US Issues Travel Advisory for Caribbean Vacation Spot Citing Crimes Against Tourists

The State Department updated its travel advisory level for the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia on Friday, raising it to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” due to existing crime risk.“Violent crime can occur anywhere in Saint Lucia. U.S. citizens and other foreigners in Saint Lucia have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape,” the department said in the July 10 update. “In some cases, U.S. citizens have been killed.”Americans are not specifically targeted for crime, the department clarified. However, guests at tourist resorts have been subject to violent crimes. To complicate matters, police response in Saint Lucia is not as quick as it is back home, the advisory said.The department advised people to avoid displaying large amounts of cash, expensive electronics, and flashy jewelry when visiting Saint Lucia. Visitors should avoid walking alone, especially at night and on beaches.Avoid leaving drinks unattended while in public venues, the department said, warning that this could lead to third parties spiking the drink with “date rape” drugs.Tourists should also be aware of overcharging by locals and scams in certain tourist areas. Some vendors can get aggressive. The department asked visitors to remain alert when visiting banks or ATMs and not to physically resist any robbery attempts.The advisory recommended that travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows the State Department to contact them quickly and accurately in case of an emergency, such as civil unrest, a natural disaster, or a family need.The program provides updates regarding weather, health, safety, and security of a destination, including Saint Lucia.Data from the Saint Lucia government shows that 205,703 American tourists visited the country in 2023, making up roughly 54 percent of total visitors. Other major foreign visitors were from the United Kingdom and Canada.According to the State Department, the United States maintains a cooperative relationship with Saint Lucia, with both nations sharing an interest in combating narcotics trafficking and other international crimes.The two countries have signed bilateral treaties in response to threats posed by narcotics trafficking, including a maritime law enforcement agreement and an extradition treaty.The State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report puts Saint Lucia on a Tier 2 Watch List. “The Government of Saint Lucia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking,” the report said.Meanwhile, in addition to Saint Lucia, the State Department has issued travel warnings against other Caribbean nations as well.On July 7, the department renewed its travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime, retaining the Level 2 alert. Most of the crimes on the islands have been reported in the Providenciales region, according to the advisory.The department warned Americans against carrying firearms or ammunition to the country. “Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage,” the advisory said.Earlier in April, the department issued a travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, warning about terrorism and crime risks. The country is designated with a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, the second-most severe travel advisory.In March, Trinidad and Tobago declared a new state of emergency due to a “spike in violent criminal activity that could threaten public safety,” according to the State Department.