Trinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency

The government of Trinidad and Tobago, on Dec. 30, 2024, declared a nationwide state or emergency “based on heightened criminal activity that could endanger public safety.”

As part of the state of emergency, police and military presences have been increased.

Although the state of emergency is new, the U.S. State Department has had Trinidad and Tobago under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning since July 2024. The Canadian government also has the country under a high alert of “exercise a high degree of caution.”

According to the U.S. State Department warning, “Violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping is common.”

Furthermore, the warning states that tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, restaurants, parks and other public areas are all targets that may be attacked with little or no warning.

Though the U.S. State Department alert, Canadian government warning, and the country’s own state of emergency distinguish between the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, the latter is generally considered a safer destination. All of the destinations prohibited to U.S. government workers are in Trinidad.

Several cruise lines have port calls scheduled for Tobago ports this month including Windstar, Oceania, Holland America Line, and Costa Cruises.

TMR reached out to the cruise lines to find out if they’re making any changes.

“We are aware of the recent travel advisory,” a spokesperson for Holland America Line told us. “We are working closely with global security experts and local governments and law enforcement to actively monitor the situation and make decisions that prioritize safety. For now, our itineraries remain unchanged and tours are scheduled to operate as planned. If adjustments are necessary, we will directly notify affected guests and their travel advisors.”

A spokesperson for Oceania said, “Oceania Cruises’ vessel ops team is aware and is looking into potential alternatives.”