Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Risk

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

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.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Turks and Caicos Islands government will support you if you need help.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Turks and Caicos Islands, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Providenciales and Grand Turk have seen higher levels of serious crime than other islands, including gang-related crime involving guns and robbery. While risks are generally lower in tourist areas, some of these incidents have taken place in populated and public areas. If you are a victim of crime, contact the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for support. Levels of crime across the other islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands are low.

Always take local advice and be aware of your surroundings.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Most other crime is opportunistic, such as burglary, theft and muggings. You can take steps to reduce your personal risk by taking sensible precautions to protect your personal safety and belongings, as you would at home, you should:

• not carry large amounts of cash or valuables
• avoid isolated areas, particularly at night
• take care when walking alone off main roads
• take care when using an ATM
• keep your passport in a hotel or villa safe if possible – you will not be able to get a replacement passport locally. If you lose your passport, you will need to apply online for an emergency travel document
• not resist if you are confronted by someone trying to take your possessions or do anything that puts you at greater risk

Taxis

Only use licenced taxis. Avoid taking unregistered taxis (‘jitneys’).

Risk level

Turks and Caicos Islands - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime.

Crime

Crime occurs throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands but is most prevalent on Providenciales, the most populous island.

Petty crime

Petty crime occurs, such as:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• muggings
• theft from homes, vehicles, and on beaches

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• never leave personal belongings unattended, especially on beaches and in vehicles
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs, particularly at night
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business

Lost or stolen belongings abroad

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs, including:

• armed robberies
• armed home invasions
• murders
• sexual assaults

Avoid using unmarked, illegal taxis called “jitneys,” as drivers have committed sexual assaults.

Gang-related gun violence occurs in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Tourists are not usually targeted, but you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

During your stay:

• always be aware of your surroundings
• pay attention to people walking behind you
• avoid deserted streets at night and isolated areas
• avoid walking alone after dark
• do not resist an attack
• stay in accommodations with adequate security measures
• keep doors and windows locked at all times

Crime tends to increase during the holiday season from December to January.

Police response could be long when calling to report a crime. You may need to go to a local police station to accelerate the process. Reporting a crime can be complex and time-consuming.