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Travel warning issued for spring break destination
The U.S. State Department recently issued a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. The alert comes as the islands prepare for spring break visitors. Most crime in the British Overseas Territory, located in the Atlantic Ocean nearly 600 miles southeast of Miami and just south of Bermuda, occurs on the Turk and Caicos' main island of Providenciales, and local police may have limited investigatory resources, according to the State Department.
The U.S. government is warning citizens against travel to a Caribbean island because of serious crime, terrorism and kidnapping risks.
According to the U.S. State Department, foreigners and a U.S. legal permanent resident have been recent victims of kidnapping in Trinidad and Tobago, an island nation known for its beaches and Carnival celebrations.
Why does the US say not to travel to Trinidad and Tobago?
The backstory:
On Dec. 30, 2024, the Trinidad and Tobago government declared a nationwide state of emergency because of crime and threats to public safety. The state of emergency has since been extended through April 2025.
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The State Department says violent crimes are common in Trinidad and Tobago, including murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion and kidnapping. Authorities say most of the violent crime there is gang-related.
Maracas Beach in Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo by: Edwin Remsberg/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Officials said criminals target a variety of places, often without warning. Those places include tourist hotspots, airports, markets, shopping malls, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, churches, parks, schools and major sporting and cultural events.
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U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are banned from traveling to certain areas of the Port of Spain on the island because of ongoing violence and shootings.
What is Trinidad and Tobago doing about violent crime?
During the state of emergency, the Trinidad and Tobago government has the authority to:
- Arrest people on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities.
- Search and enter public and private properties as needed.
- Suspend bail for those suspected of committing a crime.
There are currently no curfews or restrictions on public gatherings.
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What to do if you’re traveling to Trinidad and Tobago
What you can do:
The State Department recommends the following steps if you are traveling to Trinidad and Tobago:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Purchase travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
- Review the Country Security Report for Trinidad and Tobago.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid poorly lit or remote areas.
- Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as cash, expensive watches or jewelry.
- Stay alert when visiting banks and ATMs.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt unless forced into a vehicle or isolated area.
- Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on new information.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations.
- Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the State Department’s website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business). Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
The Source: This report includes information from the U.S. Department of State.