Trinidad and Tobago Travel Safety

Precautions

Remain highly vigilant in Laventille, Beetham Gardens and at popular tourist sites such as Fort George, La Brea (Pitch Lake) and Las Cuevas Beach, where criminals have targeted foreigners. Avoid unpopulated areas, such as scenic lookouts, especially after dark. Avoid visiting isolated and unpatrolled beaches due to the risk of crime. On certain beaches, security is only provided from 8 AM to 6 PM. Ensure that your personal belongings, passport and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not carry large amounts of cash or show signs of affluence. If possible, stay in hotels or villas with guards and security cameras. Drive with windows closed and doors locked, since thefts can occur at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Home invasions are common. If you are staying in either private or commercial accommodations, you should be aware of your surroundings at all times and ensure that windows and doors are securely locked. There is little visible police presence in most areas of Trinidad. Ensure that your personal belongings, passport and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas, especially after dark.

Road safety

Road conditions are good on highways on the island of Trinidad, but less so on secondary roads, particularly in the mountainous northern region and on the island of Tobago. Security presence has increased on either side of Trinidad's Beetham Highway. If you get encounter difficulties along this route, do not stop until you see a patrol car or reach the nearest police station.

Public transportation

All official public transportation vehicles have licence plates starting with H. Public buses are painted red, white and black. The airport is served by the Airport Taxi Drivers. These taxis are not shared. Make sure to establish the rate before driving away. Fares increase after 10 PM. After dark, only use registered taxis. Taxi services from hotels are more expensive than public or route taxis. Route taxis are shared cars that stop to pick up or drop off passengers. An official route taxi licence plate starts with H. Fares must be posted in the taxi, and the driver will display his taxi badge. Maxi-taxis are painted white with two coloured bands that indicate the area they service. Fares are posted on the door or at the front of the maxi-taxi, and the driver will display his taxi badge. Ferries inter-island ferry operates between Trinidad and Tobago. A water taxi operates between Port of Spain and San Fernando. Purchase tickets at water taxi terminals.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Trinidad and Tobago, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:pay careful attention when your cards are handled by others, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or busines, savoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

Crime

Petty theft and other crimes of opportunity tend to increase during the annual Carnival celebrations in February or March and during the Christmas holidays. Violent crime, including armed robberies, assaults and sexual assault, occur frequently on the island of Trinidad, especially in the capital, Port of Spain. Tourists have been targeted. Cruise ship passengers should be very careful when walking around the docks in Port of Spain. Shootings, kidnappings and other gang- and drug-related violence occur.

Terrorism

here is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:public gatherings and festivals, such as Carnivalgovernment buildings, including schools,places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, diplomatic missions, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places and exercise caution. Carnival: The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is an annual event held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The Carnival draws a large number of visitors. Crowding at key sites may attract pickpockets and bag snatchers.

LGBT

Male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. There is legislation in place that bars LGBT individuals from entering the country. In practice, these laws are rarely enforced and there is growing local support for LGBT rights. However, public displays of affection between same sex couples may attract negative attention.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. Most vehicles are right-hand drive, but left-hand-drive vehicles are permitted and identified as such. Persons found guilty of drinking and driving, face heavy fines. Police use randomly placed roadblocks on major roads to check for drunk drivers and use breathalysers to test drivers on the spot. Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers.