains on the U.S. Trade Representative's Special 301 Report Watch List. Significant problems exist with the protection or enforcement of intellectual property rights (IP) and market access for persons relying on intellectual property protection. T&T's Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and Telecommunications Authority (TATT) report updating legislation, raising public awareness of IP laws, and collaborating with law enforcement to enforce legislation. An Illicit Trade Task Force operationalized IP rights protection in optical disc piracy and IPO and TATT partnered with the Attorney General's office to ban illegal streaming devices (commonly referred to as "Android boxes.") Despite these developments, TATT has not followed through on pledges to act on USTR's leading concern, enforcing concessions agreements currently violated by the two state-owned telecommunications networks.
Import/Export Restrictions
There are no import/export restrictions. Some foreign investors report problems when their interests conflict with those of competing state-owned enterprises or locally based companies with political influence.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.