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Territory of United Kingdom

Caribbean

Turks and Caicos IslandsTravel guide

Explore Turks and Caicos Islands visa rulesCommon scams in Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory with more than 40 islands and small islands called cays. They lie in the Atlantic Ocean and are part of the Caribbean region. Grand Turk and Providenciales are the two main islands.

Why go

  1. Relax on beaches such as Grace Bay on Providenciales.

  2. Explore the water by diving, snorkelling, sailing or kayaking.

  3. Visit Grand Turk lighthouse.

  4. Browse local shops for jewellery and handmade gifts.

Best time to go: December to April is the dry season, with mild temperatures, low humidity and little rain. It is also the busiest tourism season. June to late November is hotter, more humid and rainier.

Getting there

By air

  • Providenciales International Airport (airport code PLS) is the main international airport.
  • The source lists flights from cities in the United States, Canada and London, plus connections to other islands in the region.
  • You must clear immigration at Providenciales before travelling onwards to another island in Turks and Caicos.

Customs

  • All visitors need a passport valid for six months after their visit.

Getting around

  • Taxis

    Taxis are widely available at airports, seaports and throughout the islands. Many drivers can also act as personal tour guides. The source gives $33 as the airport-to-Grace Bay fare, but warns that some drivers try to charge more. Confirm the fare before leaving.

  • Rental cars, jeeps and motor scooters

    Cars, jeeps and motor scooters are available to rent on Providenciales and Grand Turk. North and Middle Caicos also have local rental companies. Drive on the left and give way to traffic coming from your right at small roundabouts. Look carefully for speed bumps, as signs may be missing and road markings may have faded.

  • Golf carts and bicycles

    You can rent a golf cart on Salt Cay. Bicycles are available in most locations.

What to see and do

  • Grace Bay Beach

    This beach on Providenciales is a particular highlight of the islands.

  • Grand Turk beaches

    Grand Turk is another place to enjoy the islands' beaches.

  • Grand Turk lighthouse

    The lighthouse is a sightseeing stop on Grand Turk.

  • Diving and snorkelling

    Both are available for visitors who want to explore underwater.

  • Windsurfing in Grace Bay

    Winter ocean breezes make conditions suitable for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

  • Kayaking

    Paddle through mangrove waterways and channels.

Food and drink

  • Dining on Providenciales

    Many of the islands' restaurants are on Providenciales.

  • Fine dining

    The islands offer creative cooking and highly regarded chefs.

  • Hotel dining

    Hotels also offer dining experiences.

  • Islander Ginger Beer

    This alcoholic drink is made in Cockburn Town on Grand Turk and sold in local bars and restaurants. It has ginger, citrus and spice flavours and must be kept refrigerated.

Money

United States dollar (USD), written as $. One dollar equals 100 cents.

  • Banks are available on the islands.
  • Exchange rates change, so check the rate when exchanging money.
  • Ask hotels whether they offer packages, such as a stay combined with diving.

Typical costs

  • The source lists $33 for a taxi from Providenciales airport to Grace Bay.
  • The government tax on a rental car is listed as $15.
  • The government tax on a rental motor scooter is listed as $5.

Language

Hello
A friendly greeting.
Good Afternoon
A polite greeting to use in the afternoon.

Staying safe

  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Do not open your door to unfamiliar people.
  • Do not resist a robbery attempt.
  • Keep valuables out of sight and lock your car and accommodation when leaving.
1 common scams in Turks and Caicos Islands, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Greet people politely with words such as "Hello" or "Good Afternoon."
  • Dress neatly when eating out; suggested clothes include polo shirts, smart shorts, dresses or smart trousers.
  • Bring a light sweater or jacket for evenings, especially in winter.

Don't

  • Do not be nude in public; public nudity is illegal.
  • Avoid raising the subject of a possible union with Canada unless you know the people well. Views on this subject are divided.

Staying healthy

  • Use bottled water when possible. Untreated well water may be contaminated.
  • Hospitals are available at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Providenciales and Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk.
  • Private medical providers, dental care and a full-service pharmacy are also available on Providenciales.
  • Wear sunglasses and a sunhat in the strong sunshine.

Phone and internet

  • Many hotels offer internet access.

Where to stay

  • Accommodation options include all-inclusive properties, resort apartments, private villas and inns.
  • Ask about packages that combine accommodation with activities such as diving.
  • Many hotels offer business rates, internet access and fax services.

Outdoor adventures in Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos Islands has beaches across more than 40 islands and cays, with Grace Bay a standout. Outdoor options include windsurfing in Grace Bay and kayaking through mangrove channels. December to April is the dry season.

  • Grace Bay Beach

    BeacheProvidenciales

    December–April, during the dry season

    Visit Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales.

    • Keep valuables out of sight and lock your car when leaving it.

  • Grand Turk beaches

    BeacheGrand Turk

    December–April, during the dry season

    Visit the beaches on Grand Turk Island.

    • Avoid walking alone at night.

  • Windsurfing in Grace Bay

    SurfingProvidenciales

    Winter, when stronger ocean breezes suit windsurfing

    Go windsurfing in Grace Bay on Providenciales.

  • Mangrove estuary and channel kayaking

    Kayaking

    December–April, during the dry season

    Explore the islands' mangrove estuaries and channels by kayak.

Airports, metros and trains in Turks and Caicos Islands

Airports with scheduled flights

  • PLSProvidenciales International AirportProvidencialesMain international airport

People and safety in Turks and Caicos Islands

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian92%
  • No religion5%
  • Folk religions3%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 33 of 101 countries can visit Turks and Caicos Islands easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required33
  • Visa required68

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas17 of 19 countries
  • Europe2 of 4 countries
  • Asia4 of 10 countries
  • Oceania5 of 14 countries
  • Africa5 of 54 countries

Questions

Is the Turks and Caicos Islands part of United Kingdom?

Turks and Caicos Islands is a territory linked to United Kingdom, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit United Kingdom.

Does a United Kingdom visa let me visit the Turks and Caicos Islands?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United Kingdom may not cover Turks and Caicos Islands. Check the Turks and Caicos Islands visa page for your passport.

When is the best time to visit?

December to April is the dry season, with mild temperatures and little rain. It is also the peak tourism season.

Which airport should I fly into?

Providenciales International Airport is the main international airport. You must clear immigration there before continuing to another island.

Can I take public transport from the airport?

There is no public transport to or from the airport. Taxis are available.

What money do the islands use?

The islands use the United States dollar, written as $.

Which side of the road do people drive on?

People drive on the left. Watch for small roundabouts and speed bumps with faded or missing markings.

What can I do besides going to the beach?

You can dive, snorkel, kayak, sail, fish, play golf, shop, ride ponies or visit a spa.

What types of accommodation are available?

Choices include all-inclusive properties, resort apartments, private villas and inns. Some hotels offer packages that include diving.

Can I drink the tap water?

The source recommends bottled water when possible. Water collected in rainwater tanks is usually safe, but untreated well water may be contaminated.

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