Turks and Caicos Islands

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 or 999 for police 
• Dial 911 or 999 for ambulance 

Crime

Most crime occurs in Providenciales. Police may have limited investigatory resources. 

U.S. citizens are not generally targeted for crime in the Eastern Caribbean islands. However, crimes of opportunity such as petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins occur. Violent crimes, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes do occasionally occur. As you would in any major metropolitan area of the United States, stay aware of your surroundings. 

Safety tips

• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
• Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit locations.
• Go out in groups or with a companion and restrict nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues.
• Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
• Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report immediately.
• Use added caution when shopping in crowded areas, especially during the holiday season.
• Use added caution when attending crowded events, celebrations, music festivals, etc.
• Do not leave drinks unattended in public venues as this could create a potential vulnerability for the use of “date rape” drugs in furtherance of criminal activity.
• Do not be predictable; vary your daily routes and schedules.
• Do not engage in illegal activity

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Internet romance scams are common in Turks and Caicos. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Turks and Caicos: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911 or 999.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of destitution.   
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas and local law enforcement for assistance. There is no U.S. embassy in Turks and Caicos.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones 

Drones are legal to use in Turks and Caicos for non-commercial purposes. You must follow Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority rules and any resort property bans.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care. 
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Turks and Caicos seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Firearms restrictions

Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not permitted in the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

• Turks and Caicos authorities have strict rules related to firearms, even if they are discovered upon your departure from the island. 
• Declaring the weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not give you permission to bring the weapon into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• If you illegally bring a firearm or ammunition into the Turks and Caicos Islands, the U.S. embassy will not be able to secure you release. All foreign nationals must follow local law enforcement procedures. 

Please read more information on the Department of State’s page for Travelers with Firearms here. 

Drugs

Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences or heavy fines.

Laws protecting nature 

Local laws have limits for fishing. There are also laws that protect plants and wild birds. 

• National Park Zones prohibit certain activities harmful to ecology. 
• Review more information from the Government’s Department to Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management. 
• All other forms of hunting besides fishing are prohibited. 
• Many protected species live in Turks and Caicos. You may receive severe penalties if you disturb, harass, or otherwise threaten wildlife.

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas, immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Human Rights Reports
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Turks and Caicos.  
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers accessibility needs

The law in Turks and Caicos does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. 

• Expect accessibility to be very limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. 
• There are very few buildings in Turks and Caicos with special facilities for people with disabilities.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  
• Review our FBI Travel Tips.

Women travelers  

Sexual assaults have been reported. Travel in groups and exercise caution when walking in areas of low foot traffic, including along the beach after dark. 

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Turks and Caicos Traveler Information Page provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 911 or 999 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 

• Ambulances are not present or are unreliable in most areas except on Providenciales and Grand Turk islands.
• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment and sometimes no equipment. 
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Turks and Caicos. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Credit cards can be used for payment of medical services.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities 

• Health facilities are not widely available. There are 2 hospital facilities on Providenciales and Grand Turk managed by InterHealth Canada. They can handle non-life-threatening medical needs. However, serious medical problems may require medical evacuation by air to neighboring countries or the United States. 
• The repatriation of the remains of U.S. citizens who die in Turks and Caicos can take weeks to return to the United States. Turks and Caicos does not always have a pathologist available to perform autopsies. Some nonresident foreign pathologists sometimes travel to Turks and Caicos to perform this public service.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Hospitals only use minimal staff overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry in Turks and Caicos as well as across the Caribbean region. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. 

• Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor. 
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Turks and Caicos. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Turks and Caicos.   
• Although Turks and Caicos has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Turks and Caicos make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified. 

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• Check with the Government of Turks and Caicos to ensure the medication is legal. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Turks and Caicos to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Turks and Caicos with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Turks and Caicos courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Turks and Caicos via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. 
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally safe in most areas to drink and use in cooking. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Traffic drives on the left in Turks and Caicos. 

• Primary roads are in generally good condition, while secondary roads are often unpaved. 
• Hazards such as blind intersections, road work, unmarked changes in road conditions, and a lack of familiarity with roundabouts may cause problems while driving. 
• At a roundabout, drivers are required to give way to those on their immediate right and those who enter the roundabout first. 
• Animals often wander on the roads, presenting a hazard to drivers, especially at night.

Traffic laws  

You need a valid U.S. driver’s license to drive in Turks and Caicos. 

• A valid U.S. or International Driving Permit is good for up to a month, after that a local Turks and Caicos license from the Department of Road Safety is required. 
• Speed limits are 20 mph in town and side roads, and 40 mph on the highway. 
• The use of seatbelts is mandatory. 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. 
• Traffic accidents are on the rise and are often fatal. 

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis are readily available. 

• Agree on a fare before getting into a taxi.
• Only use marked taxis and wear your seatbelt.
• International ride-share apps (Uber, Lyft) are not available in Turks and Caicos.

Public and commercial transportation 

There is no public transportation.

• Car and scooter rentals are available, but you must have a valid driver’s license and be 21 years or older.
• There is a government tax on all car and motor scooter rentals (insurance is extra).
• Visit the website of Turks and Caicos national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Turks and Caicos meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Turks and Caicos should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Hurricanes

Hurricane season runs from June to November peaking during the months of August to October. 

• Hurricanes contain high winds, storm surge, and flooding. 
• Travel is frequently disrupted during hurricane season and can lead to property damage. Monitor local weather reports closely.

Earthquakes

While not as common, earthquakes have been known to occur in Turks and Caicos Islands. This is due to seismic activity in the Caribbean Sea. 

• Earthquakes can occur at any time of the year.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates