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Country Specific Info.
The United States State Department produces Consular Information Sheets with health, safety and other country information for every country in the world. They are one good source of information, though you should look at multiple sources of information and take your own personal situation into account when selecting a country to study in.
The latest Consular Information Sheet for Turks and Caicos Islands is below. We do not take responsibility for this information or edit it in any way.
You can access the State Department travel site directly at: https://travel.state.gov/travel/
February 25, 2019
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy Nassau
#42 Queen Street P.O. Box N-8197
Nassau, The Bahamas
Telephone: +(242) 322-1181
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(242) 322-1181
Fax: +(242) 356-7174
acsnassau@state.gov
Consulates
U.S. Consular Agency
2 Venture Ct.
Grace Bay Suite 102E
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Telephone: 649-232-5713
Email: ACSNassau@state.gov
Destination Description
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIS) are a British Overseas Territory consisting of eight major islands. See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Turks and Caicos for information on U.S. - Turks and Caicos relations.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
A tourist visa is not required for stays under 90 days. A valid passport is required for entry and exit. Visit the website of the Turks and Caicos Immigration Department for the most current visa information.
The nearest emergency U.S. passport facility is located in Nassau, The Bahamas. To learn more about emergency passport issuance visit U.S. Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Turks and Caicos.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Exit Requirements for Minors: Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 are required to present a valid passport and notarized consent from parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to exit Turks and Caicos.
Safety and Security
Crime, including violent crime, is a serious problem throughout Turks and Caicos. Criminal investigative capabilities are limited. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to secure personal belongings. Exercise caution when visiting isolated areas after dark. Be careful using ATMs in the evening and at night.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on schemes.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 911 or 999 and contact the U.S. Consular Agency in Providenciales at 649-232-5713.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
help you find appropriate medical care
assist you in reporting a crime to the police
contact relatives or friends with your written consent
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
provide a list of local attorneys
provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy in Nassau or the U.S. Consular Agency in Providenciales for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, first contact the local police at 911.
Hurricanes: Hurricane season generally runs from June through November, although hurricanes can occur outside that period. Monitor local weather reports closely.
For further information:
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to contact you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Furthermore, some offenses are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in Nassau and the U.S. Consular Agency in Providenciales immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and/or heavy fines.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
Faith-Based Travel Information
International Religious Freedom Report– see country reports
Human Rights Report – see country reports
Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Turks and Caicos.
See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: There are very few buildings with special facilities for people with physical challenges and disabilities.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Wildlife: Local laws provide for specific fishing limits, the protection of plants and the protection of wild birds. National Park Zones prohibit certain activities harmful to ecology. You can find further information from the Turks and Caicos Government’s Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs. All other hunting is prohibited. Many protected species live in Turks and Caicos. You may receive severe penalties if you disturb, harass, or otherwise threaten wildlife.
Health
There are two hospital facilities on Providenciales and Grand Turk managed by InterHealth Canada that are able to 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 because Turks and Caicos does not always have a pathologist available to perform autopsies. Periodically-scheduled nonresident foreign pathologists often travel to Turks and Caicos to perform this public service.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare or Medicaid does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Medicines: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Turks and Caicos to ensure the medication is legal in Turks and Caicos. Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Travel and 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 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. For emergencies, call 999 or 911 for police.
Public Transportation: There is no public transportation, but taxis are readily available. Only use marked taxis and wear your seatbelt. 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).
See our Road Safety page for more information.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Turks and Caicos’ Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of TCI’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Turks and Caicos should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.
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