Welcome to Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos Islands holds more than one amazing secret, but let’s start with the most beautiful: Grace Bay Beach, a 12-mile swath of toe-pleasing white sand that will fulfill all of your tropical daydreams.

Under the surface? A crushed-pink coral sea bottom, exclusive to this part of the South Atlantic, and responsible for the incredible clarity of the aquamarine waters. From here, the rest is icing on the cake: diving, snorkeling, bonefishing, chic accommodations, fantastic dining. This is the Caribbean at its finest.

Unique Facts

• The Turks and Caicos are actually in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean. However, they are very much a part of Carribean culture through their food, art, music and hospitality.
• There are more than 230 miles of beach, most of it soft, white sand.
• The annual humpback whale migration happens on the Turks and Caicos doorstep. From January to March, the whales move from the northern waters of Canada’s Bay of Fundy to the Dominican Republic’s Silver Bank.
• The Americas’ oldest excavated European shipwreck is found off West Caicos on Molasses Reef. You can see artifacts from the wreck at Grand Turk’s National Museum.
• George Washington requested salt from the Turks and Caicos during the Revolutionary War. There was a shortage of salt in the colonies and Washington was willing to pay a high price for the islands’ high-quality salt.

Language

Turks and Caicos’ official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Turks and Caicos is April and May, when the prices are lower and the crowds fewer. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Airports

Providenciales International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays under 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Turks and Caicos: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage: 120V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: United States Dollar

Getting Around

Primary roads in Turks and Caicos are in generally good condition, while secondary roads are often unpaved. Be on the lookout for animals wandering on the roads, presenting a hazard to drivers, especially at night.

There is no public transportation, but taxis are readily available. Car and scooter rentals are available.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Nassau
#42 Queen Street
P.O. Box N-8197
Nassau, The Bahamas
Telephone: +(242) 322-1181
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(242) 322-1181
Fax: +(242) 356-7174
acsnassau@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Visitor Information Center
Regent House, Ventura Drive
Grace Bay, Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands
Tel: 649-946-4970
info@turksandcaicostourism.com

Visitor Information Center
Front Street
Grand Turk
Turks & Caicos Islands
Tel: 649-946-2321
info@turksandcaicostourism.com

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 999, 911

Safety and Security

Crimes of opportunity, such as petty larceny, burglary and automobile break-ins occasionally occur. Do not leave valuable unattended and avoid walking along, particularly at night.