Trinidad and Tobago Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Trinidad and Tobago
US State Department Travel Advisory
Reconsider Travel
Updated April 13, 2026
Trinidad and Tobago recorded 40.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Trinidad and Tobago #9 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 49% over the past decade (from 27.1 in 2012). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Trinidad and Tobago at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
40.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#187 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (2000-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 49% over the past decade (from 27.1 in 2012). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Trinidad and Tobago Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Trinidad and Tobago, the homicide rate for men is 6.5× higher than the rate for women — 47.1 vs 7.2 per 100,000 (2020).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Trinidad and Tobago:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "kidnapping" indicator was removed. An area of increased risk was added. Advisory summary was updated. Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. There is also a heightened risk of terrorism. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Exercise increased caution in rural areas due to health risks. State of Emergency On March 2, 2026, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a new nationwide State of Emergency (SOE).
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Trinidad and Tobago
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated April 23, 2026).
Crime
Violent crime, including assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, home invasions, and murder, is increasingly more common throughout Trinidad & Tobago. Avoid traveling alone, particularly after dark or in secluded areas. Due to high crime rates, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the following areas: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah. Avoid the following places after dark: Beaches Downtown Port of Spain Fort George Queen’s Park Savannah Tourists are particularly vulnerable to pick-pocketing and armed assaults in these locations. Criminal activity often increases before and during holiday periods. Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related. Criminals have used dating apps and social media to lure victims to locations where they are mugged and beaten.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago. Never provide personal or financial information to unknown parties via email, telephone, mail, or fax. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scams are often initiated on social media postings/profiles, dating apps, or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers can pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1(868) 622-6371 (dial then press 1). Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . Emergency telephone numbers: Police: 999 Fire: 990 Ambulance: 990 or 811 Coast Guard: 634-4440 Anti-Crime Hotline: 555 or 800-TIPS Kidnapping Hotline: 623-6793 Children’s Authority: 996 or 800-2014 We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They may use simple methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets. High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Trinidad and Tobago Population & Demographics
Population of 1,368,333, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trinidad and Tobago safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Trinidad and Tobago at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). Cited risks include kidnapping. The homicide rate of 40.4 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago has an intentional homicide rate of 40.4 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #9 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Trinidad and Tobago compare to other countries?
Trinidad and Tobago's homicide rate of 40.4 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.