Personal Safety
AUTHORITIES IN TURKS AND CAICOS HAVE EXTENDED ONGOING CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) RESTRICTIONS WITH SOME REVISIONS THROUGH NOVEMBER 30. NIGHTLY CURFEW WILL BE ENFORCED THROUGH 0001-0500 ACROSS ALL ISLANDS. TRAVELERS ARRIVING ON THE ISLAND PAST THE START OF THE CURFEW ARE EXEMPT. TURKS AND CAICOS REOPENED THE TERRITORY'S AIRPORTS TO REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TRANSPORT JULY 22; HOWEVER, OFFICIALS HAVE EXTENDED THE CRUISE CENTER'S CLOSURE UNTIL JANUARY 2021. ALL ARRIVING NONRESIDENT FOREIGN NATIONALS, RETURNING LEGAL RESIDENTS, AND CITIZENS OVER THE AGE OF 10 MUST OBTAIN PRE-AUTHORIZATION BY PROVIDING A NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST TAKEN WITHIN FIVE DAYS BEFORE ARRIVAL, PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE AND A COMPLETED HEALTH SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE. EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 2, OFFICIALS HAVE LIFTED ALL RESTRICTIONS ON INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL. DOMESTIC TRAVELERS WILL BE SUBJECT TO TEMPERATURE HEALTH CHECKS.
Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu.
If you are traveling to Turks and Caicos Islands on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here.
Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic.
Drinking water may be unsafe in the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially in rural areas. Use only bottled, boiled, or otherwise purified water for drinking and cooking. Do not use ice cubes made from unpurified water sources. Eat only thoroughly cooked food served hot, or fruits and vegetables that you have cleaned and peeled; avoid salads. Consume only pasteurized milk and dairy products, or use powdered or canned milk and cured cheeses. Avoid street vendors and unregulated food establishments.
The threat of civil unrest in the Turks and Caicos Islands is minimal. Protests rarely occur in the Turks and Caicos Islands and seldom devolve into violence. Most demonstrations are related to labor disputes, environmental issues, or government policies. Protests are most common on Grand Turk and occasionally cause minor transportation delays.
The threat of kidnapping in the Turks and Caicos is minimal; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common type of abduction in the Turks and Caicos is likely child abduction. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.
The threat of terrorism is minimal in Turks and Caicos. Authorities have not introduced ratings based on an official national terror threat level system. Foreign governments have not issued warnings regarding terror threats in the country. No specific threats exist, and Turks and Caicos is not currently considered a potential target.
Legal/Political
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some offenses are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in Nassau and the U.S. Consular Agency in Providenciales immediately.
Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and/or heavy fines.
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Turks and Caicos.