Canada is warning travellers headed to Trinidad and Tobago that the country is in a national state of emergency.
Trinidad and Tobago authorities declared a state of emergency on Dec. 30, 2024, in response to a spike in gang violence, including gun violence and drug-related crimes.
The Canadian government updated its travel advisory following the announcement, advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in the Caribbean country.
The travel advisory is two levels below Canada's official advisories - avoid non-essential travel and avoid all travel - which are issued when the safety and security of Canadians are at risk. However, travellers may wish to reconsider travel because "certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly."
What can happen if I visit Trinidad and Tobago during the state of emergency?
During this time, security forces have increased rights and do not require a warrant to conduct searches of people or properties or to arrest and detain people of interest.
The Canadian government says visitors should expect an increased military and police presence and should carry identification at all times. They should also follow instructions from local authorities.
Areas to avoid
Canada hasn't instructed travellers to avoid all travel to Trinidad and Tobago but advises against non-essential travel to some regions.
Travellers should avoid non-essential trips to the following areas "due to high levels of violence and gang-related crime":
- Beetham Estate Gardens
- Cocorite (north of Western Main Road)
- Downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte Street, south and west of Picadilly Street, and north of Independence Square)
- Laventille
- Sea Lots
Other safety considerations
Canada warns travellers about other safety considerations when visiting the island nation, including petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching, credit card scams, and non-gang-related assaults.
Visitors should avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas. They should also be aware of their surroundings, especially in popular tourist spots and around cruise ship docks in the Port of Spain.
Travellers visiting Trinidad and Tobago may also encounter water shortages in January through May and should keep a water supply on hand.
Visiting Trinidad and Tobago from Vancouver
Similar to most Caribbean destinations, there are no direct flights to Trinidad and Tobago from Vancouver. Instead, travellers will need to make a stop en route to the Piarco International Airport (POS).
POS is located near the Port of Spain on the Island of Trinidad and is the most popular airport servicing the island. Most trips from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) will make stops in places such as Miami, Toronto, Houston, San Francisco, or Dallas.
Airlines providing connecting flights from YVR include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, COPA JetBlue, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines.
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