U.S. State Department Ups Travel Warning for Popular Caribbean Island

The U.S. State Department is warning travelers to think twice about visiting Trinidad and Tobago due to a state of emergency.

The Level 3 travel advisory came just days ago, with the State Department imploring Americans to reconsider traveling to the Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela.

"Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to serious risks from crime," the travel advisory states. "There are also heightened risks of terrorism and kidnapping."

The move comes after the government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a nationwide state of emergency on Dec. 30, 2024. The ongoing criminal activity, the State Department states, could threaten public safety. The state of emergency has been extended until next month.

Due to the state of emergency, officials in Trinidad and Tobago have suspended bail for those accused of committing a crime. Officials also have the authority to arrest people suspected of illegal activities. 

Related: US Travelers Get Official Warning About 23 Countries

"Violence and shootings occur regularly in soe areas of Port of Spain," the travel advisory states.

The heightened risk has forced the U.S. government to prohibit U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago from traveling to Port of Spain.

Some common crimes includes murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion and kidnapping. The State Department says foreigners and a U.S. legal permanent resident have been recent victims of kidnapping.

The travel advisory comes just weeks after the State Department warned Americans about trips to 23 different countries.

Recently, the U.S. Department of State updated the Turks and Caicos Islands to a Level 2 advisory, due to crime concerns. Turks and Caicos is a popular destination, especially for spring breakers, so travelers are urged to "exercise increased caution."