MIAMI, United States — The turquoise waters and palm-lined beaches that entice South Floridians southward are now paired with a series of stern warnings from Washington. Miami cruise passengers and sun-seekers alike should note that three neighboring destinations—Haiti, Turks and Caicos, and Trinidad and Tobago—carry some of the region’s highest U.S. State Department risk ratings.
Haiti: Level 4 “Do Not Travel” and cruise calls suspended
Royal Caribbean International confirmed Wednesday that it will remove Haiti from all its itineraries until at least April 2026. The world’s second-largest cruise brand had operated a 260-acre private enclave at Labadee, on Haiti’s northern coast, for decades. The company is notifying guests booked on the dozens of sailings that previously stopped there. In reissuing its Level 4 advisory for Haiti in July 2025, the State Department cited kidnapping, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and “limited health care.” “Do not travel to Haiti for any reason,” the bulletin warned, pointing to incidents that include armed robberies, carjackings, and ransom kidnappings. The Federal Aviation Administration layered on an additional obstacle last November, barring U.S. air carriers from flying to Haiti for 30 days after gangs opened fire on three planes near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince.
What this means for travelers
- Cruise guests will see Haiti ports replaced by alternate eastern-Caribbean calls or extra sea days; expect revised shore-excursion refunds.
- Air connections are limited; independent travelers face scarce commercial options and steep insurance premiums.
- Comprehensive medical, evacuation and trip-cancellation coverage is strongly advised if plans cannot be changed.
Turks and Caicos: Level 2 scrutiny amid record visitor numbers
Just 90 miles north of Haiti, Turks and Caicos continues to court upscale beachgoers—Hollywood celebrities among them—yet violent crime has surged. InSight Crime, a regional watchdog, logged 48 homicides in 2024, including one American tourist, placing the archipelago of 47,000 residents at the top of the Caribbean homicide-rate chart. The State Department’s current Level 2 advisory urges travelers to “exercise increased caution,” noting that most offenses occur on Providenciales, the most populated island. Organized firearm and narcotics smuggling networks are blamed for much of the bloodshed, while officials say human-smuggling rings ferrying Haitian migrants also fuel insecurity. In July, police intercepted a 50-foot vessel crammed with 194 migrants; several other boats carrying more than 100 people each have been stopped this year. Premier Washington Misick attributes the spike in violence to Haiti’s instability spilling over the border islands. Local authorities have upped marine patrols, installed CCTV in tourism corridors and requested additional United Kingdom police support.
Traveler takeaways
- Major resorts on Grace Bay remain operational, but guests should arrange airport transfers through their hotel and avoid isolated beaches after dark.
- If renting a car, keep doors locked and valuables out of sight; roadside assistance can be sporadic outside Providenciales.
- U.S. cell-phone roaming works well in main towns, but have copies of passports and insurance papers stored offline.
Trinidad and Tobago: Upgraded to Level 3 “Reconsider Travel”
In May 2025, the twin-island nation off Venezuela’s coast saw its advisory raised to Level 3. U.S. officials list murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion and kidnapping among prevalent threats. One recent kidnapping victim was a lawful U.S. permanent resident. Port of Spain’s vibrant Carnival, diving off Tobago’s reefs and steel-pan music still attract culture lovers, yet tourism boards acknowledge that violent crime clusters in certain urban districts. Local police have increased patrols around Queen’s Park Savannah and introduced hotel liaison officers.
On-the-ground safety pointers
- Select accommodation in secure zones such as Westmoorings or downtown-adjacent business hotels with controlled access.
- Use licensed taxis; rideshare apps are expanding but remain patchy after midnight.
- During Carnival or large festivals, keep to well-lit parade routes and travel in groups.
Caribbean risk map: the broader picture
Most Lesser Antilles islands—among them the British Virgin Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint Lucia—retain Level 1 or low-end Level 2 ratings, meaning routine or slightly elevated precautions are sufficient. Before locking in holiday plans, cross-check your island of choice at travel.state.gov and register your itinerary with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Tips for Travelers
- Monitor advisories weekly. Ratings can shift quickly during election cycles, hurricane recovery or health emergencies.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip disruption, especially when visiting islands lacking tertiary hospitals.
- Copy critical documents—passport photo page, vaccination card, insurance details—to cloud storage and one offline device.
- Stay situationally aware. Crime often targets distracted visitors carrying visible cash, jewelry or smartphones.
- Know local emergency numbers:
- Haiti: 114 (Police), 116 (Ambulance)
- Turks and Caicos: 911
- Trinidad and Tobago: 999 (Police), 811 (Ambulance)
FAQ
Has Royal Caribbean offered compensation for the Labadee cancellations?
Yes. The line is issuing automatic refunds for prepaid shore excursions and will apply fare adjustments or onboard credit if an itinerary change lowers port taxes and fees.
Can travelers still visit Haiti independently?
Technically, yes, but with the Level 4 advisory in place, the U.S. government’s ability to provide consular aid is extremely limited.
Is Turks and Caicos safe for families?
Many families continue to visit resort areas without incident, but the State Department advises heightened vigilance, particularly on Providenciales after dark.
What about cruise itineraries that call at Trinidad?
Major cruise lines have not pulled out, but shore excursions focus on curated experiences with vetted guides and time-controlled returns to the ship.
Do U.S. health plans work overseas?
Most domestic policies offer little or no international coverage; supplemental travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
Bottom line
The Caribbean remains a mosaic of safe and not-so-safe paradises. Travelers departing Miami—or anywhere in the United States—should weigh the latest advisories, purchase robust insurance and practice common-sense precautions before diving into those postcard-perfect waters. — as the State Department advised in its public notices.
