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Turks and Caicos Islands travel: essential information for this Caribbean Xanadu

Warm white beaches; warm, clear waters in a dozen shades of turquoise; and a gentle breeze characterize the paradise that is the Turks and Caicos Islands. With direct flights from many US cities, this Caribbean gem promises the vacation of a lifetime.

If you’re planning on traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the coming months, be sure to take advantage of these insider tips, travel guidelines, and other essential information when planning to visit Heaven-on-Earth.

Airports and Airlines

The Turks and Caicos Islands offer three airports with international service in Grand Turk, Providenciales and South Caicos. Providenciales International Airport is the most popular and receives the majority of international flights and visitors.

You have several airline options, including American Airlines, Bahamas Air, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Spirit Air, and US Airways. All operate flights inside and outside the islands. However, to travel to other Caribbean destinations from the Turks and Caicos Islands, you must first rest in Florida, most often in Miami.

Customs and immigration

The islands require all American visitors to bring a valid passport. If you are from Canada, an original or notarized copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID are sufficient to enter. Your visit can extend your visit to 30 days with a one-time renewal. All visitors to the island must present evidence of a round-trip ticket.

Most visitors, including those from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, do not need a visa, but some other international visitors must obtain visas. Make sure to check your country’s requirements and allow enough time to obtain the required documentation.

For more specific questions about immigration and visitation guidelines, you can contact the Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Immigration directly by phone at (649) 946-4233 or by fax at (649) 941-5696.

Customs in the Turks and Caicos Islands allows typical tourist items such as cameras, sports equipment such as fishing rods, golf clubs and tennis rackets, and even certain types of food. Pornography and controlled drugs are illegal and visitors may only bring firearms with the written consent of the Police Commissioner.

Accommodations

All the resorts and hotels on the islands will welcome you with open arms, with some charging you an arm and a leg for their world-class amenities and services. The islands offer a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

An excellent resource for researching different hotels and resorts is TripAdvisor. Guests leave comments about their experiences and give properties a star rating. TripAdvisor also offers ratings for Bed and Breakfast.

Climate

The average year-round temperature in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 77 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The islands average annual rainfall amounts to only 21 “.

With mostly sunny weather, be sure to bring extra sunscreen, a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt or two for extra sunscreen.

Pack mostly leisure clothing. The islands’ dress code is decidedly casual, although some of the best restaurants require closed-toe shoes and a collared shirt. Foodies should bring a decent set of clothing, just in case. Swimsuits worn off the beach or pool are generally frowned upon.

Money

The official currency of the islands is the US dollar, and the islands do not place restrictions on the amount of money that is brought to the island.

Traveler’s checks are accepted on the island, although some companies may charge a 5% transaction fee for traveler’s checks.

Credit cards are generally accepted

At tourist spots like Providenciales and Grand Turk, you won’t have a problem using your credit card. Remember to alert your credit card company about international transactions to prevent your card from “freezing” and if you plan to visit some of the less traveled islands, keep a stash of cash.

A 15% tip is customary in restaurants, just like in the US Don’t be surprised, however, if some restaurants include a 10% service charge on the bill. Tipping personal services and taxis is also a generally accepted practice.

Pets

All pets brought to the island require a rabies vaccination certificate. Be prepared for a public health inspector to examine your pet upon arrival. Double check with your hotel to make sure they, and their staff, are pet friendly.

Although planning an international trip always presents some challenges, the 12 miles of Grace Bay Beach offers a great reward for trips to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The hardest part will be leaving.

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