Turks and Caicos Islands
Port of Call – Grand Turk
Located on the world’s third largest barrier coral reef, the Turks and Caicos Islands boast not only pristine sugary white beaches, but some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkelling as well.
With a slower pace of life and a population of about 4,000 people, Grand Turk is definitely off the beaten track, and welcomes cruise passengers to a largely unspoiled Caribbean paradise. Key sights on the island include the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which has a number of maritime displays and exhibits to enthral just about anyone, and Cockburn Town, the capital, which is a great place to see historic 18th and 19th-century buildings. The Grand Turk Lighthouse, which was originally built in the UK and moved piece by piece to Grand Turk, is also a must.
Ships dock at the new pier, built specifically for cruise ships, on the southwestern tip of the island. The port features a Cruise Centre, which is a sort of tourist village, and features direct beach access with chairs and changing rooms for cruise passengers, as well as a shopping centre.
Shopping in Grand Turk
The Cruise Centre houses a 45,000 square foot (4181 square metre) shopping centre with a big duty-free shop as well as jewellery shops selling locally crafted pieces. The centre also features plenty of souvenir shops. Conch shells are the most popular souvenirs and Turks and Caicos is one of the few countries where these beautiful shells can be purchased legally by tourists.
Best Buy:
Locally handcrafted jewellery and conch shells.
Dining in Grand Turk
Sandbar – great for a casual drink and snack along the beachfront
The Secret Garden – favourite with locals for fantastic seafood
Turks Head Inne – beautiful setting serving eclectic and international cuisine
Best Dish:
Cracked (deep fried) conch
Travel to Turks and Caicos Islands
Climate in Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands enjoy a tropical marine climate, with trade winds ensuring that the islands maintain a comfortable warm temperature, which varies little between winter and summer. Between June and October the temperature hovers between 85F and 90F (29C to 32C), dropping only a few degrees in the winter months. The water is almost as warm as the air. The westerly islands enjoy high annual rainfall, and hurricanes are possible between June and October, but on average the islands have 350 days of sunshine a year.
Health Notes when travelling to Turks and Caicos Islands
A vaccination for hepatitis A should be considered. Medical facilities are limited and comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for transfer by helicopter, is recommended for all travellers. Serious cases are usually evacuated to Miami or Nassau. There is a small hospital on Grand Turk and some private general practitioners on Providenciales.
Safety Notes when travelling to Turks and Caicos Islands
Visits to the Turks and Caicos Islands are usually trouble-free, and crime is generally of a petty and opportunistic kind. The crime rate is low but on the favourite tourist island of Providenciales there have been incidents of burglary and theft, so visitors should take precautions with valuables. Robberies have occurred on Grace Bay Beach. Hurricane season generally runs from June to November.
Customs in Turks and Caicos Islands
Culture in the Turks and Caicos Islands is relaxed and hospitable, and islanders are known for their good manners. Visitors should address strangers with respect and note that the use of titles is considered normal and appropriate. Things happen slowly on the islands and attempting to rush service will only annoy.
Visitors should cover beachwear when off the beach and men need to wear long pants at smarter restaurants. Topless and nude sunbathing is illegal. Gay and lesbian relationships are legal, but tend to be discreet and public displays of affection may be frowned upon.
Duty Free in Turks and Caicos Islands
Travellers may enter the Turks and Caicos Islands with the following goods without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 220g of tobacco products; and 1.136 litres of alcohol.
Doing Business in Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are subject to English Common Law and business is conducted in a similar manner to the United Kingdom. Suits are only necessary for the most formal of occasions. Business hours are generally 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Turks and Caicos Islands
The country’s direct dialling code is +1 followed by 649. WiFi is usually available in hotels, cafes and restaurants; visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Turks and Caicos Islands
Tips of around 15 percent of the bill are the norm for waiters, taxi drivers and bar tenders. Hotels usually include a service charge of 10 to 15 percent.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Turks and Caicos. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals require a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry, but no visa is required to enter the islands for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
Tourist Offices
Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Grand Turk: +1 649 946 2321 or http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com
Turks and Caicos Islands Embassies
- In the United Kingdom:
Turks and Caicos Island Foreign Representation, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0) 20 7034 7845
Foreign Embassies in Turks and Caicos Islands
- American Embassy
US Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas (also responsible for Turks and Caicos): +(242) 322-1181 ext. 4406.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Turks and Caicos Islands): +1 876 926 1500
- British Embassy
UK Governor’s Office, Grand Turk: +1 649 946 2309.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Turks and Caicos Islands): +1 868 822 5450.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
