British holidaymakers have been issued a Caribbean travel warning this week after a nation declared a state of emergency.

The Trinidad and Tobago government introduced a State of Emergency this month following “persistent violent crime and criminal activity”, prompting the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to update its travel advice with UK holidaymakers urged to exercise caution. According to the FCDO, the emergency measures, which were introduced on March 3, give authorities in the Caribbean nation additional powers of search, arrest and detention, although no curfew or restrictions on movement have been imposed.

The FCDO is not advising against travel to the country but holidaymakers are urged to be cautious and should follow the instructions of police and local authorities.

In a travel update this week, the FCDO said: “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.

“No curfew or restrictions on movement have been imposed. Follow the instructions of police and local authorities.”

While there is no recent history of terrorsim in Trinidad and Tobago, the FCDO said attacks “cannot be ruled out” and warned that such attacks “could be indiscriminate”, including places visited by foreign nationals.

Visitors are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

This includes taking small safety measures like avoiding wearing headphones when out and about, avoid walking at night or in poorly lit areas, keeping money and valuables somewhere safe, being careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs or changing money, and being cautious about what you post online as social media platforms are “increasingly being monitored by criminals”.

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British visitors are also urged to be particularly cautious in certain areas in the country where violent crimes and robberies are rising.

The FCDO added: “In Trinidad and Tobago, there is a high level of violent crime, including gang-related attacks and shootings. Instances of homicides and armed robberies are rising. Be cautious particularly when travelling in or around:

“Criminals may carry out attacks, ranging from the threat of violence to sexual assault and robbery, kidnapping for ransom, rape and murder. A significant portion of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago is gang-related.”