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Turks and Caicos belong to the safest islands in the Caribbean. That said, there are a few things that tourists must be aware of because crime takes place. In order to drastically lower the chance of falling victim of crime, travelers of specific behavior and locations from the neighborhood must remain.
In the Turks and Caicos, the locals are the victims of the majority of crimes. When it comes to robberies and house invasions, a group of criminals performs several crimes for a few days or weeks until they are caught, after which the situation returns to a largely calm state.
Latest news from Turks and Caicos
March 7: US Re -spending ‘Level 2’ Travel warning For Turks and Caicos
Travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands must exercise increased caution due to concern about crime, in particular in Providenciales, where most incidents occur. Legal enforcement agents can be limited, which can influence the response times and research options. American citizens who need help, including support for crime -related issues, must contact the American embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, who offers consular services for people in the territory.
In addition, strict laws arrange the possession of firearms and ammunition, including even a single bullet wrongly packaged in luggage. Authorities enforce these regulations rigorously and violations can lead to serious fines, including arrest, important fines and long prison sentences of 12 years or more. Several American citizens were held for a long time after accidentally wearing ammunition. Although the law permits for judicial discretion, the US Department of Foreign Affairs cannot intervene to secure the release of a traveler. Visitors are strongly advised to revise local regulations and to thoroughly inspect their assets before they travel.
February 16 – Update to the response to the recent shooting in Turkish and Caicos
The government of Turkish and Caicos sent the community their sincere condolences for the shooting that took place when children were doing close to a school.
Nasty expand The strategic operational skill and focus of the RTCIPF, the Governor, appoints various officials in addition to the coming efforts of competent firearm officers from the United Kingdom.
This extra possibility will guarantee the full strength of the executive forces and stimulate the tactical and strategic toolkit of RTCIPF for island -wide law enforcement.
Official travel advice
Our travel advice
Turks and Caicos are classified as a Level 2 destinationWhich indicates that travelers must be careful to prevent them from being the target of opportunistic crimes, which are somehow unusual in the region. Common crimes in Turks and Caicos include drug -related crimes, theft and crime. By taking common sense precautions, visitors can feel safe, even in areas that are labeled as ‘dangerous’.
Canada Travel advice
Armed robberies and robberies happen, usually in tourist areas. Compared to the other islands, Providenciales has a higher crime percentage, so exert extra caution.
Moreover, never accept food or drinks from strangers or leave them without supervision. When accepting snacks, drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes of people who are unknown, practice caution. These products can include drugs that increase your vulnerability to theft and sexual violence.
Areas to avoid
In the Turks and Caicos, isolated and remote locations can be more susceptible to criminal activities, including armed burglaries. These places are Northwest Point, Bonefish Point, Malcolm Roads Beach and West Harbor Bluff. Although there are not many crimes in these areas, the proportional risk is high considering the low volume of tourist traffic in the area.
If necessary, taxi drivers can give you useful advice. If you are not personally guided by local friends, family members or business partners, you don’t venture from popular places at night.
Common scams
Taxi overload is the most common scam in Turks and Caicos.
In Providenciales there is a taxi rate rate separation that visitors have reported. Hotel -staff from the reception will lead you to the taxis with whom they have a criminal relationship, after which they will burden you too much. The hotel staff and the taxi drivers each receive part of the money. The same happens at the airport when the “friendly” employees call a taxi for you.
Safety tips for Turks and Caicos
- When renting a private villa, inquire about the availability of accommodation guards or alarm systems. In the ideal case, the villa should both have for improved safety.
- Do not leave valuable assets without supervision on the beach.
- Although credit cards are generally accepted with minimal reported incidents of fraud, it is advisable to wear cash for tips and certain local transactions.
- If you wear cash, you must exercise discretion and keep the majority protected in the safe provided by your accommodation.
- Do not get the luggage in your rental car, and avoid wearing flashy jewelry and wearing expensive purses.
- Remember that some stores may require a photo -ID for credit card transactions.
- Use ATMs during daylight hours and in well -populated areas for extra security.