Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

United States passport holders must have a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. An extension can be obtained for up to 90 days, provided the extension has been applied for at least three days before the initial visa expires. Visa extensions cost US$ 50.

UK Nationals

British nationals require a passport, but no visa is required to enter the islands for a stay of up to 30 days. An extension can be obtained for up to 90 days, provided the extension has been applied for at least three days before the initial visa expires. Visa extensions cost US$ 50. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Canadians

Canadians may enter without a passport if they have a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days. An extension can be obtained for up to 90 days, provided the extension is applied for at least three days before the initial visa expires. Visa extensions cost US$ 50.

Australians

Australians require a passport but no visa for a stay of up to 30 days. An extension can be obtained for up to 90 days, provided the extension is applied for at least three days before the initial visa expires. Visa extensions cost US$ 50. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

South Africans

South African citizens require a passport but no visa for a stay of up to 30 days. An extension can be obtained for up to 90 days, provided the extension is applied for at least three days before the initial visa expires. Visa extensions cost US$ 50. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to 30 days. An extension can be obtained for up to 90 days, provided the extension is applied for at least three days before the initial visa expires. Visa extensions cost US$ 50. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

New Zealanders

New Zealanders require a passport but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 30 days. An extension can be obtained for up to 90 days, provided the extension is applied for at least three days before the initial visa expires. Visa extensions cost US$ 50. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Healthcare

There is no risk of disease on the islands and no vaccinations are required for entry. Medical facilities are limited. Serious cases are usually evacuated to Miami or Nassau. There is a small hospital on Grand Turk and some private general practitioners on Providenciales. Adequate insurance to cover air ambulance charges is highly recommended.

Safety

Visits to the Turks and Caicos Islands are usually trouble-free. The crime rate is low, but on the favorite tourist island of Providenciales there have been incidents of burglary and theft, so visitors should take precautions with valuables. Robberies have occurred on Grace Bay Beach. Hurricane season generally runs from June to November.