VACATION hotspots were recently added to the US travel advisory list as Americans are urged to ‘reconsider travel.’
The two islands in the Caribbean continue to pose a serious threat to American tourists.
3
3
3
The US Department of State extended its advisory that travelers “exercise extreme caution” when visiting the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
Other islands, such as Bali in Indonesia, have level two travel advisories due to terrorism and national disasters.
The advisory in Trinidad and Tobago comes after its government issued a nationwide state of emergency due to crime on December 30, 2024.
Due to the state of emergency, the US added the islands to its travel advisory list.
The initial addition was only meant to last through April 2025, but has been extended as travelers continue to risk serious crime in some regions of the islands.
Trinidad and Tobago are now at a level three out of four warning for visitors.
The violent crime on the islands includes murder, robbery, assault, home invasion, and kidnapping.
“Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common,” the US Department of State wrote in the advisory.
“A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.”
US government employees are prohibited from travelling to particular areas on the islands, such as Laventille, Piccadilly Street, and the Downtown Port of Spain.
The advisory warns that foreigners and a US citizen have recently been kidnapped on the islands.
Government officials say victims are being targeted at tourist hotspots, including airports, markets, shopping malls, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, churches, parks, schools, and major sporting and cultural events.
“Criminals have used dating apps and social media to lure victims to locations where they are mugged and beaten,” the travel advisory states.
“Some have alleged distress to rob victims who stop to help them. Others have contacted victims for fraudulent online sales schemes.
“Exercise caution at isolated waterfalls and beaches in Tobago due to muggings. Violent home invasions have occurred in Tobago, in particular in the Mt. Irvine, Buccoo Bay, and Bacolet areas. ”
The advisory warns that criminals may use copied house keys to break into a home.
Tourists are urged to make sure any rental homes have adequate 24-hour security.
Officials also note that the tourism industry is not well-regulated, meaning that the
Since declaring a state of emergency, island officials can arrest individuals suspected of illegal activities.
Law enforcement officers can also search and enter public and private properties and suspend bail for those suspected of committing a crime.
Anyone traveling to the islands should learn where the nearest US Embassy is and exercise proper caution.