The two Caribbean islands comprising Trinidad and Tobago offer different experiences. Trinidad boasts a larger size and lively nightlife, appealing to tourists seeking sightseeing and entertainment. In contrast, Tobago exudes traditional Caribbean charm, attracting those looking for a more tranquil ambiance.
While government travel advisories regularly highlight potential risks in the country, most visits to Trinidad and Tobago remain trouble-free. It’s worth noting that incidents of crime primarily affect residents rather than tourists.
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LATEST NEWS from Trinidad and Tobago:
March 8: Visitors to Tobago not impacted by serious crimes
In the past six months, over 89,000 visitors have arrived in Tobago and no serious crimes against any of them have been reported.
The success is attributed to the men and women who work for the Tobago Police Division, specifically the Tourism-Oriented Policing Section (TOPS), for their “steadfast and strategic concentrated patrols.”
A statement released stated that “TOPS officers collaborate with the island’s tourism and hospitality stakeholders. They have even hosted crime prevention seminars and consultations, in addition to helping their counterparts at the Scarborough Police Station and other units.”
Areas to Avoid
Although crime has experienced a substantial reduction in Trinidad and Tobago over the last six months, there are some hotspots travelers should avoid visiting, especially at night.
Do not visit in Port of Spain: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah after dark.
On the other hand, U.S. government personnel are forbidden to visit downtown Port of Spain, Fort George overlook, and all beaches at night.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
According to the U.S. government, murder, robbery, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping are examples of violent crimes that frequently occur in Trinidad and Tobago.
Gang activity is widespread, including drug trafficking. Gang-related crimes make up a sizable portion of violent crimes.
Terrorist groups might target “tourist destinations, transportation hubs, shopping malls, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”
Canada Travel Advisory
The Canadian government also warns its citizens about the dangers of traveling to Trinidad and Tobago. They say that crimes targeting tourists occur regularly, particularly in Port of Spain.
They also say that the number of kidnappings for ransom has increased since 2018. Cruise ship visitors should exercise extreme caution when strolling around Port of Spain’s docks.
In addition, opportunity crimes are more common during the Tobago Jazz Festival, the Christmas holidays, and the annual Carnival celebrations in February and March.
Common Scams
Take note of these potential scams while traveling to Trinidad and Tobago to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the islands.
ATM scams: Be cautious of ATM card slot manipulation, where your card may get stuck. Avoid accepting assistance from strangers and immediately cancel your cards when you cannot extract them from the machine.
Bump and rob incidents: Watch out for thieves who stage minor accidents to lure drivers out of their vehicles, only to rob them. It’s advisable to leave the area and seek assistance elsewhere.
Smash and grab: Keep valuables hidden when leaving them in parked cars.
Aggressive street vendors: Exercise caution when approached by street vendors offering overpriced products. Politely decline if not interested.
Airport scams: There have been reports of travelers followed from the airport to their accommodations and then robbed. Use reputable transportation companies such as Uber and make a detour if you think you are being followed.
Safety Tips for Trinidad and Tobago
Consider the following recommendations for enhanced safety:
- Opt for paid car parks whenever possible.
- Only utilize authorized taxis to return to your accommodation.
- Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly-lit areas.
- Carry only small amounts of cash.
- Refrain from accepting drinks from strangers and keep an eye on your beverage. Ensure all bottles are opened in front of you.
- Moderate alcohol consumption to reduce vulnerability to theft.
- Leave valuable jewelry at home to minimize the risk of theft.
- Travel in groups whenever possible.