North and Central America and Caribbean

Terrorism
 
There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places , including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.   For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

 
Crime
 
The overall crime rate in the Turks and Caicos Islands remains low.  The level of crime on Providenciales the first point of arrival into the Turks and Caicos Islands for mot visitors and the country's territory's and economic hub, is higher than on the other islands where incidences of serious crime are rare.  Most crime tends to be as a result of opportunistic burglary and theft, although incidents of more serious robberies have been reported recently.  There have also been some reports of armed robbery.  Victims of robberies may suffer injuries if they resist.

Whilst the overall crime rate across the islands remains low, you are advised to safeguard your possessions irrespective of which island you visit and to take normal precautions to ensure your personal safety.  You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash and other valuables and take particular care to safeguard your passport, as this cannot be replaced locally.  Use hotel safety deposit facilities to safeguard passports and valuables.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 
Political Situation
 
Turks & Caicos Islands Country Profile

On 14 August 2009, the FCO Minister responsible for the Overseas Territories instructed the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands to bring into force an Order in Council suspending ministerial government and the House of Assembly, and replacing them with an Advisory Council and a Consultative Forum.  This followed the submission to the Governor of the final report of the Commission of Inquiry set up in July 2008 to look into possible corruption or other serious dishonesty in recent years of past or present elected members of the legislature.  In that report, the Commissioner found that there was information in adjudance pointing to a high probability of systemic corruption and/or serious dishonesty.

The suspension will last no longer than it takes for the necessary reforms to be implemented and to take effect.  The UK Government has said that elections should be held by July 2011.
 
Local Travel
 
If you go to isolated spots or remote islands, or go diving and snorkelling, you should leave your destination details and an expected time of return with a friend, relative, or hotel receptionist.  You should avoid isolated spots at night.
 
Standard taxi fares exist for most destinations on the principal islands, however, charges may be applied per person.  Clarify the fare with the driver before beginning a journey.
 
Road Travel
 
You can use a British or International Driving Licence for a period of one month. After this a local licence should be obtained from the Department of Road Safety.
 
Most hire cars and jeeps are left-hand drive.  If hiring a vehicle, remember to drive on the left.  Observe speed limits (20mph in town, and 40mph elsewhere).  Do not drink and drive, and use seat belts on all journeys.  Accidents, sometimes serious, are on the increase on the Leeward Highway (Providenciales), especially at night.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.