Published: May 13, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Turks and Caicos Travel Advisory and Turks and Caicos Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
There is no U.S. diplomatic representation in Turks & Caicos.
U.S. Embassy Nassau oversees security for U.S. interests. P.O. Box N-8197, 42 Queen Street, Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: +1-242-322-1181.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
There is no OSAC Country Chapter in Turks & Caicos.
Contact the OSAC Americas Team with any questions.
Turks and Caicos Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication asses that travelers to Turks and Caicos should exercise increased caution due to crime.
Crime
Although Turks & Caicos does not have official ratings for crime from the U.S. Department of State, travelers should consider it a HIGH-threat location for crime.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Turks and Caicos, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Crime represents the primary security threat in Providenciales, where most crime occurs. Rising crime rates have drawn headlines in recent years, which surged to the equivalent of over 100 homicides per 100,000 in 2024. However, the population is small, and homicide numbers remain low in absolute terms (48 murders were recorded in 2024).
The Turks & Caicos government has placed concern on the increase of firearms-related crimes. Residential security remains a major concern. An increase in burglaries remains a threat facing Turks & Caicos, with local tourism authorities noting that theft from unoccupied homes, vehicles, and personal items left on beaches is common. Do not leave belongings unsecured outside your residence. Vehicles, bicycles, generators, and other property will attract criminals. If you cannot store items inside, visibly secure them with a chain and lock as a deterrent.
U.S. travelers have fallen victim to armed home invasions while in hotel rooms and private homes, as well as armed robbery while walking after dark. U.S. travelers are not specific targets for crime. However, crimes of opportunity (e.g., petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins) often target those with perceived wealth. While incidents of violent crime (e.g., murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings) do not typically target foreign travelers, there is a growing risk of armed robbery and wrong-place-wrong-time violence on the islands. In January 2024, a U.S. police officer was killed in a shooting incident at Aziza Restaurant & Lounge on Grace Bay Road. The incident also resulted in the death of a local resident, and injuries to a third person. This was a gang-related shooting, and the officer was not the intended target.
The holiday season historically serves as a potential catalyst for an increase in crime and violence in Turks & Caicos. Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, use a debit/credit card for payments when possible. Avoid using ATMs located in isolated areas; only use machines that have security coverage. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when making withdrawals. Skimmers create duplicate cards with stolen information, and then withdraw money from the victim’s account. If you observe a skimming device on an ATM, take a picture of it (if it is safe to do so) and contact police immediately.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Turks and Caicos.
The U.S. Embassy has not received any recent reports of kidnappings.
Terrorism
Although Turks & Caicos does not have official ratings for terrorism from the U.S. Department of State, travelers should consider it a LOW-threat location for terrorism.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Turks and Caicos.
Terrorist groups native to the Western Hemisphere do not typically operate in the northeastern Caribbean, and there is no indication of international terrorist interest in the islands. Nevertheless, all travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. These could take place in public areas; terrorists tend to target sites expatriates and foreign travelers frequent.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
Although Turks & Caicos does not have official ratings for political violence from the U.S. Department of State, travelers should consider it a LOW-threat location for political violence.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Turks and Caicos. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Turks & Caicos is a British territory and maintains a governor appointed by the British monarch.
Protests & Demonstrations
There is minimal risk from civil unrest in Turks & Caicos. Limited law enforcement resources make rapid response to public disorder difficult, particularly on islands other than Providenciales.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There are no concerns about anti-U.S. sentiment.
Law Enforcement
The Royal Turks & Caicos Island Police Force (RTCIPF) is the primary agency that handles all law enforcement matters for Turks & Caicos (+649-338-5901). RTCIPF officers wear bright white dress coats, light blue or white short-sleeved shirts, a black patrol cap emblazoned with a red stripe, and black trousers with a red stripe. Officers also wear a more subdued navy-blue uniform with solid black pants when responding to crime scenes. Officers regularly walk foot patrols or ride bicycles in areas tourists frequent.
Police Response
In general, police respond to reports of crime and take crimes against visitors seriously. The current police command structure is proactive about deterring crime, but a lack of resources or physical constraints, such as geography, infrastructure, and traffic, can hinder response. Unmarked streets and houses can impede first responders from locating affected residences or victims quickly. To ensure a faster response, victims may need to go to the local police station. Reporting crime can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. The Consular Section of the embassy in Nassau, which covers the Turks & Caicos Islands, has receive reports from U.S. citizens that police have not been responsive to follow-up requests for reports or investigation in certain cases involving car crashes, assault, and robbery.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Turks and Caicos, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Turks and Caicos.
There are minimal concerns for arbitrary detention. Attempting to bribe a police officer is a serious offense; strictly avoid doing so. Since gun and ammunition laws were strengthened in 2022, U.S. citizens who have inadvertently brought stray bullets in their luggage to Turks & Caicos and then tried to depart with the ammunition, have faced delays and in some cases lengthy detentions while their cases went through the police and judicial processes. Since summer 2024, these cases have been resolved more expeditiously.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a major challenge for computer network operators across the Caribbean. There is limited technical capacity, outdated legislation, and the absence of compliance and disclosure policies. There has been an increase in data breaches, network attacks, and computer viruses in the region. Turks & Caicos has signaled its intent to bolster its cybersecurity framework; there is no indication of implementation. Take normal security precautions when using electronic devices.
Import/Export Restrictions
There are restrictions on importing unpackaged food, plant, and animal products. These include restrictions on home-processed meat products, any consumable products not commercially packaged, or consumable items containing derivatives of controlled substances.
Firearms, ammunition, and Hawaiian slings are considered weapons and are banned. Additionally, controlled substances such as marijuana are not allowed to be imported. There are no known issues traveling with satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
