Government Of Trinidad And Tobago In The Caribbean Declares Nationwide State Of Emergency. US Releases Security Alert
State of Emergency in Effect for Trinidad and Tobago.
US Embassy In Trinidad, Tobago - The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, a dual-island Caribbean nation located near Venezuela has released a security alert: State of Emergency in Effect for Trinidad and Tobago.
U.S. Department of State/Travel: Trinidad and Tobago: "The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has declared a nationwide State of Emergency based on continued criminal activity that could endanger public safety.
The Police Service has the authority to arrest individuals on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities and search and enter public and private premises as necessary.
Bail provisions are suspended for those suspected of committing a crime. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to specific areas outlined in the full alert:"
January 17, 2025, Security Alert: SOE Update
Location: Trinidad and Tobago
Event: State of Emergency in Effect for Trinidad and Tobago
On December 30th, 2024, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a nationwide State of Emergency (SOE) based on continued criminal activity that could endanger public safety. On January 13th, 2025, Parliament extended the SOE by three months.
During the SOE, the GOTT has imposed the following measures:
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has the authority to:
Arrest individuals on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities
Search and enter public and private premises as necessary
Bail provisions are suspended for those suspected of committing a crime
Members of the Defense Force are operating under similar regulations to the TTPS
At this time, no curfew or restrictions on public assemblies are in effect
The GOTT will monitor the SOE daily, and restrictions may change with little or no notice.
U.S. citizens in Trinidad and Tobago should expect an increased police and military presence. As a reminder, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the following areas: Laventille (including Picadilly Street and Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street), Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah and must avoid the following places after dark:
Beaches
Downtown Port of Spain
Fort George
Queen’s Park Savannah
Please see the State Department’s complete country information page here .
Actions to take:
Cooperate with local authorities during their SOE-mandated activities.
Monitor reputable news outlets and official Trinidad and Tobago government updates.
Carry your ID at all times.
U.S. Citizens seeking travel to the United States must have a valid U.S. passport.
Note: Borders remain open to Trinidad and Tobago. U.S. Citizens traveling should visit Trinidad and Tobago’s country specific page.
Please tell your U.S. citizen friends and family to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (step.state.gov ) so that they may receive these alerts and updates too.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Port of Spain
15 Queen’s Park West
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Emergencies: + (868) 622-6371, then press 1; Email: acspos@state.gov
Non-Emergencies + (868) 235-4500; Email: TrinidadandTobago.ACS@gdit-gss.com
Website: tt.usembassy.gov or follow on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram
Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada
1-202-501-4444 from other countries or
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP ) to receive security updates