Turks- och Caicosöarna

Översikt

Capital: Grand Turk (pop. 5,000)
Population: 46,855 (2025 est.)
Religions: Protestant 72.8%, Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.8%
Languages: English
Time Zone: UTC-5
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +1 649
Electrical plug(s): Type A and Type B

Pengar

The local currency in Turks and Caicos is US dollars (USD).

Currency exchange can be done at banks.

Travellers should be prepared to use either cash or credit or debit card to make payments. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in most places.

Banking hours usually extend from 09:00 to 15:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 16:00 on Fridays.

Check your bill to see if a 10% service charge has been added. If so, you may supplement it by 5% or even more if service was outstanding. If no service charge has been added, then tip as you would in the US, about 15%. Be aware that when a large party dines together, a hefty service fee may be added at the end. Taxi drivers expect about a 10% tip.

El

The power supply in Turks and Caicos is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 120V at 60Hz using plug type(s) A and B. Power can be unreliable therefore visitors may want to bring surge protection equipment for laptops and mobile phones.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Turks and Caicos. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure and have two blank pages.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-Free Travel to Turks & Caicos: Foreign nationals from select countries are permitted visa-free entry to Turks and Caicos for up to 30 days. Travellers may consult an immigration office to extend their travel for up to 90 days in total.

Visas

Entry Visa: Foreign nationals from select countries must obtain a visa to be permitted entry to Turks and Caicos for up to 30 days.

Lokal resor

Overview

Road conditions are generally good but driving standards are poor. Taxis are the most reliable form of transport and are available on all islands. Ferries or air travel are required to move between the islands.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Both Providenciales International Airport (PLS/MBPV) and South Caicos Airport (XSC/MBSC) receive international flights, being (PLS/MBPV) the primary entry point for travellers.

The other main airport is Grand Turk International Airport (GDT/MBJT) but it only receives domestic flights. Most of the other islands also have their own airstrips to receive domestic flights. Air travel between the islands is the most efficient form of transport. Caicos Express Airways and InterCaribbean Airways serve air routes to Providenciales. Other islands can be accessed via Providenciales International Airport. While taxi ranks are available outside Providenciales International Airport, taxis must usually be booked in advance to and from Grand Turk International Airport.

Further information about airport services can be found here.

Borders and Entry

Visa ban: Issuance of new visas of any category was suspended for nationals of Haiti since July 2025; the measure was extended in February for a period of six months.

Health measures: Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at Turks and Caicos’ entry points and airports.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Turks and Caicos. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure and have two blank pages.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" may be denied entry. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate to confirm if entry is allowed with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral". The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Turks and Caicos might face legal and social difficulties.

For US, UK, and Canadian passport holders, the passport can be valid for the duration of the stay.

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the left in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Road conditions are generally good in both urban and rural areas but potholes are more common on secondary roads. Roadside assistance is hard to find and generally unavailable. Serious accidents are on the rise on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales, especially at night, due to speeding, poor driving standards and animal crossings. Drive carefully and abide by the speed limits. Beware of cyclists and drivers without lights. The speed limits are 32kph (20 mph) in town, and 64kph (40 mph) everywhere else. Travellers are recommended to wear seat belts. An International Driving Licence is acceptable for a one-month period. If staying longer, a local licence should be obtained from the Department of Road Safety.

Public Transport

Ferries and Boats: Small passenger ferry services are overall safe and are offered between Providenciales and North Caicos, Providenciales and South Caicos, and Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Further information about the ferry's schedules and rates can be found here.

Taxis: Taxis are the safest form of ground transport on the islands and are available on all the inhabited islands. Many drivers will double as tour guides. Prices should be negotiated before departure and drivers will quote fares based on distance as well as the number of passengers. Beware of ‘jitney’ services, which are small, unmarked cars that market themselves as being official taxis. Drivers of these services often drive recklessly and overcharge travellers.

Vehicle Hire: Car rental prices are usually high and gas is similarly expensive. When renting a vehicle, travellers should keep in mind that many vehicles are imported from the US and so have the steering wheel on the left side, even though traffic moves on the left. Make sure to keep to the left side of the road.

It is also possible to rent a bike or scooter, which can save fuel. Travellers are recommended to wear a helmet, even though this is not required.