Violent crime
Violent crime is common, including against travellers and expatriates. Incidents include:
Gang and drug-related crime is also common. Hot spots for violent crime include:
- downtown Port of Spain, especially at night
- the docks
- Caranage, Sea Lots, Belmont, Laventille, Morvant and Beetham
- Barataria to the east, Cocorite to the west and everything in between
- inside Queens Park Savannah
Attacks, including with firearms, have also occurred at:
- popular tourist sites, including 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 car parks
- shopping malls
- banks
To protect yourself from crime:
- always be alert to your surroundings
- avoid jogging/walking alone in any area, especially at night, and avoid using headphones
- avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas after dark
- stay somewhere safe with good security
- only use ATMs in hotels, shopping centres or other controlled areas during the day
- be mindful of who’s around you when using ATMs
- don’t carry large amounts of cash or show signs of affluence
- never leave personal belongings, such as money, credit cards, cell phones and other electronics, unattended, especially on beaches.
If you’re attacked or robbed, don’t resist. Criminals are often armed, and you can be seriously injured or killed.
If you’re the victim of a violent crime, especially rape, get urgent medical help. HIV/AIDS is widespread in Trinidad and Tobago.
Road crime
You’re at risk if you ride in a shared route or maxi-taxi. They pick up extra passengers, putting your safety at risk. Private taxis and taxis affiliated with major hotels are safer options.
Robberies, assaults and carjackings targeting travellers are common. Always drive with windows closed and doors locked. If you have car troubles, try to get to a safe location before getting help.
Hot spots include:
- Lady Young Road
- Beetham Highway and Churchill-Roosevelt Highway
Gangs have followed cars leaving Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport to rob travellers at their destination.
To reduce your risk of violent crime:
- arrange transport from the airport in advance
- use hotel vehicles, taxis affiliated with major hotels or private taxis
- don’t share taxis or use public transport
- avoid travelling alone, especially at night
Petty crime
Petty crime, including bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars, is common. Take care at all times.
Thefts and robberies rise in the lead-up to Christmas. This trend continues until the end of Carnival, in February or March.
To prevent theft from your vehicle:
- lock doors and close windows, even when moving
- keep valuables out of sight
- park in secure car parks
Kidnapping
Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Scams and fraud
Financial scams are common in Trinidad and Tobago.
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don’t comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information: