Trinidad and Tobago is a vibrant twin-island nation in the southern Caribbean, famous for its spectacular Carnival, diverse culture blending African, Indian, European, and indigenous influences, and stunning natural beauty from tropical rainforests to pristine beaches. Trinidad offers bustling Port of Spain and the world-renowned Caroni Bird Sanctuary, while Tobago delivers idyllic beaches and world-class diving.
Trinidad has elevated crime in parts of Port of Spain and requires reasonable precautions, while Tobago is generally safe and relaxed. Tourists who stick to main tourist areas, use registered taxis, and exercise standard urban caution have positive experiences. Tobago is one of the safer Caribbean islands for visitors.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution in Trinidad due to crime. Tobago has significantly lower crime rates. Avoid specific high-risk areas of Port of Spain including Beetham, Sea Lots, Laventille, and Cocorite especially after dark.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, occurs throughout T&T.
Standard Precautions
There is a high level of serious crime in Trinidad, particularly in Port of Spain. Take care when visiting tourist spots. Exercise heightened vigilance at night.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid poorly lit or remote areas, especially at night
Do not display signs of wealth such as expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash
Stay alert when visiting banks and ATMs
Avoid certain areas of Port of Spain including Beetham, Sea Lots, and Cocorite
Use registered taxis and avoid walking alone after dark
Keep valuables in hotel safes
Be cautious in crowded areas and tourist spots
Register with your country's embassy upon arrival; the US Embassy is in Port of Spain (+1-868-622-6371).
Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar rural areas; roads may be poorly lit and winding.
Tap water is generally safe in urban areas but drink bottled water in rural parts of both islands.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging
Unofficial taxis ('bandits') pose as legitimate taxis and overcharge tourists or worse. Port of Spain has issues with unlicensed operators especially near nightlife areas.
How to avoid: Use registered PH taxis arranged by your hotel, or the InDriver app. Never hail a random car from the street after dark.
Carnival Ticket Scams
Fake or overpriced Carnival fete tickets sold near venues or online. Counterfeit all-inclusive fete tickets sold near events.
How to avoid: Buy Carnival tickets only from official event organisers, their websites, or legitimate authorised agents. Never buy from street sellers.
Beach Chair and Jet Ski Overcharging
Informal operators at some beaches quote one price and charge more, or add unexpected fees. Common at busier beaches.
How to avoid: Agree on prices explicitly before hiring equipment or services. Walk away if prices change.
Friendly Stranger Drug Scams
Strangers offering to show visitors a 'good time' or connecting them with drug dealers. Purchasing drugs is illegal and dangerous.
How to avoid: Politely decline any unsolicited offers from strangers and be firm if persistently approached.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations required. Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended for most travellers. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Dengue fever risk — mosquito precautions essential.
- Water
- Tap water is generally safe in Port of Spain and major urban areas. Bottled water widely available and inexpensive. Use bottled water in rural areas of both islands to be safe.
- Food
- Street food is generally safe and very popular with locals. Avoid unrefrigerated cooked food sitting out in heat. Fresh tropical fruits are safe when washed. Ice in reputable establishments is fine.
- Facilities
- Port of Spain has adequate medical facilities including the Port of Spain General Hospital and several private clinics. Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt. Hope is the main referral hospital. Tobago's Scarborough Hospital handles most needs. Travel insurance with evacuation cover strongly recommended for serious cases.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel is manageable with precautions. Tobago is significantly safer and recommended for solo travellers. In Trinidad, stick to established tourist areas, don't display wealth, and use hotel-arranged transport after dark. Solo female travellers should exercise extra caution. The local population is generally friendly and helpful.
Female travellers
Female solo travellers should exercise heightened caution in Trinidad, particularly at night and in less-touristy areas. Verbal harassment can occur in some areas. Tobago is considerably more relaxed and safer for solo women. Dress conservatively outside beach areas, travel in groups where possible at night, and use hotel-arranged taxis after dark.
Families
Tobago is very family-friendly and generally safe. Trinidad is manageable for families staying in tourist-friendly areas. Beaches and resorts have good safety standards. Children are very welcome throughout both islands and the local population is warm towards families. Keep children supervised at beaches due to currents.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships were decriminalised in 2018 following a court ruling, though the law is sometimes contested and social acceptance varies significantly. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract negative attention, particularly outside tourist areas. Tobago and resort areas tend to be more tolerant. Discretion is advisable in public settings.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 999
- Medical
- 811 (ambulance)
- Embassy
- US Embassy: +1 868-622-6371. UK High Commission: +1 868-350-0444. Canadian High Commission: +1 868-622-6232
- Tourist Police
- Tourism Police Unit: +1 868-625-4616