Trinidad and Tobago · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Scarborough scores 60/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Caution is advised for travelers to Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, due to elevated crime rates and a recent State of Emergency. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Trinidad and Tobago · Assessed 29 July 2026
60
/ 100
Safer than ~57% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“State of Emergency The Trinidad and Tobago government introduced a State of Emergency on 3 March. The State of Emergency was introduced following persistent violent crime and criminal activity and gives authorities additional powers of search, arrest and detention.”
Updated 2026-07-08T10:37:37Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Trinidad and Tobago: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile specific data for Scarborough is limited, the high national homicide rate and reports of robberies in the area suggest a moderate risk of mugging and armed robbery.
Pickpocketing
ModerateCrowded areas, markets, and public transport in Scarborough may present a moderate risk of pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed to Negative
58/100
While some tourism stakeholders are working to reinforce destination safety and encourage visitors not to cancel plans, recent reports of crime surges and a State of Emergency indicate underlying concerns about safety that could impact visitor sentiment.
Caution is advised for travelers to Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, due to elevated crime rates and a recent State of Emergency.
Trinidad and Tobago, including Scarborough, faces significant challenges with violent crime, reflected in a high homicide rate and a nationwide State of Emergency declared in response to persistent criminal activity. While tourist-specific incidents are not always highlighted, the general crime environment necessitates a high degree of caution.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, requires travelers to exercise a high degree of caution due to prevailing safety concerns. The island nation has implemented a State of Emergency, a measure taken in response to persistent violent crime and criminal activity, granting authorities enhanced powers. This backdrop significantly influences the safety landscape for visitors.
The multi-database profile highlights a high national homicide rate (40.4 per 100k), placing it considerably above the global average. While specific crime statistics for Scarborough are not always granular, reports from July 2025 indicated a crime surge, leading to the deployment of a police mobile station in the town, and a robbery at a local supermarket was condemned by the Tobago Chamber. More recently, in May 2026, Scarborough recorded its fourth murder of the year. These incidents suggest a moderate risk of robbery and potentially more serious crimes.
Travelers should be particularly vigilant regarding petty crime. Crowded areas, markets, and public transport hubs within Scarborough may present a moderate risk of pickpocketing and bag-snatching. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and out of sight. Furthermore, avoiding walking alone after dark, especially in less-trafficked or poorly lit areas, is a crucial safety measure.
Given the current security climate, including the State of Emergency and ongoing crime concerns, travelers should stay informed about local conditions and heed any official advisories. While efforts are being made by tourism stakeholders to reassure visitors, the underlying crime rates and recent events necessitate a cautious approach to ensure a safe trip. Travelers should also be aware of global health notices from the CDC, including alerts for Polio, Dengue, and Measles.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Scarborough districts for visitors: 1 safer, 4 needing caution. See them plotted on the Scarborough safety map.
Scarborough CentralcautionModerate risk of petty crime; exercise caution, especially after dark.
BuccoocautionKnown for nightlife; be aware of surroundings and avoid displaying valuables.
Canaan/Bon AccordcautionResidential and commercial areas; watch for opportunistic theft.
Black RockcautionSome reports of crime, including robbery; stay alert.
Fort King George AreasaferGenerally safe, popular tourist site with good visibility.
07 · After Dark
44% of people in Trinidad and Tobago say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2022).
While specific data for Scarborough is limited, the high national homicide rate and reports of robberies in the area suggest a moderate risk of mugging and armed robbery.
After dark, be most careful around Scarborough Central, Buccoo, Canaan/Bon Accord, Black Rock. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Scarborough's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Caution is advised for travelers to Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, due to elevated crime rates and a recent State of Emergency. Trinidad and Tobago, including Scarborough, faces significant challenges with violent crime, reflected in a high homicide rate and a nationwide State of Emergency declared in response to persistent criminal activity. While tourist-specific incidents are not always highlighted, the general crime environment necessitates a high degree of caution. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Areas with reported crime surges (general); Areas with recent arrests for narcotics/robbery. See the district-by-district safety map.
Scarborough ranks #1 of 2 Trinidad and Tobago destinations we've assessed, scoring 60/100. See the Trinidad and Tobago safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Trinidad and Tobago safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: scarborough.json (CC BY 4.0).