So, you have picked the Sister Island, decided on accommodations from the wide range of resorts or vacation villas, and booked airfare to the ‘Beautiful by Nature’ Turks and Caicos Islands – what’s next?
Researching the destination prior to your arrival will make your visit to Turks & Caicos seamless and more enjoyable. The Tourist Board’s website is filled with useful information to assist you with making the most of your visit including listings of where to stay, dining options and things to do in each of our nine inhabited islands and cays.
Traveling during the current global pandemic means that there is an extra level of preparation required in advance of your trip to ensure your safety.
Whether your vacation planning takes months or is a last-minute whimsical getaway, there are a few important things you should know before visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands.
1. There are new requirements for entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In response to the COVID19 pandemic, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government implemented new entry protocols to mitigate the spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of Turks and Caicos residents and visitors. In addition to passport and visa requirements (depending on your citizenship), you are also required to have a TCI Assured travel authorization. Click here to read more information on the requirements to obtain your TCI Assured travel authorization or click here to access the portal to begin your application. If you require a negative COVID-9 test to return home, click here to review the several testing locations throughout the islands.
2. Safety and health regulations should be followed while on island.
It is important for every visitor to know that masks are mandatory in public in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Following guidance from regional and international health agencies, the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has mandated masks or face coverings in public. This is also required at restaurants until you are seated at your table. Masks are important to reduce the spread of the virus. You will also be required to maintain physical distance of six feet where applicable. There may also be curfews in effect during your visit which impact the time that businesses will close. Curfews also vary by island. Be sure to click here for the current protocols.
3. Tour operators, shops and restaurants are open and ready to serve you.
Our tourism partners have worked tirelessly to ready the destination for its reopening on July 22nd. Preparation for reopening included implementing key health protocols to ensure that safety of both workers and visitors. You can expect that workers you encounter will be wearing masks and will have sanitizing stations for patrons. Businesses that have met the requirements will have a TCI Assured decal displayed. Businesses including restaurants may also have capacity limits to ensure that physical distancing can be adhered to. However, there is still much to see and do in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Our Turks and Caicos resorts are currently offering incredible vacation deals, including those on the sister islands. Need help planning your vacation? Click here to contact our knowledgeable tourism team for more tips and island information.