The German Federal Foreign Office has elevated travel advisories for four nations, including Trinidad and Tobago, Greece, Thailand, and Bulgaria, citing heightened security risks. Issued on December 7 through the official ‘Sicher Reisen’ (Travel Safely) application, these alerts highlight specific regional threats without imposing formal travel bans.
According to VisaHQ’s analysis, the advisory references political demonstrations in Greece, separatist conflicts in southern Thailand, increased street protests and enhanced border surveillance in Bulgaria, and Trinidad and Tobago’s prolonged state of emergency. While not prohibiting travel outright, German businesses with operations in shipping, energy, or agricultural technology sectors—particularly those deploying personnel to Thessaloniki, Bangkok, or Port of Spain—are advised to reassess emergency protocols, implement split-team strategies, and maintain robust communication systems.
The advisory introduces new identification requirements, noting that German travelers may encounter random checks for electronic passports or EU national ID cards at roadblocks, ferry terminals, and regional airports. The ministry further warns that sudden curfews or public order mandates could necessitate abrupt itinerary changes.
Although airlines have maintained regular schedules, travel agencies report increased re-bookings to alternative destinations like Spain and the Canary Islands. Expatriates in affected regions are urged to register with German embassies and restrict non-essential movement during periods of civil unrest.
Responding to the travel alert, Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association president Reginald MacLean emphasized that Tobago has experienced a 70-75% reduction in criminal activity since the state of emergency implementation. “Tobago is safer than before and fully open for business,” MacLean stated, noting strong booking numbers on Condor Airlines’ German routes through April 2025.
MacLean addressed the complex geopolitical position regarding Venezuela, noting Trinidad and Tobago’s challenging position between its largest trading partner (the United States) and its neighboring nation. He expressed hope that enhanced security measures would ultimately reduce drug-related crime and improve safety across both islands.