July 1, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Turks and Caicos Islands are 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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: For tourist stays up to 30 days, U.S. citizens need a passport, naturalization certificate, or original certified birth certificate as well as photo identification, onward or return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay. A $23 departure tax is required of all persons 12 years of age and older. In order to arrange for longer stays or obtain work permits in the Turks and Caicos, travelers should contact the Turks and Caicos Immigration Department at (649) 946-2939.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

For further information regarding entry and customs requirements for the Turks and Caicos, U.S. citizens may contact the British Embassy, 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; telephone (202) 462-1340; or the nearest British consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York or San Francisco. Internet: http://nsi.org/travel/british-west-indies.txt or http://www.britain-info.org. Travelers may also contact the Turks and Caicos Tourism Office at 11645 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 302, Miami FL 33181; telephone (305) 891-4117, or download information from the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board's Internet site at: http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIME INFORMATION: Petty street crime does occur. Visitors should not leave valuables unattended in their hotel rooms or on the beach. The U.S. Embassy has received several reports of sexual assaults on U.S. citizens at resort hotels in the Turks and Caicos. 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. Visitors should be cognizant of individuals attempting to sell illegal drugs and of police sting operations, which are not considered entrapment in the Turks and Caicos.

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, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to 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.

U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. This publication and others, such as "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean," are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/index.html; or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protection available to individuals under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the laws of the Turks and Caicos, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Turks and Caicos are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: 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. This clinic has a hyperbaric chamber. Most serious medical problems require medical evacuation by air from the Turks and Caicos to the United States.

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 if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: 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); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

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 & Caicos Islands 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. Secondary roads are often unpaved, and have ruts and potholes. Visitors require a valid driver's license from their country of residence. 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).

For specific information concerning Turks and Caicos driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board at (649) 946-2321.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Turks and Caicos civil aviation authority as Category 2 - not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Turks and Caicos air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, the Turks and Caicos air carriers currently flying to the U.S. will be subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional flights or new service to the U.S. by Turks and Caicos air carriers will be permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA’s Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. In addition, DOD does not permit its personnel to use air carriers from Category 2 countries for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the United States. Local exceptions may apply. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: 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.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at http://www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protection available to individuals under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the laws of the Turks and Caicos, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Turks and Caicos are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad.  For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18.  The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18. 

Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: 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.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except u.s. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317- 472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: There is no U.S. embassy, consulate or consular agency in the Turks and Caicos. U.S. citizens living in or visiting Turks and Caicos may wish to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, which has consular responsibilities over the territory. The 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 website is http://nassau.usembassy.gov. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday-Friday (except for U.S. and Bahamian holidays).

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This replaces the Turks and Caicos Consular Information Sheet dated January 28, 2004, to add sections on Safety and Security, Customs Regulations, and Criminal Penalties, and to update the sections on Children’s Issues, and Registration/Embassy and Consulate Locations.

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