Turks and Caicos Eliminates Travel Authorization: Updated Entry and Vaccination Requirements

If you don't already know, effective May 1st, 2022, travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) don't need to apply for a TCI Travel Authorization.

Previously, all travelers had to complete a TCI Travel Authorization in order to enter the breathtaking region. The Travel authorization was implemented to combat the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of all inbound visitors as well as locals.

Recently, the requirement to apply for the TCI Travel Authorization has been lifted, meaning travelers don't have to complete any COVID-19 application form to enter the TCI. That being said, there are still specific entry requirements you need to meet.

This post will cover these entry requirements in-depth to ensure that you can enjoy your next trip without any delays or uncertainty.

Let's get started:

• What You Need To Know About The Latest TCI Travel Authorization Update
• Do I Need To Be Vaccinated To Travel To The Turks And Caicos Islands?
• Who Are Exempted From Mandatory Vaccinations?
• What Are The Entry Requirements For Unvaccinated Returning Residents?

The Turks and Caicos Islands recently announced updated entry requirements for all inbound travelers. The update will be in effect as of May 1st, 2022, and is as follows:

Visitors and residents will no longer be required to;

• Apply for a Travel Authorization,
• Provide a negative COVID-19 test before arrival,
• Complete a health screening questionnaire,
• Present health insurance that provides coverage against all COVID-19 health-related incidences, such as hospitalization, doctor visits, air ambulance, etc.,
• Wear any masks or face coverings.

Quick note: Before I continue, I should mention that you're responsible for all COVID-19-related costs if you test positive on your trip (in the Turks and Caicos Islands). This includes the cost of quarantine/isolation, hospitalization, or medical repatriation.

Yes. To enter the TCI, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you have not received your final dose at least 14 days before arrival, your entry will be denied. Later, I'll discuss who is exempt from the vaccination requirement.

What Does Fully Vaccinated Mean?

Fully vaccinated means receiving your second dose of any World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine at least 14 days before travel. In the case of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccines, the first dose was received 14 days before your trip.

Here is a list of WHO approved vaccinations:

• Moderna (mRNA-1273) - Spikevax
• Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2) - Comirnaty
• Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
• AstraZeneca (AZD1222) - Vaxzevria
• Covishield (AstraZeneca)
• Novavax (NVX-CoV2373) (includes COVOVAX)
• Covaxin
• Sinopharm Vero Cells (BBiBP-CorV)
• Sinovac CoronaVac

What Can I Submit As Proof Of Vaccination?

When traveling to the TCI, your proof of vaccination can be submitted either in paper or digital record. Remember, this will be presented upon arrival to border authorities. If you don't have proof of vaccination, your entry will be denied (unless you're exempt).

Upon arrival, you can submit any of the following:

• E-certificate/digital certificate (CVS, Walgreens, or the NHS).
• A certification issued by a doctor or government entity.
• Vaccination cards/certificates are accepted by national authorities.
• A letter signed by a medical professional (physician or registered nurse) on official letterhead with contact details. The doctor's registration or license number should include more information about the first and second dose (date, country, and vaccine you received).
• Authorized government entity record or printed record from an electronic vaccination database.

Even though proof of vaccination is a mandatory requirement, certain individuals are exempt from present proof once arriving in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The following individuals are exempt from the COVID-19 Vaccination requirement:

• Visitors under the age of 18 years
• Visitors who cannot take a COVID-19 vaccine due to medical reasons. In this case, you must submit a written and signed letter from a medical professional clearly stating that you're medically exempted from taking the vaccine. This must be submitted to the Ministry of Health at vaccineexemptions@gov.tc. Be mindful that you'll need to submit your letter (and other applicable documents) at least 2 weeks before travel. Within this time, the government will review your request for exemption and notify you via email. Once approved, you will need to present evidence of approval (for the exemption) from the Ministry of Health at the border before entering.
• Crew members of a cargo/commercial aircraft or cargo ship arriving for work and expected to remain for less than 24 hours.
• Crew members of air ambulances, including any medical personnel on board.
• Individuals who provide emergency aid in times of crisis.
• Individuals who have written permission from the Chief Medical Officer

Quick note: Be mindful that there are no vaccination exemptions for religious reasons.

Suppose you're an unvaccinated resident returning to the TCI from abroad. In that case, you must undergo mandatory quarantine for seven days upon arrival. Once your quarantine is over, you'll be tested for COVID-19. If your test result is negative, you'll be able to travel freely. However, should your test result be positive, you must isolate following the Ministry of Health's guidelines.

That's What You Need To Know

Countries around the globe are slowly lifting their COVID-19 entry requirements and regulations. However, it's important to keep up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information before traveling.

As you now know, even though the Turks and Caicos Islands have lifted their Travel Authorization requirement, you still need to be vaccinated before traveling. To enjoy a trouble-free trip, you must follow the country-specific guidelines outlined above.

Here's to your unforgettable (yet safe) trip to the TCI!