The U.S. State Department has just raised the travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago to Level 3, warning Americans to “reconsider travel” to the Caribbean island due to a growing wave of violent crime, terrorism threats, and rampant kidnappings. The upgrade comes after the government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a nationwide state of emergency (SOE), citing a public safety crisis spiraling out of control.
The SOE, first declared on December 30, 2024, has now been extended through April 2025. Under the emergency declaration, police can arrest individuals without a warrant, search private property without cause, and deny bail to anyone suspected of criminal activity. In other words, rule of law has taken a back seat to chaos.
This isn’t just another island paradise with a crime problem—this is a country rapidly descending into instability. According to the advisory, gang violence and shootings are “regular” in the capital, Port of Spain, and U.S. citizens have already been victims of kidnappings. That includes at least one U.S. legal permanent resident abducted in recent months.
The warning is no joke. Even U.S. government employees stationed in the country are now banned from visiting certain areas, including downtown districts and all beaches after dark. If American diplomats aren’t safe, it’s pretty clear that regular tourists are on their own.
The State Department’s list of travel tips reads more like a survival manual than a vacation planner. Americans are urged to buy emergency evacuation insurance, avoid displaying any signs of wealth, and be especially wary of online dating scams—because, yes, that’s apparently a thing in Trinidad now too.
It’s a reminder that soft-on-crime governance doesn’t just ruin cities—it wrecks nations. While President Trump continues leading the charge for peace abroad and law and order at home, Americans are being reminded once again of the real-world consequences when leaders fail to crack down on gangs, corruption, and violence.
