There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. 

Advisory summary

Crime

Most crime occurs in Providenciales. Police may have limited resources to investigate crimes.

• There have been reports of sexual assaults in the Turks and Caicos Islands. 
• Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
• Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. You may encounter aggressive vendors. Some will offer “free” gifts that lead to money demands. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations.
• U.S. Embassy Nassau in The Bahamas helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ammunition arrests

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws abroad. If you break laws in another country – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, or imprisoned.

It is illegal to have firearms and ammunition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This includes single bullets and cartridges brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage.  A firearm license or permit obtained in the United States or any other country is not valid in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Police strictly enforce these laws, especially at the airport when travelers are leaving the country.
• Travelers may face arrest, jail time, and heavy fines.
• Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage.
• Offenders may face 12 years or more in prison.
• We cannot get U.S. citizens out of detention.

Hurricanes

The Turks and Caicos Islands regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Review our Travel Guidance for the Turks and Caicos Islands to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

If you decide to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Before you leave the United States for the Turks and Caicos Islands, carefully check your luggage for any loose ammunition or weapons you may have forgotten. Review our information on Local Laws and Customs in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• You may wish to use different bags for travel than the ones you use to store or carry weapons and ammunition at home. This may help you avoid accidentally bringing illegal items into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.