By: Staff Writer
May 23, 2025
The US State Department issued Level 3 advisories for Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, warning US travelers to “reconsider” travel to the two Caribbean countries because of increased levels of crime.
They said with regard to Trinidad that Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.
Due to the risks from crime, U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are prohibited from travelling from certain areas of Port of Spain.
In Trinidad, there’s a high level of violent crime. Gang-related attacks and shootings are increasing around the city centre of Port of Spain, including Laventille, Morvant and Barataria. In Tobago, violent crime is rare. Instances of homicides and armed robberies are rising.
With regard to Guyana, the State Department said violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, is common, especially at night. Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
The US State Department also issued a Level 4 advisory for Venezuela and a Level 2 for Cuba.
For Cuba, the advisory said petty crime is a risk for travelers in Cuba. This includes pick pocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins. Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is also on the rise in Cuba.
U.S. law and regulation prohibit travel to, from, or within Cuba for tourist activities. OFAC regulates travel to, from, and within Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, defined to include, among other things, all U.S. citizens or residents (wherever located) and anyone in the United States, regardless of their citizenship and nationality. Failure by a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction to act consistently with the regulations may result in penalties and criminal prosecution. Travel to Cuba without an OFAC license is illegal.
On Venezuela warned clearly to not travel to Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.
All U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately.