Capital city, Trinidad and Tobago
Is Port of Spain safe?
Trinidad has very high violent crime, including shootings.
Is Port of Spain safe?
Trinidad has very high violent crime, including shootings. Tourist areas and short daytime visits are workable; avoid walking at night and use hotel or trusted taxis.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 2/5, high risk.
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-04-12.
- Homicide rate in Trinidad and Tobago: 40.4 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Trinidad and Tobago: 9.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 811 · Fire 990.
Safety in Port of Spain at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, gang-related shootings in some areas, bag snatching and car break-ins around the Savannah and downtown. |
| At night | Do not walk after dark, even short distances. Use a hotel, Drop or trusted taxi door-to-door and keep phones and jewellery out of sight. |
| Solo women | Possible with strict precautions. Catcalling is routine, and walking alone at night is unsafe; arrange transport and stay in groups at fêtes. |
| Other risks | Flash flooding in the wet season; Aggressive driving on narrow, poorly lit roads; Occasional states of emergency and curfews |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed taxis (private cars with H plates) overcharging or taking detours
- Street vendors and 'guides' demanding payment for unsolicited help
- ATM and card skimming; use machines inside banks
Take care
- Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots and other hillside and eastern districts
- Downtown after business hours
- Hailing taxis in the street at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians.
- Possession of cannabis is decriminalised in small amounts but not legal to sell.
- Carry a copy of your passport and entry stamp.
How Port of Spain compares in Trinidad and Tobago
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Tobago | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Port of Spain | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Port of Spain safe for solo female travelers?
Possible with strict precautions. Catcalling is routine, and walking alone at night is unsafe; arrange transport and stay in groups at fêtes.
Is Port of Spain safe at night?
Do not walk after dark, even short distances. Use a hotel, Drop or trusted taxi door-to-door and keep phones and jewellery out of sight.
What is the crime rate in Port of Spain?
Armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, gang-related shootings in some areas, bag snatching and car break-ins around the Savannah and downtown. Nationally, Trinidad and Tobago records 40.4 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2022).
What number do I call in an emergency in Port of Spain?
Police 999 · Ambulance 811 · Fire 990.
More about Port of Spain
- Safetyacross Trinidad and Tobago
- Cost of livingin Port of Spain
- Weather & best timein Port of Spain
- Air qualityin Port of Spain
- Internet & coworkingin Port of Spain
- Getting aroundin Port of Spain
- Tap waterin Port of Spain
- LGBTQ+ friendlyin Port of Spain
- Healthcare & insurancein Port of Spain
- Solo travelin Port of Spain
Going to Port of Spain solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Trinidad and Tobago Tourism
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.