The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Turks and Caicos Islands government will support you if you need help.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Turks and Caicos Islands Government London Office.
\n\nTo enter the Turks and Caicos Islands, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nYou can visit the Turks and Caicos Islands without a visa. On arrival, the immigration department will normally give you permission to stay for up to 90 days.
\n\nAt border control you may need to show a return or onward ticket.
\n\nYou need a permit to work on any of the islands. See details on applying for a work permit.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Turks and Caicos Islands guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Turks and Caicos Islands. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nDeclare cash or other forms of payment if the value is more than 10,000 US dollars.
\n\nMake sure you carry any medication in the original packaging and bring the prescription.
\n\nImportation of firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets) and other weapons is strictly prohibited unless you have the written approval of the Commissioner of Police. Penalties include a minimum custodial sentence of 12 years. Declaring a weapon or ammunition in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring these prohibited items into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
\n\nSearch your luggage before you travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands to ensure you do not bring in forbidden items.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Turks and Caicos Islands, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nProvidenciales and Grand Turk have seen higher levels of serious crime than other islands, including gang-related crime involving guns and robbery. While risks are generally lower in tourist areas, some of these incidents have taken place in populated and public areas. If you are a victim of crime, contact the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for support. Levels of crime across the other islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands are low.
\n\nAlways take local advice and be aware of your surroundings.
\n\nMost other crime is opportunistic, such as burglary, theft and muggings. You can take steps to reduce your personal risk by taking sensible precautions to protect your personal safety and belongings, as you would at home, you should:
\n\nOnly use licenced taxis. Avoid taking unregistered taxis (‘jitneys’).
\n\nThe Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws.
\n\nDo not become involved with drugs of any kind. There are severe penalties for possession of even a small amount. You could be arrested and face fines of up to 5,000 US dollars and 2 years imprisonment.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are legal in the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, there’s no provision in law for same-sex marriages or civil partnerships.
\n\nPublic attitudes are tolerant but conservative. Some people may not approve of same-sex couples showing affection in public.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nMany visitors take part in water sports. The rate of accidents is very low, but they do occur.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nCheck the conditions on your insurance policy – some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualifications. Always:
\n\nGet advice on the safe depth for your dive. If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.
\n\nIf you go diving or snorkelling, leave details of your trip and an expected time of return with a friend, relative, hotel receptionist or villa staff.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in the Turks and Caicos Islands, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Turks and Caicos Islands for one month. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. Check the licence requirements with your provider.
\n\nDriving is on the left, but be aware that most rental cars are left-hand drive.
\n\nThere is an increasing number of accidents on Leeward Highway on Providenciales, particularly at night. Take care when driving as livestock – goats, cows, donkeys and horses – regularly wander on to the road, especially on Grand Turk.
\n\nStreet lighting is limited, particularly away from the main roads.
\n\nThe speed limit in Turks and Caicos is 20mph in towns and 40mph elsewhere.
\n\nThere are standard taxi fares for most destinations on the main islands. You may be charged per person. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting a journey.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe hurricane season in the Turks and Caicos Islands normally runs from June to November.
\n\nEarthquakes could be a risk. See more information from the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 911 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including:
\n\nPharmacies on all islands are usually well stocked. However, less common medication may only be available from the hospital or pharmacies on Providenciales.
\n\nIf you need more prescribed medicine, you need to go to a registered physician, who will either countersign your UK prescription or give you a new one. You will usually have to pay up front, then claim for reimbursement through your insurance.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are hospitals on Providenciales and Grand Turk. They provide a range of services including diagnostic services, primary care and outpatient speciality clinics, emergency services and inpatient care. If the local hospitals cannot treat a patient, they can make a medical referral. The referral is usually regional, but could be to South America or the USA. Make sure your insurance is comprehensive and covers medical evacuation.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nThe Turks and Caicos Islands is a British overseas territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Turks and Caicos Islands government will support you if you need help.
\nTelephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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