Gang-related violence has triggered a state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago.
The edict on December 30 across the Caribbean twin-island republic was confirmed by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in updated travel advice.
British travellers were warned to expect a heightened police and military presence.
“Always carry your ID and comply with local authorities,” the FCDO advised.
“During the state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago, security forces can search persons and property without a warrant [and] arrest and detain without a warrant.”
The FCDO alert said: “On December 30, 2024, the Trinidad and Tobago authorities declared a nationwide state of emergency in response to gang-related violence.
“No curfew has been imposed and there are no restrictions on public gatherings or marches.”
Trinidad and Tobago prime minister Keith Rowley said in a Facebook posting three days ahead of the state of emergency that more than 600 deaths were attributed to “widespread violence” for a second year in succession.
He added: “The government does not believe that we as a nation cannot get the upper hand of criminal conduct which has evolved to becoming a major public health issue at this time but we will all need to do more and even do differently if we are to keep violent criminal conduct where it belongs.”