Is Turks and Caicos safe to travel?
It definitely is! The Turks & Caicos Islands are considered the World’s best-kept secret, offering an easy escape from Miami, New York, Toronto, or London. Each island and cay in the archipelago is a different destination. We encourage tourists to enjoy the pristine and inviting beaches, the luxurious accommodations, the world-class spas, delectable dining in paradise, and the culture and local traditions.
There’s so much to see and do in paradise. You can explore incredible beaches, crystal clear and warm ocean water, ample marine life, and beautiful tropical wetlands. Simply put, it is the best Caribbean beach vacation destination.
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Health Concerns When Traveling to Turks and Caicos
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Let us shed some light on the Turks and Caicos travel restrictions.
Before traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands, get vaccinated and complete any additional recommended doses at least 14 days before departure. Examine the COVID-19 and International Travel Travel Health Notice. If you have not completed a COVID-19 vaccine series, you should continue to refrain from non-essential travel to all destinations.Â
Some destinations still have COVID-19 preventative measures and restrictions in place. Curfews, movement restrictions, lockdowns, mandatory mask use, and proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result may be required to access public and private services and spaces.
Before departing, confirm that any restrictions or requirements are still in effect.
Turks and Caicos Covid Restrictions
On the TravelHealthPro website, you can find the most recent risk information from COVID-19 for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For more information on traveling abroad and preventing the spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the TravelHealthPro website. For information on testing facilities, you should contact your local government.
See Entry requirements to learn what you’ll need to do when you arrive in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and read TCI Assured’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
During COVID-19, no travel is risk-free. Countries may impose additional travel restrictions or new rules on short notice, for example, in response to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any changes in transportation that may cause your return trip to be delayed.
The length of quarantine, which must be at least five (5) days, will be determined by the individual’s specific conditions and will be specified in a quarantine order issued by Public Health at the time. Close contacts of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 may be required to quarantine as well. The TCI Government website has more information on quarantine requirements for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and their contacts.
All seaports and airports have health screenings. The Turks and Caicos Islands’ travel restrictions and regulations are to be strictly followed. Any violation of these regulations is considered an offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1000 or three months in prison. Only people who have been fully vaccinated or who have had a negative COVID-19 test within the last 24 hours are allowed to enter restaurants, bars, nightclubs, discotheques, and religious events and funerals.Â
This rule applies to anyone over the age of 12. Regulations differ depending on the location and type of event. Please confirm current regulations with venue management and event organizers.
Things you need to pack when travelling to Turks and Caicos Islands.
Health
If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, you may require specialist care abroad.
Check to see if your destination country can provide the healthcare you require, and make sure you have adequate travel insurance in case of an emergency medical evacuation or local treatment.
Check the TravelHealthPro website at least 8 weeks before your trip for the most recent health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). Each overseas territory page contains information on vaccine recommendations, current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets on staying healthy while traveling. NHS (Scotland) advice is also available on the FitForTravel website.
The NHS website has general information on travel vaccinations as well as a travel health checklist. You should then contact your health care provider or pharmacy for advice on additional preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while abroad. You should contact the local territory government for more information on the legal status of a specific medicine.
While traveling can be enjoyable, it can also be difficult at times. Because there are clear links between mental and physical health, it is critical to look after yourself while traveling and while abroad. Our guidance page contains information on traveling with mental health conditions. The National Travel Health Network and Centre can also provide additional information (NaTHNaC)
Health Risk
Turks and Caicos Islands have been classified as having a risk of Zika virus transmission by UK health authorities.
Since January 2017, no cases of Zika infection have been reported in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website for information and advice on the risks associated with the Zika virus.
The Turks and Caicos Islands have confirmed cases of dengue fever and chikungunya virus. You should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. More information about this outbreak can be found on the National Health Network and Centre’s website.
Medical Treatment
Interhealth Canada operates hospital facilities on Providenciales and Grand Turk.
They provide diagnostic services, primary care, outpatient specialty clinics, emergency services, and inpatient care. Serious cases are still sent abroad, typically to Miami or Nassau. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and funds available to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation abroad.
If you require emergency medical assistance while traveling, call 911 and request an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment, you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company as soon as possible.
If you require additional supplies of your prescribed medication while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands, you must first visit a registered physician, who will either countersign your UK prescription or issue a new one. You will almost certainly have to pay for your medical appointment and the full cost of your medication in advance, then submit a claim for reimbursement through your travel insurance.
Pharmacies on all islands are usually well stocked, but less common medications may only be available on Providenciales at the hospital or pharmacies.
Crime and Safety Concerns
Is Turks and Caicos safe to travel to?
Let us provide you with an answer to this question by providing you with some basic information.
Crime
Petty crime occurs, including rental vehicle theft. Muggings and armed assaults are also common, especially in tourist areas. Providenciales has a higher crime rate than the other islands, so be extra cautious.
- Maintain the security of your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, at all times.
- Never leave money, credit cards, or personal electronics unattended, especially on beaches or in vehicles.
- Carry only a small amount of cash.
- When using ATMs, use caution, especially after dusk.
- After dark, avoid secluded, isolated areas such as roads, parks, and beaches.
Home Break-Ins
Since 2016, armed invasions and assaults at private villas with inadequate security have been a growing concern.
If you are the victim of an armed robbery, do not resist the perpetrator’s demands and immediately report the incident to local police.
- Stay in a busy, reputable, and security establishment.
- Always keep your doors locked.
- Always confirm a visitor’s identity before opening the door.
- Keep valuables and travel documents in the hotel safe.
Spiked Drinks & Food
Never leave unattended food or drinks in the care of strangers.
Accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances should be avoided. These items could contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Law and Politics
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a legal jurisdiction distinct from the United Kingdom, with their own laws.
Don’t experiment with drugs of any kind. Possession of even a small amount carries severe penalties.
Under Turks and Caicos Islands law, homosexuality is legal. However, there is no provision for same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. In Providenciales, the main tourist destination, attitudes are tolerant. Hotels and resorts in Turks and Caicos are generally welcoming to people of all sexual orientations.
Local attitudes can be conservative outside of tourist areas, and some people may not approve of public displays of affection between same-sex couples. Before you travel, visit our LGBT information and advice page.
Emergency and natural disaster response
The Caribbean hurricane season typically lasts from June to November.
Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the progress of storms on the website of the US National Hurricane Centre. Direct hits have historically been uncommon. If a hurricane is a forecast, hotel management and local radio stations will relay government information.
Visit their tropical cyclones page for information on how to effectively prepare and what to do if you are likely to be affected by a hurricane or tropical cyclone.
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