Turks and Caicos
Country Specific Information

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March 14, 2008

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Turks and Caicos map   The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory comprising a small archipelago of eight major islands and numerous uninhabited keys 600 miles southeast of Miami.  Most tourist facilities are located on Providenciales ("Provo") Island.  The U.S. dollar is the unit of currency and the larger hotels and shops accept credit cards.  The U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas has jurisdiction for consular matters in the Turks and Caicos.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on the Turks and Caicos for additional information.

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ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.  This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed-loop cruises), including ferry service, by the summer of 2009.  Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea must have government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization), or other WHTI-compliant document such as a passport card for entry or re-entry to the U.S.  Sea travelers should also check with their cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.  

Applications for the new U.S. Passport Card are now being accepted.  Based on current projections, we expect to begin production of the passport card in June 2008 and be in full production in July 2008.  The card may not be used to travel by air and is available only to U.S. citizens. Further information on the passport card is available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html and upcoming changes to U.S. passport policy can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.  We strongly encourage all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport well in advance of anticipated travel.  American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports.

Visit the British Embassy web site at http://www.britain-info.org for the most current entry information, including any visa requirements.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY:   For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

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CRIME:  Petty street crime does occur.  Visitors should not leave valuables unattended in their hotel rooms or on the beach.  Visitors should make sure that their hotel room doors are securely locked at night.  In the Turks and Caicos, visitors may dial 999 or 911 for emergency police, fire, or medical assistance.  In the Turks and Caicos, carrying illegal/undeclared firearms or ammunition is a very serious crime, as is possession of illegal narcotics. 

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. 

See our information on Victims of Crime.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Medical facilities are available but limited in the Turks and Caicos.  There is a small public hospital on Grand Turk and a private clinic on Provo, which has a hyperbaric chamber.  Most serious medical problems require medical evacuation by air from the Turks and Caicos to the United States.

The Turks and Caicos Islands do not have a pathologist to perform services in cases of death.  Medical Examiners from neighboring countries visit the island regularly to provide this service.  It can take up to two weeks for the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to release the remains of the deceased under normal circumstances, and severe weather during the hurricane season could delay the process even more.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning the Turks and Caicos is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving in the Turks and Caicos is on the left.  Traffic tends to be light, and the terrain is flat.  When entering roundabouts and other intersections without signs or traffic signals, drivers are required to give way to those on their immediate right.  Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and drivers convicted of the offence may face fines, detention, or both.  Wild donkeys are a common sight and often walk on the roads, presenting a hazard to drivers, especially at night.  Road signs are not prevalent, but as there are few roads on the island, finding one's way with a tourist map is generally not a problem.  Drivers should be alert for unmarked hazards such as blind intersections or changes in road conditions.  Primary roads are generally drivable in both urban and rural areas.  Secondary roads are often unpaved, and have ruts and potholes.  Be aware that, in the event of a breakdown, roadside assistance is generally not available.  For emergencies, drivers may call 999 or 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.  Visitors require a valid driver's license from their country of residence.  Safety of public transportation in the Turks and Caicos is generally good.  Most car and motor scooter rental agencies will not rent to anyone under the age of 21.  A government tax is levied on all car and motor scooter rentals (insurance is extra).

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Turks and Caicos’ air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:   The importation of firearms to the Turks and Caicos is strictly forbidden without prior approval in writing from the Commissioner of Police.  U.S. citizens may contact the Turks and Caicos Customs Department at (649) 946-2867 for specific information regarding customs requirements.  

All Caribbean countries can be affected by hurricanes.  Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.  General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.

Please see our Customs Information.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Turks and Caicos laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Turks and Caicos are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  Please see our information on Criminal Penalties

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CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction

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REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:   Americans living or traveling in the Turks and Caicos are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the Turks and Caicos.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located next to the McDonald’s Restaurant on Queen Street in downtown Nassau, and may be reached Monday-Friday at telephone (242) 322-1181; after-hours (242) 328-2206; fax (242) 356-7174.  Embassy web site is http://nassau.usembassy.gov.  Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday (except for U.S. and Bahamian holidays).

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for the Turks and Caicos dated February 5, 2007, to update the Entry/Exit Requirements section.

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