Trinidad and Tobago : Safety by City
Trinidad and Tobago sounds like two destinations because, well, it is—two very different islands, one country, and a personality split that keeps things interesting.
Trinidad brings energy, industry, and an urban pulse.
Tobago delivers beaches, reefs, and slower island rhythms.
Together, they sit at the southern edge of the Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela, giving them a cultural blend that leans as much toward South American as toward island tropical.
Their history is layered, shaped by Indigenous roots, Spanish and British rule, African and Indian heritage, and a long dependence on oil and gas.
Economic swings, political tensions, and regional trafficking routes have all played roles in the crime challenges the country faces today.
In recent years, Trinidad and Tobago has declared multiple states of emergency in response to spikes in violent crime, events that can directly impact travel plans and daily movement.
About 375,000 people visit annually, including roughly 50,000 cruise passengers.
Travelers come for Carnival, steel pan music, rainforest hikes, leatherback turtle nesting, diving, birdwatching, and Tobago’s laid-back beaches.
The appeal is real, but so are the risks.
Before planning a trip or booking a cruise stop, it’s important to understand the safety landscape so expectations, itineraries, and decisions match reality.
Warnings & Dangers in Trinidad and Tobago
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
There's a medium risk in Trinidad and Tobago, mostly related to ongoing violent crime issues that include some top tourist spots.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
This is another medium risk. Only use private taxis and avoid any taxi that is unmarked or minibuses, as both have safety concerns. Driving yourself is a bad idea, with a surge in accidents and fatalities in recent years. Don't drive at night, no matter what.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
This is a high risk, especially since places known to attract tourists are prime targets. That includes the beaches, downtown Port of Spain, and Queen's Park Savannah. Don't display signs of wealth and try to look as humble (aka poor) as possible.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Trinidad and Tobago face seasonal risks from heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, especially during the wet season from June through December. While direct hurricane strikes are rare, outer storm bands can still bring strong winds and flash flooding. Earthquake risk is low but present due to regional fault lines. Weather disruptions are more inconvenient than dangerous for most travelers. Treat it as a medium risk during the hurricane season.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
This is a high risk, and that goes as much for busy tourist spots as for remote waterfalls. There really isn't a part of the country where violent crime is limited. We go into more detail about the most dangerous spots later in this article.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Treat this as a medium risk since terrorist groups are known to operate within the country. While it's not the biggest concern here, it's part of the vigilance you need if you insist on visiting Trinidad and Tobago.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk, with financial and romance scams being all too common. Be careful trying to meet people on social media or dating apps; it's usually a bait to rob you (or worse).
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Women face a medium risk, but can experience harassment and unwanted attention, especially when traveling alone. Don't go out at night alone. In fact, it's better to limit all travel to daylight hours.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water in Trinidad and Tobago is generally treated, but quality and reliability vary by region. Water shortages are common, especially during the dry season, and supply interruptions can affect pressure and cleanliness. Many locals rely on bottled or filtered water; we suggest you do the same and treat this as a medium risk, mostly because you can never be sure the water is safe to consume.
Safest Places to Visit in Trinidad and Tobago
The official tourism agency for Trinidad and Tobago is Tourism Trinidad Limited for Trinidad and the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) for Tobago.
Even though it’s one country, there are two websites, one for each island.
- Trinidad: Visit Trinidad — visittrinidad.tt
- Tobago: Visit Tobago — visittobago.gov.tt
While the most dangerous parts of Trinidad and Tobago aren’t the tourist attractions, you can’t let your guard down there.
Please know that we’re highlighting some of the top attractions here, but we cannot vouch for their safety, considering how rampant crime has been.
In Trinidad, much of the appeal centers on Port of Spain, where visitors explore Queen’s Park Savannah, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the National Museum.
We do want to note an increase in crime in Savannah, and it should be avoided at night or on weekends when there aren’t as large crowds.
The island is also known for its rainforests and wildlife, with Asa Wright Nature Centre standing out as one of the Caribbean’s top birdwatching destinations.
Maracas Bay and Las Cuevas offer popular beach escapes, while Pitch Lake, the world’s largest natural asphalt deposit, delivers one of the country’s strangest and most fascinating natural sights.
Tobago leans more toward traditional island tourism, with calmer beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back coastal towns.
Pigeon Point Beach, Nylon Pool, and Buccoo Reef attract snorkelers, swimmers, and boat tours.
Inland, Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and sweeping island views, making it a favorite for ecotourism and birding.
Scarborough provides cultural sites, historic forts, and a glimpse into everyday island life.
Carnival, steel pan music, culinary festivals, diving, turtle nesting tours, and rainforest adventures round out the experience.
Places to Avoid in Trinidad and Tobago
I recommend reading the full advisory from the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Usually, Canada gives the most specific details about places to avoid, down to street level.
However, Australia really nailed this one.
The advisories collectively suggest avoiding:
- Downtown Port of Spain after dark
- The Port of Spain docks
- Queens Park Savannah
- Caranage, Sea Lots, Belmont, Laventille, Morvant, and Beetham
- Barataria & Cocorite
Australia also goes as far as to list some tourist areas where armed attacks have happened, including popular tourist sites.
Here’s a look at that list:
- Englishman’s and King Peter’s bays, Fort George, La Brea Pitch Lake, and waterfalls
- Beaches, including Maracas, Las Cuevas, and Grafton beaches
- Outside hotels
- Bars and nightclubs
- Supermarket parking lots
- Shopping malls
- Banks
Also, avoid being too embarrassed or intimidated to get help if you get hurt during a violent crime.
Not only do you need the evidence, but HIV/AIDS is widespread in Trinidad and Tobago.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Trinidad and Tobago
- Trinidad and Tobago’s police force is the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). Dial 999 or 911 for emergencies. Response times vary depending on location, time of day, and call volume. In urgent situations, hotel staff can often help escalate calls faster than going it alone.
- There’s no nationwide emergency alert system for travelers, so most warnings come through local news, radio, government social channels, and hotel communications. During storms, flooding, or security lockdowns, hotels and tour operators are usually your fastest source of updates.
- Visitors can drive using their home license for a short stay, but renting a car isn’t recommended. Carjackings and roadside robberies are common, especially after dark and in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- No mandatory vaccines are required for entry, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine immunizations are strongly recommended. Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are present, so mosquito protection matters.
- Sandflies are common on many beaches and deliver bites that itch far more than mosquito bites. Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, avoid sitting directly on sand, and rinse off after swimming. Lightweight long sleeves and beach blankets help, especially at dawn and dusk when sandflies are most active.
- English is the official language, and communication is easy for most travelers. Trinidad and Tobago also has rich local dialects and expressions, but visitors won’t struggle to navigate daily life. From airport signs to menus and transportation, English is widely spoken, understood, and used in all tourist-facing services.
- Limit who you interact with on social media and dating apps. Organized robbery rings have used online platforms to lure travelers into fake meetups that end in assault and theft. Avoid sharing travel plans publicly, don’t meet strangers in private settings, and treat online connections with caution.
- Criminals have posed as police officers during robberies and home invasions. If stopped, ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car number. Cooperate calmly, avoid confrontation, and request a clear explanation of the alleged offense. If something feels off, contact your hotel or embassy as soon as safely possible.
- Water shortages are common, especially during the dry season from January through May, and outages can last hours or even days. Hotels often store backup water, but pressure may drop unexpectedly. Keep bottled water on hand for drinking and hygiene, and expect occasional disruptions to showers, laundry services, and restaurant operations.
- Some laws surprise visitors. Public cursing is illegal and can lead to fines or even short jail sentences. Drug penalties are strict, and public intoxication can also cause problems. Respecting local laws, customs, and social norms keeps interactions smooth and avoids unnecessary legal headaches during your stay.
So... How Safe Is Trinidad and Tobago Really?
There are some destinations where high crime rates might be overinflated, but not Trinidad and Tobago.
First, let’s start with the government advisories.
The United States lists the entire country at Level 3: Avoid Non-Essential Travel.
That’s the second highest on a four-tiered scale.
At the same time, Canada and Australia list the country at Level 2: Exercise a High Degree of Caution.
Canada does put some regions around the Port of Spain at Level 3.
All that said, each travel advisory details the violent crime risks in Trinidad and Tobago.
What I think is most important is that Trinidad and Tobago officials have declared a state of emergency as of July 2025.
That’s directly due to the out-of-control violent crime rates.
I would encourage anyone to use caution and do additional updated research before considering a trip or cruise stop here.
The violent crime risks aren’t something to balk at.
Even if you don’t experience any violence, the additional security could make you feel uneasy or like you can’t explore as much as you’d like.
How Does Trinidad and Tobago Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Trinidad and Tobago | 43 |
 Barbados | 80 |
 Mauritius | 80 |
 Sweden | 83 |
 Myanmar | 39 |
 Oman | 76 |
 Timor-Leste | 48 |
 Azerbaijan | 51 |
 Angola | 48 |
Useful Information
Visas
With the unstable climate in Trinidad and Tobago, it's best to check the most recent updates on the Ministry of National Security website to get visa information. As of this publication, visas are required for stays longer than 90 days, and your passport must be valid for six months past the day you arrive.
Currency
Trinidad and Tobago uses the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD). Credit cards work at major hotels, chain restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still widely needed, especially for taxis, street food, and small vendors. ATMs are easy to find in cities, but are limited in rural areas. Carry smaller bills and avoid flashing large amounts of cash.
Weather
Expect hot, humid weather year-round, with temperatures usually in the 80s. The dry season runs from January through May and is the most comfortable time to visit. June through December brings heavier rain and hurricane season, though direct hits are rare. Short downpours are common, so lightweight rain gear and flexible plans go a long way.
Airports
Piarco International Airport in Trinidad handles most international flights, while ANR Robinson International Airport serves Tobago and regional routes. Flights often connect through Miami, New York, Toronto, Panama City, or London. Inter-island flights are short, but schedules can shift, especially during weather disruptions, so buffer time is smart if you’re planning tight connections.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Trinidad and Tobago, especially due to crime-related risks, flight disruptions, and limited medical facilities outside major cities. Choose coverage that includes medical care, evacuation, trip interruption, and theft protection. If you’re cruising, confirm your policy covers both onboard care and emergency treatment ashore.
Trinidad and Tobago Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| Low °C |
23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 |
| High °F |
86 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 86 |
| Low °F |
73 | 73 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 |
Trinidad and Tobago - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Port of Spain | 50 |
T & T is not a Paradise anymore
I am a Trinidadian now living in the USA. I remember a time when I could go to a club on Saturday night, leave the club at 2AM and head into St James for some food. We would hang out and eat until about 4AM and then head to the beach. Las Cuevas beach was the spot because there was a back “road” (muddy 4-wheel necessary track) that we used to get directly onto the beach. On the beach, we’d get a 1-2 hour nap before heading into the water. My girlfriend (now my wife) and our friends did this for years and never had an incident. Those were the great old days!!
I’m older now, my mom is retired and still lives in Trinidad and my wife and I visit every 3 years. The last time we went to Trinidad (Nov. 2017), my mom had a List of Dos and Dont’s for us. She felt that it was time we accepted the reality that Trinidad was not the home we once knew and loved. Here is the list:
Do’s
1. Purchase T&T Currency from Bank or friends and family only.
2. Borrow, rent or hire a car while in country to travel – do not use public transportation.
3. Pay attention to all around you at all times.
Dont’s
1. Do not use public transportation.
2. Do not go out after 10PM or stay out after 10PM.
3. Do not go to beach before 8AM and stay pass 4PM.
4. Do not us U.S. currency to purchase anything in Trinidad – always buy with T&T currency.
5. Do not wear jewelry while walking the streets.
6. Do not carry a handbag or wallet. Always keep monies spread about your body – some in your pocket, your underwear, your shoes, your bra, etc.
7. Do not use cell phone excessively on the street – it’s distracting.
8. Do not leave anything of value in plain view in your vehicle.
9. Do not park on the street – Use paid parking lots or garages.
It has it good areas and bad areas like every country.
I used public transportation while I was there for a month and when I was there for three weeks again. Never hired a taxi. Nothing happened. I used my handbag but did not walk with a lot of money and left important papers home. I just had my money in my bag. Yes, do not wear expensive jewellery. Blend in with your look. A lot of people are very paranoid especially older people. Are there thousands of criminals roaming the streets. Just be cautious as you would be in New York city. Like everywhere else in this world there are areas where I would never go. Find out where those areas are.
Fun Rejuvenating
I was there in Feb 2016 for three weeks…I had no issues..santa cruz, st james..stay in familiar areas or roll with ppl from there that are not into trouble n u shld be just fine.
Marrying a lady from Trinadad and relocation
Hello I am Musa by name from Nigeria please there is something i want know is their ladies setting people up? Because i have been dating a lady online and she is disturbing me to come to Trinadad and marry her but i told her am not going to stay there she said we will stay together in Trinidad. I need your advise please
Take Some Care
Trinidad and Tobago are two very different islands. If you’re travelling from a sanitised European or North American type city then you may be surprised at how dirty and run down a lot of places are. This is common to both islands.
I keep reading that public transport is not safe, but I assume this advice refers to Maxi Taxis – just Maxis – which are a bit on the rough side and as a white traveller I often got funny looks, but never any travel. If you want a taxi, then your better phoning someone who is recommended although I have used street cars as well with no problems. Buses between the major conurbations of San Fernando, Chaguanas and Port of Spain are good and cheap. They are mostly air conditioned an quite comfortable. There is also a water taxi service between Port of Spain and San Fernando which is quick and reliable.
Travelling between Trinidad and Tobago is cheap and easy either by a very short flight or a ferry crossing of about 3 hours. The ferry is extremely dirty and often unreliable. It is either late or doesn’t go at all, which is very frustrating.
I never experienced any crime. Murder rates are extremely high, but they are mostly restricted to gangs in depressed areas. The biggest problem I suffered on that side was aggressive beggars.
There are people constantly trying some form of scam on you, but if you are sensible this can be avoided.
Food, particularly street food is amazing in this country thanks quite a diverse range of cuisines. Pubs and bars are a lot of fun whether you partake in alcohol or not and are relatively inexpensive.
If you’re reasonably sensible and keep your wits about you, Trinidad and Tobago is a great country to visit. People are generally friendly, helpful and very welcoming.
Keep your wits about you and you’ll have a great time
bad info to tell people you be fine… don’t tourist Trinidad
My brother and sis in law were murdered in their home in Tobago a few year so we will NEVER visit
To us IT IS NOT SAFE
A twin island state of confusion
Not sure why anyone will choose Trinidad for a vacation.
They are trying too hard to be like Miami and the food there is mediocre. People are not friendly. Service is not in their culture and everything is a joke to them.
There are many islands in the Caribbean but none such as this twin-island state.
Thisis very true . Citizen.
I live here and if i had a choice i would not. Carnival is violent especially leading up to the events. Locals are robbed . Killed by other citizens and this is to get money to attend parties.
misleading review just be cautious
Unfair rating the fact that Honduras is rated safer to travel speaks for itself….doe with it problems Trinidad and tobago is generally safe for tourist just know the does and donts
be cautious after dark
Always travel with a register taxi or in groups
No reported terrorist attack has taken place in over 29 years
A more realistic view
The “Warnings & Dangers in Trinidad and Tobago” part is accurate except for the Terrorism part.Once folks stay away from the Hotspot areas and take the same safety precautions you would take in any other country, you’ll be fine. Aside from crime , you have to deal with archaic, poor and slow customer services with Government offices (immigration and legal affairs specifically), lack of freedom and privacy in general , expensive hotels that aren’t worth it and ridiculous prices in some restaurants and most supermarkets .T&T makes up for all of this with their cuisine,music and culture. A melting pot of nationalities and highly creative people.
Its bad but not this bad
Some of the details in this article are exaggerated, i live in Trinidad and it’s not bad. There are a few bad spots but there’s no reason to go there, our fenders and taxi drivers aren’t scam artists and you’re safe to take a car passing on the road as long as it has an H on the number plate, Also there has never been a terrorist attack in this country for the 20 years I’ve been living here and majority of the murders that take place are gang related so tourists have nothing to worry about.
Do more research and get your facts right.
OMG, I cannot believe this write-up. Granted that crime has taken a surge, albeit a small surge, it is in no way as the writer as described us. I have lived here for 59 years and still feel quite safe. Wow, wish some people who tend to write or be “influencers” get their facts right. What terrorist attack have we had?? and then to say that Honduras is safer…. well please. Go do the math. Talk to foreign celebrities who have come and will continue to come for our Carnival.
hello there we are planning to visit T & T coming year can you please guide which place in T & T is better to stay /
stay where you are.
Exaggerated...
Been in Trinidad 2 times for work. Although I didn’t explore that much I didn’t feel unsafe at all and I would take any chance I can to go back there! I stayed in PoS but spent most of my time in Chaguana, went out for lunch, strolled around and no one was trying to scam me or anything. I did a trip to Maracas beach and same there, no one tried anything on me. For people heading there for business trips I would recommend to arrange for a driver picking you up at the airport, the hotel you’re staying should be able to help you with that.
The only thing preventing me from putting 5 stars is the fact that people did advice me not to wonder around when it was dark and to be cautious about my surroundings.
Finally, thanks Trinidad for the hospitality!
Sigh
They don’t sell mandarin oranges at grocery stores.
You can only find cute boys in the rich neighborhoods.
Too much crime like jeez chill.
No concerts from international artists. BOO.
Pollution. Need I say any more?
Creepers. Aw man.
Some druggies on the streets which give me the heebie jeebies.
That’s not even the tip of the iceberg tbvh
ANDRE IS WRIGHT
SURE I THINK I WILL GO TO TRINIDAD AND I SHOULD SAY ITS MEDIUM SAFE,OK
BAD NEWS
You Could be kidnapped as a tourist and human smuggled through Venezuala. but apart from that, have a good time!
High crime
T&T has changed within the years. It is not as safe as it use to be. Crime has increased drastically.
Trying too hard to be Miami.
If you want a cultural experience then you will have to venture towards the rural areas in the South of Trinidad.
The North is pretentious and tries too hard to be Miami. It’s an island that screams “LOOK AT ME” It’s a status-driven society whose identity changes like the tides that kiss its shores.
Tobago is great for birdwatching but the beach bums are a filthy nuisance. Visitors are viewed as targets and not treated with a warm safe welcome.
The Caribbean is a lovely place to visit but not Trinidad and Tobago. Good luck.
It’s not safe
I’m a Trini and I can say that Trinidad is not a safe place. Too many murders and gangs fighting for turf. Too many innocent people getting murdered and robbed. If gang was killing gang then ok but gangs killing innocent people just for walking in their neighborhood. If you living in south you can go to laventille it’s like Peter paying for Paul. You can’t even go out once it gets dark in Trinidad. Trinidad is a war zone. This is 2022 and I’m not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel for Trinidad.
Had no trouble there
Been to both Trinidad and Tobago in 2018, travelling alone. Only after booking I realized how high crime in that nation is, which made me a bit anxious, almost regretting my decision.
In Tobago I rented a car, and explored the western half of the island by car. Made some friends among the German and Austrian expats there and had a good time. Never felt threatend at all in any way. Locals as well as expats were friendly and helpful, the other tourists were mainly honeymooners from Trinidad, because I was traveling outside of tourist season. Food was good and quite affordable.
Before going over to Port of Spain, I had asked everyone that seemed trustworthy about where to go or not to go in the capital, and they warned me of some places.
When arriving in Port of Spain I also asked my taxi driver, which was a friendly, helpful and trustworthy guy and the manager of the small hostel in Woodbrook where I stayed about safety concerns and they again warned me of some places, Laventille, etc.
Heeded their advice and explored Downtown, Woodbrook, Queen’s Park Savannah Area and part of Saint James by foot and on my own without going too far east. Never felt threatend in any way, and everyone I ever met was friendly and genuinely helpful. Actually been to a lot of places with a much safer reputation and got into more scary situations (Cambodia, Bali). Had some excellent street food (Trini as well as Jamaican). Never went out late at night – not after 9 or 10 pm. Never got drunk or otherwise intoxicated.
Overall it was a short, but very enjoyable vacation and I am determined to return to T&T at some point in the future.
Not sure if I was just lucky, or if the precautions I mentioned are enough just enough to make the travel experience a safe one. Not sure if things have changed in the four years.
Thank you ill be going solo soon
No Exaggeration!
Not exaggerated
I know first hand from a friend and his wife were shot in front of their kids in an attempted robbery and car theft. He was shot in the neck and she was shot in the abdomen. All suffered from trauma and stress thereafter.
I’ve always been drawn to Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and festivals, and this safety rundown was a reality check in a good way. The honest notes on petty crime and road safety helped me think through how to stay aware without overthinking every minute.