Caribbean travel warning for Brits after ‘state of emergency’ declared | UK | News

British holidaymakers were issued a Caribbean travel warning this week after one country declared a state of emergency.

The Trinidad and Tobago government declared a State of Emergency this month following “persistent violent crime and criminal activity”, prompting the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to update travel advice, urging UK holidaymakers to exercise caution. According to the FCDO, the emergency measures introduced on March 3 give authorities in the Caribbean country additional search, arrest and detention powers, although no curfew or movement restrictions have been imposed.

The FCDO is not recommending a travel ban to the country, but holidaymakers are urged to exercise caution and follow instructions from police and local authorities.

In a travel update this week, the FCDO said: “The government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a State of Emergency on 3 March.

“The State of Emergency was introduced following a persistent pattern of violent crime and criminal activity and gives authorities additional search, arrest and detention powers.

“No curfew or movement restrictions have been imposed. Follow the instructions of the police and local authorities.”

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, the FCDO said attacks “cannot be ignored” and warned that such attacks could occur “indiscriminately”, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, follow local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

This includes taking small safety precautions like avoiding wearing headphones when outside, avoiding walking at night or in poorly lit areas, keeping money and valuables in a safe place, being careful when withdrawing or exchanging cash from ATMs, and being vigilant about what you post online as social media platforms are “increasingly monitored by criminals.”

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British visitors have also been urged to be particularly careful in some areas of the country where violent crime and robberies are on the rise.

The FCDO added: “Trinidad and Tobago has high levels of violent crime, including gang-related attacks and shootings. Cases of murder and armed robbery are on the rise. Be especially careful when traveling in or around:

“Criminals can carry out attacks ranging from threats of violence to sexual assault and robbery, from kidnapping for ransom to rape and murder. A significant portion of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago is gang-related.”