The U.S. has updated its travel advisory levels for several Caribbean nations, including Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago, citing heightened concerns over crime, civil unrest, and strained diplomatic relations.
As of early May, the U.S. Department of State now advises travelers to “exercise increased caution” when going to Cuba due to crime and unreliable electrical power.
Travelers are also warned to “reconsider travel” to Trinidad and Tobago, due to “serious risks of crime.”
Why It Matters
The escalation of U.S. travel advisories could have significant diplomatic and economic consequences for small island nations heavily reliant on tourism. For Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago, the latest advisory levels represent a continued deterioration in their bilateral relationships with the U.S., as well as the heightened crime in the region.
Cuba was one of the 41 countries that featured on an internal memo seen by Reuters that were being considered for a full visa suspension by the White House.
P. Schickert/dpa via AP
What To Know
For Cuba, the state Department warns that “petty crime” is a risk for travelers in the country, which includes pick-pocketing, purse snatching and car break-ins.
“Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is also on the rise in Cuba,” the advisory warns.
Electrical supply is also “unreliable” in the country, the state Department added, as since October 2024, there have been several prolonged nationwide power outages—some cuts lasting up to 12 hours—occurring daily in Havana, and even longer outside the capital.
If you do decide to travel to Cuba, the advisory warns travelers to “stay aware of your surroundings, do not physically resist any robbery attempt and do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.”
Meanwhile, in Trinidad and Tobago, the state Department warned that the country had “serious risks” of violent crimes, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping.
Areas in Port of Spain are particularly dangerous, and U.S. government employees working in the country are prohibited from going to certain parts of the region.
There are also risks of “terrorist violence,” according to the advisory, which adds that terrorists can attack with “little or no warning,” and may target tourist locations, transportation centers, markets, shopping malls and many other places.
The State Department assigns travel advisory levels on a scale from 1 to 4, with Level 4 meaning “Do not travel.”
Other recent advisory updates in the region include The Bahamas, released at the end of March this year, which has been given a Level 2 caution, due to “violent crime.”
Turks and Caicos Islands has also been given a Level 2 caution, following an advisory update on March 4 this year, again due to elevated levels of crime.
What People Are Saying
The state advisory for Cuba wrote: “Prepare for prolonged power outages by keeping mobile phones and portable battery banks charged, having flashlights and spare batteries easily accessible, stocking up on nonperishable food and water, preparing alternative methods to meet your medical needs (medical devices requiring power, medicines requiring refrigeration, etc.).”
It also advised: “Obtain any required OFAC licenses as it is illegal to travel to Cuba without an appropriate license. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.”
The state advisory for Trinidad and Tobago wrote: “If you decide to travel to Trinidad and Tobago use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid poorly lit or remote areas. Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm. Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not display signs of wealth, like cash, expensive watches, or jewelry. Stay alert when visiting banks and ATMs. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt unless forced into a vehicle or remote area. Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.”
What Happens Next
Both advisories recommend enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and make it easier to be located in case of emergency, as well as ensuring you have travel insurance.