Safety and Security

The threat of terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including places frequented by travelers.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

Spring break travelers: Please click here for additional safety tips for Spring Break Travelers to The Bahamas or TCIS.

CRIME: The overall crime rate in the Turks and Caicos Islands is relatively low and crimes typically involve opportunistic petty theft. However, more serious robberies have been reported, specifically assaults and armed invasions of rental homes and armed robberies at night in the Grace Bay area. and two strings of armed robberies in Providenciales.  The crime level is highest on Providenciales, the territory’s economic hub and larger city.  Please see the U.S. Embassy’s website for specific messages about crime.

Travelers should take sensible precautions against theft in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Exercise caution when walking after dark, even in Grace Bay, especially in isolated areas such as deserted beaches, and avoid placing yourself in vulnerable situations. Never leave valuables unattended, on beaches or otherwise. Hotel guests should always lock their doors and never open their hotel room door without first verifying the identity of the person knocking. Hotel guests should consider storing passports/identity documents, airline tickets, credit cards, and extra cash in hotel safes, but remember to take your passport with you when you debark your cruise ship. It is best to keep your passport on your person and not in a handbag in case of theft. While automated teller machines (ATMs) are available,  visitors should try not to frequent them, especially after dark.

Report crime to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as quickly as possible. Early reports frequently improve the likelihood of identifying and apprehending suspected perpetrators.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law, which could lead to arrest or detainment. The same is true for illicit drugs. Vendors often tell visitors that marijuana is legal. Please note this is not true and the purchase of any amount of drugs is a crime that could lead to arrest and jail time.

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Beware of your surroundings at all times. The U.S. Embassy reports that victims of crime are often those who have let their guard down to individuals who appeared overly friendly or became victims after criminals targeted them as easy prey due to the visitor appearing inebriated or unaware. Take some time before travel to improve your personal securityby reading these useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the U.S. Consular Agent in Providenciales.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport. Please note, however, that we cannot produce passports in in Turks & Caicos, we can only process passport applications; and the process takes 15 business days to complete.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
•  Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Turks and Caicos is 999 or 911.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.