I was robbed of a very expensive gold chain and money. Tourists are more at risk of petty crimes and pickpocketing than anything. The information on the Beetham highway is the only Trini-specific useful piece of information I see here, and those incidents do not occur nearly as often as implied here. Stay home Becky Suewhite supremacy doesn't grip the world as it once did. Service is not in their culture and everything is a joke to them. Have you ever visited Trinidad or Tobago? To find out more about earning the "Safe travels" stamp for your tourism business in Tobago, contact the Tobago Tourism Agency limited atdestination@tobagotourism.org. It provides them with the most adequate measures that they can implement to reinforce destination safety and Happy travels! Before you travel, check the 'Entry. I would never advise anybody against coming to TT. And to the persons saying they're going to Jamaica its no different. Re: Tobago Travel Safety. DROP is the most popular ride-sharing app on the island and is considered a safe way to travel around, but women should also download the app PinkCab before arriving. Is Trinidad and Tobago safe for tourists? At night, don't travel to unknown areas and avoid walking around Port of Spain. There is hardly any foreigners visiting the island as the 2008 financial crisis hit the island hard, then the Tobago arm of government shot themselves in the foot when they stopped foreigners from purchasing land based on Xenophobia. Killed by other citizens and this is to get money to attend parties. He said that he is a policeman and had just come from a training session in Canada and was also waiting for a ride to his home not too far from the airport. Is Trinidad and Tobago Dangerous? The most common time for pickpocketing is around Carnival, when thousands of people pour into the streets of Trinidad. They are mostly air conditioned an quite comfortable. According to the World Bank, Trinidad experiences 38.57 incidents of violent crimes per 100,000 people, when the global average is about 7 incidents per 100,000 people. Ambassador will Complain to the Prime Minister to look into this crime. I travelled around Australia and New Zealand by myself, never felt threatened or was the victim of any crime. I left fifty years ago, born and bread in POS ,Wrightson RD and then Charles Street POS. It was an attempted kidnapping of my wife. Most visits to Tobago are trouble-free and incidents of violent crime are rare. Transportation is a problem as well, especially if you stay outside of Port of Spain. 8. Apart from this, street vendors and cab drivers might try to cheat you and rip you off if you are not careful. People are not friendly. No. I'm a white American and I have been in love with Trinidad for many years. Almost 40,000 peoplevisit each year. Trinidad and Tobago is a country definitely not known for safety and you should take into consideration both the high rate of petty crime as well as the high murder rate in this country. Well show you everything you need to know before heading to Trinidad for your next Caribbean vacation. Women may be frequently catcalled by men on both islands. Everything was just fine, no problems. In 2018, the homicide rate in Jamaica was 47 per 100,000 residents and that number increased more than 3 percent in 2019. was three times higher than the rest of Central and South America and the Caribbean, but 70 percent of all crime is linked to the drug trade. I and this whole country needs to seek refugee status in 1st world countries such as usa, canada and uk. Used to roam all the major pan yards in the build up to carnival. It is clear that satanic rituals are still practiced in these islands --the reflections of satanic worship are reflected in the faces and lifestyles of.these savages. This article is completely sensationalized and draws on crimes that may have happened over a 20 year period and make isolated incidents in some areas sound like regular occurrences. Then came crime and drugs, astonishing. Not a pretty sight Often, dogs being kept as pets aren't being treated the right way either: they are seen as tools to keep would-be robbers at bay, not as family companions. Yes Trinidad & Tobago is not in a good position right now and we should have been the Dubai of the Caribbean. But dont come in expecting a safe place to paradise and explore. My husband and I lived in Tobago for close to five years, from 2003 to 1007. They mostly belong to the older generation. Not sure if things have changed in the four years. Is Tobago Safe To Travel | Teesnature hello there we are planning to visit T & T coming year can you please guide which place in T & T is better to stay /. | Safety Concerns, The Best & Worst Times to Visit Trinidad in 2023. But dont worry our travel experts have done the hard work for you. Trinidad is more like the East End of London and Tobago in that comparison is much more like the Scottish Highlands. Other countries are more measured in their advice for citizens. They will steer you and your guests in the right direction. The last time we went to Trinidad (Nov. 2017), my mom had a List of Dos and Donts for us. If you are coming, know the risks and have guides, travel in groups and be aware it is a bit risky. The island occasionally experiences natural disasters such as landslides and earthquakes. I go to Trinidad for one month every year and have never been robbed or swindled. Britannica. A 2015 BBC report was widely criticized by St. Kitts and Nevis authorities for naming this Leeward Islands nation "the most violent place on earth." Potential concerns include: There have been many incidents in the past where foreigners were targeted for those crimes because criminals assume (often rightly) that foreign citizens will be a more lucrative target than locals. Travelling between Trinidad and Tobago is cheap and easy either by a very short flight or a ferry crossing of about 3 hours. Avoid using shared taxis, especially when youre by yourself. People are only proud to say they are a Trinbagodian only when it is Carnival or a Soca artiste makes it on the international forum. Trinidad and Tobago is a paradise to me. Not sure if I was just lucky, or if the precautions I mentioned are enough just enough to make the travel experience a safe one. 2) Who has been robbed by the PitchLake.. Like who?? Robert Curley is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in Caribbean Island and Rhode Island travel. Smh go to a beach, see local flora and fauna? Share your story below. For those good folk that believe in Bible prophecy just take into consideration the accounts of what Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 24. You Could be kidnapped as a tourist and human smuggled through Venezuala. Hurricanes have hit Trinidad and Tobago in the past, though rarely, and severe storms are common. The people are no lon\ger wanted even in other parts of the Caribbean--they are so nasty and racist that they mock the East Indian religion and people and call it carnival. Granted that crime has taken a surge, albeit a small surge, it is in no way as the writer as described us. ! I am east Indian and experiencd racism my whole life here. The island looks lovely but we have come across a few double murders, attacks and other crimes against tourist in both Trinidad and Tobago. Last April, when Pat George, 70, wanted to take his family on vacation, he chose the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of St. Maarten. I am polish citizen and I have been working in Trinidad and Tobago for the past two years in Oil and Gas industry. Check out Kerry's Nice & Sweet on fb and Instagram for the best quality AND reasonably priced wedding cakes and catering on the island. Im older now, my mom is retired and still lives in Trinidad and my wife and I visit every 3 years. South Sudan Born and raised trini and I love meeting and talking to foreigners!.. There are good people there, and as for tricks , have you gone or dealt with most Nigerians Trinidadians is at the bottom of the list in tricks. Living here in Trinidad for 30 years, I can say that the article have some truths to it but there are also exaggerations. It is not as safe as it use to be. Once local industry stakeholders are willing to follow through and adopt the practices outlined in the document, they too can be awarded use of the "Safe Travels" stamp to use for their own businesses. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I have been to trinidad last xmas. A place where locals and tourists tend to co-exist in an easy equilibrium, with everyone frequenting the same beaches, bars and nightclubs, Tobago's overall . I left Trinidad about 46 years ago. Blend in with your look. The State Department has a list of 35 countries with the highest risk of kidnapping for its citizens, and Trinidad is unfortunately on that list. Crime has increased drastically. Save. Safe Travels Tobago | Tobago I've travelled all over the world including Egypt and Turkey and felt a lot safer than when I travel to my home country. Yes, Trinidad and Tobago as a worsening crime situation. The police were dressed in police uniforms. What to Know Before You Visit, U.S. I am in my sixties and reside in the US. I live in TRinidad and see and experience that it is a dangerous place, corrupt, and little opportunity, the weather is terrible, the beaches have become very polluted, the people are mostly rude, uneducated, mean, nosey ( maco), expensive almost everything. By the way, I'm white and reside in NY. You may see locals get in cars that stop at the bus stops. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic resumed direct flights to Tobago from London, England. In Australia, they'll likely pocket it. While it does have a homicide rate of 11 per 100,000 inhabitants, tourists are advised merely to pay attention to their belongings so as to avoid robbery, especially in the capital, Fort-de-France, and in the tourist-centric region of Pointe du Bout. I cycled to lonely beaches on my own, all I got was cheery hellos. Before visiting Trinidad, go on facebook and find a local who is nice and chat em up, befriend them than after some time let them know you want to move there. Besides the occasional theft, which is a concern for any tourist-popular region, St. Barts doesn't have much crime. Just because Trinidad and Tobago economy is not focused on Tourism does not mean you can just cancel this source of income. Yuh see the government not doing enough to stop crime .. Las Cuevas beach was the spot because there was a back road (muddy 4-wheel necessary track) that we used to get directly onto the beach. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The authorities do nothing to solve crime. Avoid anywhere on the island besides resorts after 10pm and before 7am unless you really have to, then i suggest having a machete or better yet, a gun on you just in case. These taxi drivers are all black, or Afro Trinidadian if you prefer to call them that. When picking accommodation, choose a place to stay with good security such as bars on the windows and security personnel. We stayed on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I had to be accompanied everywhere i went. If you suspect someone is following you, try to make a detour to a public place, like a restaurant, or call the police. For e.g. That is a serious security issue. On the basis of crime rates, some of the least safe Caribbean Islands to visit include Puerto Rico, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago. Carrying any more than 30 grams of cannabis, or more than five grams of cannabis resin, is an offence and carries a fine of TT$50,000. Fashion faux pas or not, its illegal for civilians to wear camouflage clothing in public in Trinidad and Tobago and you can be fined or imprisoned. I have friends who were carjacked & family member murdered.) I stayed in PoS but spent most of my time in Chaguana, went out for lunch, strolled around and no one was trying to scam me or anything. As destinations seek to recover from this effect, a renewed focus on health, safety and sanitation would be key to slowing the spread of the virus as well as instill confidence in the travel and tourism industry. If youre travelling from a sanitised European or North American type city then you may be surprised at how dirty and run down a lot of places are. And I certainly look like a tourist with my blond curls. One word of advise. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. For peace of mind and the safety of your guests there are better places in the Caribbean to choose. Violent crimes such as muggings, robberies, kidnappings and other kinds of assaults keep happening in this country. Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Trinidad and Tobago. I remember a time when I could go to a club on Saturday night, leave the club at 2AM and head into St James for some food. There are a few bad spots but theres no reason to go there, our fenders and taxi drivers arent scam artists and youre safe to take a car passing on the road as long as it has an H on the number plate, Also there has never been a terrorist attack in this country for the 20 years Ive been living here and majority of the murders that take place are gang related so tourists have nothing to worry about. Same-sex relations are illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. Just an added note, we have been to places like China, South Korea, Italy, England, Greece and a few other countries and never ever felt as unsafe as we did in trinidad. Is Trinidad and Tobago safe for tourists? - Tripadvisor Bonairewhich forms the ABC Islands with Arubaand Curaaois a special municipality oftheNetherlands. The odd time some demon takes it out on the tourists. I never experienced any crime. Still, the LGBTQ+ community is still generally restricted to underground clubs and socializing. Is Trinidad and Tobago Safe? 13 Travel Safety Tips - World Nomads It is a true paradise. What was supposed to be a 6 week vacation turned into an 8 day experience that I would wish on no one. Before going over to Port of Spain, I had asked everyone that seemed trustworthy about where to go or not to go in the capital, and they warned me of some places. Is Trinidad and Tobago safe for tourists? - Tripadvisor | Safety Concerns, Is Albuquerque Safe to Visit in 2023? The best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago is from January to May when the skies stay clear. As a result, politicians run game with welfare type programs where the population accept it hookline and sinker once their money and rum not affected. Pollution. Avoid any parts that feel deserted, no matter the time of day. . LGBTQ+ travelers, while safe in Trinidad and Tobago, should avoid public displays of affection. Just remember, by loving your neighbor as yourself you immitate the Almighty God and his Son Jesus Christ. The safest islands include: St. Barts Anguilla The Cayman Islands The Virgin Islands St. Lucia Martinique Montserrat Grenada Turks and Caicos The flare up on the highways is occasional and usually happens because the Member of Parliament and their party dont take the constituents seriously until election time comes around so the people see no choice but to protest. They dont sell mandarin oranges at grocery stores. There is always both - your moral compass and attitude will dictate which you experience. I have lived in various major cities in the US and have never been assaulted. :). Over half of violent crime incidents each year are linked to gangs. Some roads in Trinidad are more dangerous than others in terms of kidnapping. Papua New Guinea To me, it is the most racist place in the world--some people do not even know why they're racist. Start Here Caribbean Trinidad Is Trinidad Safe to Visit in 2023? Murder rates are extremely high, but they are mostly restricted to gangs in depressed areas. I have never seen a gun or heard a gun shot while I was in Trinidad. Is Trinidad and Tobago Safe for Travel in 2023? African Jacana Grenada is a safer bet. Thanks to all for sharing. Carnival is violent especially leading up to the events. Trinidad and Tobago is an abundantly diverse country, with about a third of the country tracing its roots back to South and East Asia and another third tracing roots back to Africa. So even though travelers of color may stand out as foreigners, it won't be due to the color of their skin. Like everywhere else in this world there are areas where I would never go. Dont walk alone drunk in the dark or hang out with people you dont trust. Retrieved Jan. 4, 2021. It's cheaper to eat out most of the time, but then you have to add the financial cost/safety issues of getting there. we (three white people) went clubbing one night by ourselves and we're fine on the strip. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. If gang was killing gang then ok but gangs killing innocent people just for walking in their neighborhood. If you can join a group of other travelers or know some locals to show you around, it's always safer to be in a group rather than alone. I am a Trinidadian now living in the USA. Tobago Travel Guide | What to do in Tobago | Rough Guides The only difference is the government in Jamaica will spare no expense trying to keep tourist areas safe because tourism is one of there biggest profit on that island other than remittance. Their countries are tourism geared, which means they depend on it, so no matter the crime rates they would still encourage you to visit. Beetham Highway, a main road in and out of the city, has been the scene of incidents where cars have been forced to stop when someone runs out onto the road or blocking the way with bricks and debris. I am also kind of 'white' and many times other uneducated Trinis assume I am a tourist. Foreigners are also singled out because they are a way to make easy money through ransom payments. This is common to both islands. The country might actually be safer than neighbors with lower crime rates officially because it has a more comprehensive police force. He had no luggage beside him. Use common sense, be friendly, talk with people, show respect and you will get the same back. The crime situation is much more serious than the government and tourism ministries would have you believe. This is not just a case of state departments being overly cautious with their official warnings to provide cover crime in Trinidad is really a problem.