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Home , Turks and Caicos Islands

Security Brief for Turks and Caicos prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:59:38 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating

Security Rating for : 1 - Minimal

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 2 Overall Rating: Security Services 2 1 Civil Unrest 1

Minimal Terrorism 2 Kidnapping 1 Geopolitical 2

Security Overview : Overview of Turks and Caicos Islands Crime poses a low risk for those visiting the country, with slightly higher risks on and Grand Turk islands. Transnational terrorism is not considered a threat, but concerns exist over the potential for money laundering activities due to the islands' large financial sector. Unrest has occurred on the islands in isolated bouts, but is generally limited to Providenciales and Grand Turk; even so, unrest is considered exceptional there as well. There is no notable conflict threat to Turks and Caicos, nor is one expected to develop.

No Current Security Alerts

Other Alerts & Advisories Warning Alerts

Entry/Exit: Authorities in Turks and Caicos shorten curfew to 01:00-05:00; most other COVID-19-related restrictions extended through 31. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Territorywide (map) Time Frame: Through at least August 31 Impact: Transport and business disruptions

Summary Authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands shortened the territory's curfew and will maintain most existing COVID-19-related restrictions through at least August 31. The new curfew hours run 01:00-05:00, with businesses being allowed to operate until 23:59. Individuals may not leave their homes during curfew hours, except for emergencies, essential work, or travel purposes.

Bars and restaurants may operate at limited capacity. As of July 1, all public and private gatherings must be approved by the Environmental Health Department.

Businesses and establishments must comply with particular industry-specific protocols, including employing enhanced sanitation procedures, adhering to social distancing standards, and maintaining logs for contact tracing purposes, among others. The requirement for individuals to wear protective facemasks in public spaces has also been extended until at least September 30.

International Travel The territory's airports are open for regional and international passenger travel; however, the cruise center remains closed until at least Sept. 30. All arriving nonresident foreign nationals, returning legal residents, and citizens must obtain a "TCI-Assured" online pre-travel authorization by providing a negative PCR test taken within five days before arrival, proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 medical costs, and a completed health screening questionnaire. Children under the age of 10 and residents who have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks are not required to upload a negative PCR test result. It is advised that travelers complete and upload the pre-travel authorization at least 24 hours prior to boarding. Domestic travelers will be subject to temperature checks.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources World Health Organization (WHO) Government of Turks and Caicos - COVID-19 Updates TCI-Assured Travel Authorization

Alert begins: 07/01/2021

Health: COVID-19 activity continues across several countries and territories as of June 24. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 transmission Location(s): Caribbean (map) Date: May 2021-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 24. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 27-June 24. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

Saint Kitts and

High risk of transmission

Aruba Bahamas British Saint-Barthelemy Saint Vincent and the Grenadines US Virgin Islands

Moderate risk of transmission

Jamaica

Low risk of transmission

Antigua and Barbuda Curacao Turks and Caicos Islands

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO coronavirus knowledge base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress New Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Alert begins: 06/24/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Turks and Caicos Islands Turks and Caicos maintains friendly relations with all regional neighbors and is an active member of the (CARICOM). The territory relies on the for most aspects of external affairs and national defense. There has been no notable conflict in Turks and Caicos during the entirety of its modern history.

Civil Unrest: Civil Unrest generally poses a minimal threat in Turks and Caicos Islands Any unrest within the country is rare, though strikes have affected essential services in the past. Such industrial actions usually revolve around benefits and pay disputes, while political unrest is much rarer. British policies toward the islands have sometimes sparked protests among lawmakers and other politically inclined individuals, but these incidents are uncommon.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in Turks and Caicos Islands

FIRE EMERGENCY 911 POLICE EMERGENCY 911 AMBULANCE EMERGENCY 911 Contact information for select embassies in Turks and Caicos Islands: If you are calling from outside Turks and Caicos Islands, dial +1 first.

Australia - High Commission Brazil - Embassy

(High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago (No diplomatic representation, contact Embassy in is accredited to Turks and Caicos Islands) London)

18 Herbert Street 3 Vere Street St. Clair London, UK W1G 0DG Phone: +44 (020) 7659.1550 Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. Fax: +44 (020) 7659.1554 Phone: +1 (868) 628.0695 Fax: +1 (868) 622.0659 - Consulate Germany - Embassy

(Consulate in is accredited to the Turks Lucayan Realty Ltd. and Caicos Islands) P.O. Box 264 Providenciales Espirito Santo Plaza Phone: +1 (649) 342.1522 Suite 1050 1395 Brickell Avenue , Fla. 33131 Phone: +1 (305) 403.4150 Fax: +1 (305) 403. 4151 Japan - Embassy The Netherlands - Consulate

(No diplomatic representation, contact Embassy in (Consulate in United States in accredited to the Turks London) and Caicos)

101-104 Piccadilly 701 Brickell Avenue, 5th floor London, UK W1J 7JT Miami, Fla. 33131 Phone: +44 (020) 7465.6565 Phone: +1 (786) 866.0480 Fax: +44 (020) 7491.9347 Fax: +1 (786) 866.0497 - High Commission - High Commission

(High Commission in (High Commission in Jamaica is accredited to the Turks is accredited to Turks and Caicos Islands) and Caicos Islands)

3 West Kings House Road 4 Retreat Avenue Kingston 10 Kingston-6 Jamaica Jamaica Phone: +1 (876) 926.1500 Phone: +1 (876) 927.4480 Fax: +1 (876) 511.3493 Fax: +1 (876) 978.2801 United States - Embassy

(No diplomatic representation, contact Embassy in London)

24 Grosvenor Square London, UK W1A 1AE Phone: +44 (020) 7499.9000 For a comprehensive listing of embassy contact information in this destination and a comprehensive listing of the Turks and Caicos Islands' embassies and consulates in other destinations, visit www.embassypages.com. Please advise iJET, using the feedback button, if this link does not work or if you require additional information that the link does not provide.

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Crime: Crime generally poses a low threat in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Because of a relatively high standard of living, crime on the islands is noticeably lower than in other Caribbean nations. However, isolated incidents of targeted property crime do occur. The bulk of these incidents occur in Providenciales, including in the popular Grace Bay . Most crimes either target individuals for muggings in isolated areas, often at night, or else villas in which the occupants are presumed to have temporarily stepped out or are otherwise asleep. Armed robberies against the occupants themselves are rarer, but have occurred. In general, those who stay in hotels are understood to be at less risk of experiencing a break-in, and those who stay on islands other than Providenciales and Grand Turk also see a lower risk. However, compared to numbers within the Caribbean as well as within Europe and , even property crime like break-ins and muggings is considered low. More violent crime is considered exceptionally rare on the islands, particularly against tourists.

Although crime is low, police statistics compiled in recent years do suggest minor but noticeable annual increases in terms of incidents reported. Such data are not per capita or per number of visitors, and so are limited in their explanatory power, but foreign travelers have been increasingly advised to exercise an appropriate level of caution and a better awareness of their surroundings while in-country.

Related Advice: Protecting yourself from carjacking and reacting when it happens. Related Advice: Strategies for reducing the risk of becoming a victim of LGBT hate crime.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat in Turks and Caicos Islands is low Turks and Caicos currently exhibits no signs of desiring a change in its political status vis-a-vis the United Kingdom. Internal politics are also broadly stable. Rule of law under the new 2012 constitution is generally strong, although impunity is still considered an issue due to a lack of police resources in some areas. Corruption is thought to have come under better control in recent years following alarmingly high levels. Sanctions of any kind are not an issue for Turks and Caicos.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in the Turks and Caicos is minimal Kidnapping

The threat of kidnapping in the Turks and Caicos is minimal; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common type of abduction in the Turks and Caicos is likely child abduction. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.

Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Services: Security services in the Turks and Caicos Islands are generally good

Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a minimal threat in Turks and Caicos Islands As a British overseas territory, there is a low but abiding terror risk in the islands. However, there has been no history of terrorism on the islands, and concern primarily exists over terrorist elements using the islands' financial sector for money laundering. As such, the government has strengthened anti-terror provisions in financial legislation over the years to bring legal safeguards more in line with global standards. To this extent, the government is viewed overall as cooperative with international counter-terrorism entities. Overview of Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands, one of various British overseas territories, is a mainstay of Caribbean destinations due to both its significant infrastructure and its relative proximity to the North American mainland. Turks and Caicos is fuelled mainly by its tourism and financial sectors, and is often referred to as a "". With the exception of seafood and a select number of agricultural goods, most products on the islands are imported. Additionally, because of the territory's unique geography, those planning on visiting both sets of islands (the Turks and Caicos chains) must utilize either maritime or aerial transportation.

The risks posed by crime, instability and conflict are much lower than Caribbean averages and, indeed, low by North American and European standards, as well. Instead, the principal threat to visitors to the islands is that of tropical systems, and as such is a seasonal risk. Hurricanes and tropical storms most often form from June through November. The sheer physical isolation of some islands is also a secondary risk, as not all are connected by road. Weather, Currency Exchange

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Turks Island: CURRENCY 1 1 US Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES = = Euro 1.0000 0.8423 High: 84° F High: 83° F High: 83° F High: 83° F High: 84° F US Dollar 1.1872 1.0000 (28° C) (28° C) (28° C) (28° C) (28° C) Low: 82° F Low: 80° F Low: 80° F Low: 80° F Low: 81° F (27° C) (26° C) (26° C) (26° C) (27° C)

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