Americans in Trinidad and Tobago are on edge this weekend after the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain issued a rare and urgent security alert, warning citizens to avoid all U.S. government facilities in the country. The advisory comes as regional tensions spike, particularly with neighboring Venezuela, and local authorities scramble to reassure the public.
Embassy Issues Unprecedented Warning
On October 18, the U.S. Embassy posted a security alert urging Americans to steer clear of embassy buildings and other U.S. government sites throughout the Divali holiday weekend. The embassy cited a “heightened state of alert,” but did not specify the nature of the threat. Instead, it advised U.S. nationals to remain vigilant, monitor reputable news outlets, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
The embassy also encouraged Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and alerts, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Venezuela Tensions Fuel Security Concerns
The timing of the alert coincides with escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Recent U.S. military operations targeting suspected drug traffickers in Caribbean waters have intensified local anxieties, especially after the reported disappearance of two fishermen believed to be victims of a U.S. strike earlier in the week.
Trinidad’s proximity to Venezuela has made it a focal point for regional security concerns. According to local reports, threats directed at American citizens in Trinidad and Tobago may be linked to these ongoing geopolitical frictions.
Police Respond: “No Cause for Public Alarm”
In response to the embassy’s warning, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has ramped up security measures nationwide. Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin assured residents that there is “no cause for public alarm,” emphasizing that both citizens and U.S. facilities remain secure.
“We are going to support as much as we can in terms of having our officers so briefed, but we really do not want to create any scare among the citizenry,” Benjamin said in a local radio interview. He confirmed that all operational units have been briefed and that the TTPS is working closely with other national security agencies to ensure safety.
What Americans Should Do Now
The embassy’s alert includes clear instructions for U.S. citizens in Trinidad and Tobago:
-
Avoid all U.S. government facilities until further notice
-
Stay aware of your surroundings and monitor local news
-
Report suspicious activity to Trinidadian authorities
-
Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for travel
-
Sign up for STEP to receive security updates
Community Reaction and Future Implications
The alert has left many in Trinidad and Tobago unsettled, with some residents expressing concern over the lack of transparency about the specific threats. The situation remains fluid, and both local and U.S. authorities are urging calm while maintaining heightened vigilance.
As tensions with Venezuela continue to simmer, experts warn that further security advisories may follow. For now, Americans in Trinidad and Tobago are advised to remain cautious and stay informed.
Sources
1. U.S. Embassy Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (October 18, 2025)
2. U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago issues warning for Americans amid rising Venezuela tensions
3. News & Events - U.S. Embassy in Trinidad & Tobago
4. US Embassy warns Americans in Trinidad and Tobago as tensions with Venezuela rise
5. US Embassy raises alert level over Divali weekend - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
6. U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago issues warning for Americans ...
7. U.S. Embassy Warns Americans to Avoid Government Facilities in Trinidad and Tobago Amid Rising Tensions with Venezuela - SSBCrack News
8. Security Alert: SOE Update
9. US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago Warns Citizens as Tensions With Venezuela Rise
10. US Embassy warning puts Trinidad and Tobago on edge - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
11. Security Alert: State of Emergency in Effect
12. UPDATE: Trinidad police on high alert after US Embassy warns Americans to avoid its facilities - Jamaica Observer
