A nationwide State of Emergency (SOE) remains in effect across Trinidad and Tobago after the country’s government declared the measure on July 18, 2025. On July 28, Parliament voted to extend the SOE for an additional three months. The decision comes in response to what authorities describe as a highly threatening criminal network operating both inside and outside the nation’s correctional facilities. Officials believe this group is targeting senior government officials and national institutions.
Under the current SOE, police and military personnel have expanded authority. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) can arrest individuals suspected of involvement in illegal activities and search public or private premises as necessary. Bail provisions are suspended for those suspected of committing crimes, and members of the Defense Force are authorized to operate under regulations similar to those governing the TTPS. No curfew or restrictions on public assemblies have been imposed at this time, but officials say measures may change as they monitor the situation daily.
U.S. citizens in Trinidad and Tobago should expect an increased presence of police and military forces. The U.S. Embassy continues to advise its personnel against traveling to several areas, including Laventille (specifically Picadilly Street and Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street), Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah. Additional recommendations include avoiding beaches, downtown Port of Spain, Fort George, and Queen’s Park Savannah after dark.
The embassy urges U.S. citizens to carry identification at all times, cooperate with local authorities during SOE-mandated activities, monitor reputable news sources for updates from Trinidad and Tobago's government, ensure possession of valid U.S. passports when seeking travel to the United States, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
The embassy also encourages Americans residing in or traveling through Trinidad and Tobago to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov for timely alerts and updates.
For assistance or inquiries related to American citizen services during this period, individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy Port of Spain by phone at +1 (868) 235-4500 for routine matters or +1 (868) 622-6371 for emergencies; non-emergency questions may be sent via email to TrinidadandTobago.ACS@gdit-gss.com. More information is available on their official website: https://tt.usembassy.gov/.
The State Department also maintains a country information page about Trinidad and Tobago with relevant security details: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/TrinidadandTobago.html.
U.S. citizens can reach out to the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs toll-free from within the United States or Canada at 1-888-407-4747 or from other countries at 1-202-501-4444.