Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Turks and Caicos Islands.

 

Crime

 

The level of crime on Providenciales, the first point of arrival into the Turks and Caicos Islands for most visitors and the territory’s economic hub, is higher than on the other islands where incidences of serious crime are rare. Most crime tends to be as a result of opportunistic burglary and theft, although an increase in the incidence of more serious robberies has been reported recently. There have also been a number of armed robberies. Victims of robberies may suffer injuries if they resist.

 

Safeguard your possessions and take normal precautions to ensure your personal safety. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Take particular care of your passport as this can’t be replaced locally. Use hotel safety deposit facilities where possible.

 

See the Turks and Caicos crime-stoppers website for more crime prevention tips.

 

Local travel

 

If you go to isolated spots or remote islands, or go diving/snorkelling, leave details of your trip and an expected time of return with a friend, relative, or hotel receptionist. Avoid isolated spots at night.

 

Standard taxi fares exist for most destinations on the principal islands. Charges may be applied per person. Clarify the fare with the driver before beginning a journey.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive using a British Driving Licence or an International Driving Permit for a period of one month. After this you should get a local licence from the Department of Road Safety.

 

Most hire cars and jeeps are left-hand drive. Remember to drive on the left. Observe speed limits (20mph in town, and 40mph elsewhere). Don’t drink and drive. Use seat belts on all journeys. Accidents, sometimes serious, are on the increase on the Leeward Highway (Providenciales), especially at night.

 

Emergency assistance

 

The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory so does not have formal British consular representation. All emergency assistance needed by British nationals is delivered by the Turks and Caicos Islands government.

 

If you’re a victim of crime, contact the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police on 911.

 

Local laws and customs

The Turks and Caicos Islands is a separate legal jurisdiction to the United Kingdom and has its own laws.

 

Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. There are severe penalties for possession of even a small quantity.

 

Homosexuality is legal under Turks and Caicos Islands’ law. There’s no provision for marriage or civil partnerships between same sex couples. Attitudes in the main tourist destination of Providenciales are tolerant. Throughout Turks and Caicos, hotels and resorts are generally welcoming regardless of sexual orientation. Outside the tourist areas local attitudes can be conservative and some people may not approve of public displays of affection between same sex couples.

 

Health

Cases of Chikunyunga virus have been confirmed in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the number of reported cases in the region is increasing. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre .

 

There are hospital facilities on Providenciales and Grand Turk, both operated by Interhealth Canada. They provide a range of services including diagnostic services, primary care and outpatient specialty clinics, emergency services and inpatient care. Serious cases are still referred overseas, usually to Miami or Nassau. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You can monitor the progress of storms on the website of the US National Hurricane Centre. Direct hits are, historically, rare. Hotel management and local radio stations will pass on government advice if a hurricane is forecast.

 

See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.

 

Visas

 

Visas are not required if you have a valid UK Passport. The Turks and Caicos Islands Immigration department will normally give you permission to stay for up to 90 days. You will need a permit to work on any of the islands. EU citizens may require a visa.

 

For more information on visa requirements, visit the website of the UK Border Agency or the Turks and Caicos Islands Immigration Board.

 

For more information on visa requirements, visit the website of the UK Border Agency or the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Border Control and Labour.

 

Passport Validity

 

You must hold a valid passport to enter Turks and Caicos. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Turks and Caicos.

 

The authorities in Turks and Caicos have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Customs regulations

 

There are restrictions on the import and export of agricultural, food and marine products. Before arrival, all flight passengers will be asked to complete a form providing details of products they are bringing into the country. This form should be handed to a customs official on arrival.

 

There are no restrictions for travellers on the import of cameras, film or sports equipment. To bring in firearms of any type (including spear guns and Hawaiian slings), you will need written approval from the Commissioner of Police.

 

Travelling with medicines Any controlled drugs must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription. Keep all medication in original packaging to avoid confusion and questioning at ports of entry.