Turks & Caicos Islands

Recommended Vaccinations For Turks & Caicos Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Turks & Caicos Islands

There are no recommendations for Turks & Caicos Islands at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Turks & Caicos Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

The risk of acquiring hepatitis B in the Turks and Caicos Islands is low.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a high risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in the Turks and Caicos Islands through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

Zika fever can occur in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Safety & Security in Turks & Caicos Islands

Personal Safety

Turks and Caicos experiences a significant crime problem primarily on Providenciales, the most populated island. The territory recorded 48 murders in 2024, bringing the homicide rate to 103.1 per 100,000 people, the highest in the Caribbean region. This represents a sharp increase from 24 murders in 2023 and 33 in 2022. Gang-related gun violence drives much of this violence, linked to firearms trafficking, drug dealing, and international criminal networks. While tourists are not usually targeted, you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Armed robberies and muggings occur somewhat commonly, with criminals often looking for individuals carrying large amounts of cash or jewelry. Avoid using ATMs at night. Opportunistic theft from vehicles, beaches, and unoccupied accommodations happens regularly across the islands. Home invasions of occupied villas occur primarily on Providenciales, with an estimated 0 to 10 incidents involving visitors annually. Crime tends to increase during the December to January holiday season. Walking at night is not advisable, especially outside the central Grace Bay area. The Bight and outer Grace Bay areas carry increased risk compared to the main Grace Bay Strip. Unlicensed taxis called jitneys have been linked to crimes including sexual assaults. Spiked drinks have been reported, so never accept food or drinks from strangers or leave them unattended. Establishments in the Downtown Providenciales area are known for human trafficking and violent crime. Police may have limited investigatory resources and response times are often longer than in North America or Europe. Firearms and ammunition, including single bullets accidentally left in luggage, are strictly illegal and carry mandatory sentences. Grand Turk experiences higher crime levels than other islands apart from Providenciales, while North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos see low crime rates, primarily opportunistic theft.

Extreme Violence

Gang-related violence represents the primary extreme violence concern. The territory recorded a homicide rate of 103.1 per 100,000 in 2024, driven by sophisticated criminal networks smuggling firearms, narcotics, and humans onto the islands. Gang infighting over turf control and international crime connections fuel the violence. The main drivers include firearms trafficking, drug dealing and trafficking, and organized criminal activity. Many homicides are planned attacks linked to gang conflicts. While most violence occurs among residents and criminal groups, some incidents have taken place in populated and public areas. An Illinois sheriff’s deputy was killed in a shooting outside a restaurant on Grace Bay Road in January 2025 when gunfire broke out and three people were shot. The police force faces challenges including limited forensic capabilities, no management structures for serious incidents, and geographical distribution of islands complicating security logistics. A 2023 internal investigation found the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force was overwhelmed by the crime situation. Authorities are implementing anti-gang legislation and enhanced security measures including biometric data collection, coastal radar systems, and additional patrol vessels. The causes of crime include poverty, limited access to employment and services, drug use and trafficking, irregular settlements with poor service access, and substantial population growth straining local resources. Tourists encountering violent crime is rare but the environment reflects a serious organized crime challenge.

Political Unrest

Political unrest is not a significant concern for travelers. The territory is a British Overseas Territory with stable governance structures. The islands have not experienced recent major protests or demonstrations affecting visitors. In 2011, protesters demanded expedited elections after self-rule was suspended in 2009 due to government corruption allegations, but this occurred over a decade ago. The constitutional framework provides for ministerial government with the UK-appointed Governor holding powers over defense, internal security, and police. Elections occur regularly under democratic processes. The most recent general election took place in 2025 with Premier Charles Washington Misick re-elected. While both major political parties have stated independence as a goal, this remains a long-term aspiration without imminent disruption. The territory experienced direct British administration from 2009 to 2012 following corruption investigations, but normal democratic governance resumed in 2012. Political discourse occurs through established institutions without widespread civil unrest. Demonstrations, when they occur, are typically small-scale and localized. Visitors should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings that do take place, though these remain infrequent and generally non-violent. The political environment does not present travel disruption risks under current conditions.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid walking at night outside the central Grace Bay area on Providenciales. The Bight and further reaches of Grace Bay have increased risk compared to the main Grace Bay Strip. Remote areas and poorly lit locations carry higher robbery risk. Some establishments in the Downtown region of Providenciales are known for human trafficking and violent crime. Late-night establishments operating into early morning hours outside Grace Bay have greatly increased risk of crime, altercations, and physical violence. Most restaurants close at 10:00 PM and bars close at 11:00 PM, so venues operating later warrant caution. Walking alone on beaches at night is not advisable. Isolated areas across all islands should be avoided, especially after dark. On Providenciales, most crime concentrates in specific residential areas that tourists typically don’t frequent. Grand Turk experiences elevated crime levels compared to other islands apart from Providenciales. Salt Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos have low crime rates but opportunistic theft from unoccupied accommodations and vehicles still occurs, particularly on Grand Turk. When driving off main routes into remote areas, increased caution is necessary. Areas near airports where drone flying is prohibited include Chalk Sound National Park, Taylor Bay Beach, Sapodilla Bay Beach, English Point Beach, and Governor’s Beach. Tourist-heavy areas including Grace Bay Beach and major resorts have police patrols and are considered safer, though some violent incidents have occurred even in populated public areas.