TCI Assured
Frequently Asked Questions
The TCI Assured Program is a Pre-Travel Authorization Program
The Turks and Caicos is introducing measures to manage the risks associated with the COVID 19 pandemic. From July 22nd 2020, all travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands will be required to visit the TCI Assured Travel Authorization Portal in order to obtain a travel authorization for arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This means all visitors/tourists and residents alike.
The portal will have a link for visitors/tourists as well as residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The travel authorization form should be presented at the time of check-in to the appropriate airline.
Persons without an authorization slip either physical or e copy will not be able to travel to the islands.
Once a passenger registers at the Authorization Portal and completes the registration process as outlined, a travel authorization notification will be given. Airlines will not be able to board passengers without this authorization.
We look forward to welcoming you to our ‘Beautiful by Nature’ Turks and Caicos Islands.
Pre-Arrival
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted).
- Medical/Travel insurance that covers COVID-19 medical costs, full hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and air ambulance/medevac.
- Completed a health screening questionnaire and Travel Authorization Form
- All persons should certify that they have read the privacy policy document.
Proof of all of the aforementioned should be uploaded to the TCI Assured portal which will be available on July 17th on the Tourist Board’s website – www.turksandcaicostourism.com.
A COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is the only test accepted. The official documentation of the laboratory that conducted the COVID-19 test should state
- (a) the name, address, telephone number and email address of the laboratory at which the PCR COVID-19 test was conducted;
- (b) the date the PCR COVID-19 test was conducted;
- (c) the full names, date of birth and address of the person tested for PCR COVID-19;
- (d) the results of the PCR COVID-19 test conducted in relation to that person.
No, you must have a valid authorization to board.
The following persons are exempt:
- (a) a crew member of a cargo or commercial aircraft arriving in the Islands for the purposes of his work who is expected to be on the Islands for less than twenty-four hours;
- (b) a crew member of a cargo ship arriving in the Islands for the purposes of his work who is expected to be on the Islands for less than twenty-four hours;
- (c) children under the age of ten years;
- (d) an aircraft operating for the purpose of giving medical attention, delivering medical supplies to the Islands, or airlifting a patient to or from the Islands, which crew shall be taken to include any medical personnel on the flight;
- (e) a person offering to provide emergency aid in times of crisis;
- (f) a person who has written permission of the Chief Medical Officer to enter the islands; and
- (g) a person who disembarks from an aircraft at an airport, in-transit to or for purposes of connecting
Such persons shall be subject to screening, temperature checks and clinical examination on arrival in the islands.
We recommend purchasing, or inquiring about the addition of with your existing insurance company, coverage to include COVID-19 medical costs, full hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and air ambulance/medevac.
On-Arrival
All travelers will be subject to screening and temperature checks upon arrival which may result in further clinical examination.
Travelers will be required to answer questions about his health or other relevant circumstances (including travel history and information about other individuals with whom he may have had contact)
Produce copies of any documents that may assist a health officer or nurse in assessing his health.
Allow a health officer or nurse to take a biological sample including a sample of his respiratory secretions or blood,, by appropriate means including by swabbing his nasopharyngeal cavity or phlebotomy to provide such sample.
Provide sufficient information to enable the person to be contacted immediately by a health officer or nurse as specified in order to reduce or remove the risk of a person infecting or contaminating others.
Present hard copies of Insurance and COVID 19 negative test results.
Where a child and is accompanied by a responsible adult, the responsible adult will ensure that the child answers questions. If the child is unable to do so reliably the adult shall produce any documents that are required on behalf of the child and allow a health officer or nurse to take a biological sample of the child if necessary. This includes a sample of the child’s respiratory secretions or blood by any appropriate means such as swabbing the child’s nasopharyngeal cavity or phlebotomy to provide the required sample.
- Social distancing of at least 6 feet must be maintained while in the airport and all travelers, except for children under the age of two years, must wear masks/face coverings. Departure Lounge seating is to be occupied, only as designated. All persons entering the Security Screening Area and airport restaurants must have their hands sanitized at the entrance.
Reference: Guidelines for Reopening of TCI International Ports of Entry
In addition to sunscreen and flip flops, be sure to pack hand sanitizer and masks/face coverings which are required in public spaces.
- Wearing of mask or face covering in public.
- Hand sanitizing.
- Social distancing of at least 6 feet, unless part of a group or family, travelling together.
- Take only public transportation that displays the TCI Assured symbol, including car rental companies.
- Stay only at paid accommodations, including hotels, villas, guesthouses etc. that display the TCI Assured symbol.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has two hospitals – The Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales and the Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk. For more information please visit www.tcihospital.tc/.
Please contact your accommodation health provider in the first instance. The Ministry of Health COVID-19 hotline at 649-232-9444 or 649-333-0911 can be used for further information.
When enjoying our beautiful beaches, we encourage you to wear a mask/face covering and practice social distancing, unless travelling with family or a group of close acquaintances.
- You should only dine at restaurants that display the TCI Assured Certification seal which symbolizes compliance with all COVID-19 Health Protocols.
- You may remove your mask/face covering once you are seated.
- Large groups (6 and above) must make reservations in advance.
- Observe place markers on the floor to maintain 6ft physical distancing
- Sanitize or wash your hands upon entrance to the restaurant
Yes. As of July 20, 2020, travel to all Sister Islands will be unrestricted, and islands can be accessed via ferry or airplane for day trips or dual vacation.
The Turks and Caicos Islands does not have any countries barred from entry.
All persons must travel with their hard copies of their COVID 19 negative tests and proof of insurance.
Residents
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory. The test must have been taken no more than five (5) days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- Completed a health screening questionnaire and Travel Authorization Form
- All persons should certify that they have read the privacy policy document.
Upon arrival at the airport, residents can expect to present their valid passport, a copy of their TCI Assured Travel Authorization (printed or electronic) and the original copy of the negative PCR COVID-19 test result to a health officer and an immigration officer at the port of entry. Residents will also be required to complete and submit to a health officer at the port of entry, a health screening questionnaire for COVID-19. All government personnel will be wearing personal protective equipment. All residents must wear masks/face coverings on arrival and observe the protocol of the particular airlines.
A person suspected of having been exposed to, or having symptoms of, or tested positive for COVID-19 shall be placed under quarantine in a specified place for a period of fourteen days or such longer period until that person is found to have a negative PCR COVID-19 result or unless approved for medical repatriation, and shall be monitored by a health officer for COVID-19 during such period.
Where a parent or responsible adult having charge of a child under the age of ten years is required to be placed under quarantine, the child shall also be required to be placed under quarantine together with the parent or responsible adult.
A resident who is made subject to quarantine or hospitalization shall bear the costs of all treatment received and the costs for accommodation and board.
Reference: Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19)(Arriving Passengers Health Clearance) Regulations 2020
TCI Assured Compliant
Look for this TCI Assured sign when you are in and around the Turks and Caicos. It is a sign that this business is COVID 19 compliant.
