Trinidad & Tobago

Recommended Vaccinations For Trinidad & Tobago

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older travelling to densely forested areas on the island of Trinidad. Vaccination is not recommended for cruise ship passengers and aircraft passengers in transit or travellers whose itineraries are limited to the island of Tobago.

Recommended Medications For Trinidad & Tobago

There are no recommendations for Trinidad & Tobago at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Trinidad & Tobago

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Trinidad and Tobago, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Trinidad and Tobago.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Trinidad and Tobago through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Trinidad and Tobago, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Trinidad & Tobago

Personal Safety

Trinidad and Tobago faces serious crime and safety concerns, particularly on the island of Trinidad. The country recorded 623 murders in 2024, giving it one of the highest homicide rates in the world at approximately 45.7 per 100,000 people. In response to escalating gang violence, a state of emergency was declared in December 2024 and extended through early 2025, though it ended in April 2025. Violent crime includes armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder. Gang activity drives much of the violence, with over 100 gangs operating across the islands and 42 percent of 2024 murders linked to gang rivalries. Most violent crime is concentrated in specific areas rather than tourist zones, but you can encounter crime anywhere, including in daylight hours. Criminals use various tactics including dating apps and social media to lure victims, fake distress to rob people who stop to help, and smash-and-grab theft from vehicles. Armed assaults and carjackings occur on major roads, including routes to and from the airport. Kidnapping for ransom, though less common than in previous years, remains a risk. Pickpocketing and theft are common in crowded areas and at ATMs, with criminals sometimes using magnetic sheets in ATM card slots to capture cards and PINs. The island of Tobago experiences significantly less crime than Trinidad, though isolated incidents do occur. Tourism police and security are present in major hotel areas and tourist districts, but response times vary. Crime tends to affect residents more than short-term visitors who take precautions, though travelers should remain vigilant at all times.

Extreme Violence

Gang-related violence represents the primary extreme violence risk in Trinidad and Tobago. Two major gang factions, Sixx and Seven (also known as Rasta City), maintain control over territory in Port of Spain and surrounding areas, with their rivalry driving much of the country’s violence. These gangs engage in tit-for-tat killings using high-powered weapons including AK-47s and AR-15s, and approximately 180 smaller gangs operate across Trinidad competing for control of drug trafficking and arms trade. Gang violence frequently occurs in public spaces with little warning. In December 2024, gunmen opened fire near a police station in Port of Spain, killing a gang member, which triggered retaliatory attacks that left multiple people dead in the Laventille neighborhood within days. Innocent bystanders are sometimes caught in crossfire or mistaken for targets. Firearms were used in 81 percent of homicides recorded in 2024. The gangs have become institutionalized in certain communities, providing protection and employment to vulnerable populations including increasing numbers of women and youth. Drug trafficking networks fuel the violence, as Trinidad and Tobago’s location near Venezuela and direct flight routes to North America and Europe make it a transshipment point for narcotics. High-powered weapons are smuggled into the country, primarily from the United States. A terrorism risk exists, with groups having terrorist connections known to operate in the country. Attacks could occur with little warning and may target public areas including places visited by foreign nationals. Most extreme violence is concentrated in specific neighborhoods and gang territories rather than tourist areas, but the violence can spill into other locations.

Political Unrest

Trinidad and Tobago maintains a stable democratic system with peaceful transfers of power, but the country has experienced some political tension and public protests. Between October and December 2024, widespread protests erupted over labor disputes, cost of living concerns, and public services. Caribbean Airlines pilots protested over wage payments, electricity commission workers held nationwide demonstrations despite legal challenges, and port workers in Tobago struck over health and safety concerns. The protests reflected mounting frustration with economic inequality, inflation, spiking food prices, and government inaction. A major protest in December 2024 involved trade unions and was sparked by a controversial salary review that gave substantial increases to top officials while offering only four percent to public servants. The state of emergency declared in December 2024 was specifically focused on gang violence and arms seizures rather than political unrest. It did not include curfews or restrictions on public movement, and protests continued during this period. Parliament extended the emergency measures for three months, though they ended in April 2025. Political demonstrations and public assemblies are generally permitted, with applications for protests rarely refused. The constitution guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, and civil society remains active. However, the government has occasionally used colonial-era sedition laws against critics. The political landscape is largely divided along ethnic lines, with parties perceived to represent either Afro-Trinidadian or Indo-Trinidadian communities, which creates social divisions though not violent conflict. Elections are considered free and fair, organized by the trusted Elections and Boundaries Commission. Political violence is not a significant concern for travelers, though you should avoid large gatherings and monitor local media for updates on demonstrations.

Areas To Avoid

Several neighborhoods in Port of Spain and its surroundings should be avoided due to high crime rates and gang activity. Laventille, Morvant, Beetham, Sea Lots, Belmont, and Carenage experience frequent violent crime including gang shootings, robberies, and assaults. These areas have deep-rooted gang presence and are not places for casual visitors. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to these neighborhoods at any time. Downtown Port of Spain becomes particularly dangerous after dark. Specifically, areas east of Charlotte Street, south and west of Picadilly Street, and north of Independence Square are high-risk zones. The southern end of Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street (past the General Hospital) should also be avoided. At night, restrictions for U.S. government personnel extend to all of downtown Port of Spain, Fort George overlook, Queens’ Park Savannah interior, and all beaches. The Beetham Highway presents robbery risks, with criminals forcing vehicles to stop using various tactics then robbing or assaulting drivers. Carjackings and robberies are reported along the East-West Corridor between Piarco Airport and Port of Spain despite increased police presence. Queens’ Park Savannah, while generally safe during weekend food fairs and carnival events, can be isolated and dangerous on weekdays when fewer people are present. Besson Street and Piccadilly Street are also designated as off-limits areas for U.S. government workers. The island of Tobago is significantly safer than Trinidad overall, though some areas in Buccoo, Mount Irvine, and Charlotteville have experienced villa and guesthouse robberies, some violent. Travelers should exercise caution on all beaches, particularly deserted ones and at night. Canadian and UK governments issue similar warnings about avoiding these high-risk areas in Port of Spain and exercising heightened caution throughout Trinidad.