Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.  You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws.  Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well. 

If you break local laws in Turks and Caicos Islands, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution and the nearest U.S. Embassy is 500 miles away. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Turks and Caicos Islands are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and/or heavy fines.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not.  To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  

Hurricanes: The Turks and Caicos Islands, like all countries in the Caribbean basin, are vulnerable to hurricanes. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, although hurricanes have been known to occur outside that period. Visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands during hurricane season are advised to monitor weather reports daily and have contingency plans.

For more information on hurricane or disaster preparedness, please refer to:  Hurricane Season: Know Before You Go, the U.S. Embassy Nassau’s Hurricane Preparedness page, the National Hurricane Center and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Information regarding pets and disasters is also available from FEMA. If you are enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, you will receive emergency messages by email from the U.S. Embassy nearest your location with the latest hurricane and other emergency information. 

Customs: The Turks and Caicos Islands Customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or exportation of goods or cash. U.S. citizens have been arrested and face stiff penalties for not following Turks and Caicos Islands Customs regulations, especially in the area of firearms or ammunition. If in doubt, you may contact local customs authorities directly at (649) 946-4450 for specific information regarding customs requirements. Boating/fishing: Boaters and fisherman should be aware that there are stiff penalties for catching lobster or other marine life out of season, undersized, or in protected areas. Sports Fishing license fees and National Park User fees also apply to visitors and residents alike. Specific information is available from the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs at (649) 941-5122 or email dema.tci@gmail.com for more information.

Wildlife: There are laws and ordinances in the Turks and Caicos Islands with specific regard to fisheries limits, the protection of plants and the protection of wild birds. There are also areas marked as National Park Zones where restriction of certain activities harmful to ecology is prohibited. Visitors and residents can find further information on the TCI Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources website. All other hunting is prohibited in Turks and Caicos. A number of endangered and/or protected species reside in The Turks and Caicos Islands. U.S. citizens should not disturb, harass, or otherwise threaten wildlife and could receive stiff penalties for doing so.

If you are a women traveling abroad, please review our travel tips on the Women Travelers page on Travel.State.gov.

LGBT RIGHTS: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBT events in Turks and Caicos Islands. For more detailed information about LGBT rights around the world, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013. For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our Information for LGBT Travelers page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Turks and Caicos, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The island could be difficult to traverse if one is physically limited as few buildings have special facilities for persons with physical challenges or disabilities.