Important TCI Travel Authorization Update

Effective May 1st, 2022, there will be new entry requirements for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). An important note is that travelers are not required to apply for a Turks and Caicos Travel Authorization. Even so, there are other specific requirements you will need to meet. Furthermore, you may need a passport to enter the TCI.

If you’re planning a trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) you know it can be a daunting process. There are so many different reports on what US travelers need to do and not do before visiting the islands that it leaves even the most seasoned traveler dazed and confused.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have implemented additional steps to address the threats posed by the COVID 19 pandemic. If you plan to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands you must visit the TCI Assured Travel Permission Portal to obtain travel authorization for your arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands. You must present your Travel Authorization document at your airport at the time of check-in. If you do not show your Travel Authorization Document you will not be allowed to board your flight.

The current review times are running into several days, causing some travelers to miss their flights. We recommend applying through Atlys to get your authorization on time and a lot quicker.

We know this, and that’s why we’ve created this guide! In it, we will take you through the process step by step and we’ve curated all of the up-to-date info for travelers looking to visit the TCI from the US.

Here's what you'll find:

The TCI Assured program

How to Get a Turks and Caicos Travel Authorization Health Visa on Atlys

What Are The Turks And Caicos COVID-19 Restrictions And Procedures?

Other Forms You’ll Need On Arrival To The Turks And Caicos Islands

How to Get a Turks and Caicos Travel Authorization Health Visa on Atlys

You can now submit a Turks and Caicos Travel Authorization in under 5 minutes on Atlys. Download the Atlys app on your iPhone, put in your travel details, and let Atlys handle all the paperwork for you.

The TCI Assured program

Who Needs To Apply For A TCI Travel Authorization?

It is mandatory for visitors traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands to obtain a TCI travel authorization before departure. There are no exemptions to this rule.

When Should I Apply For My TCI Travel Authorization?

For your TCI Travel Authorization, you can apply on Atlys as soon as you want. If you instead plan to wait until the last minute, you can start your application 72 hours before you travel on their portal.

Keep in mind that you'll need to get your negative COVID-19 Test result no later than 72 hours before your intended flight. See this helpful infographic if you're unsure when you should get your test:

What Are The Requirements For My Turks And Caicos Travel Authorization?

Before starting the Turks and Caicos travel authorization application process, you need to consider a few requirements. During the application process (more about this later), you must provide the following information and documents:

All travelers over the age of 16 must be fully vaccinated to obtain their Turks and Caicos travel authorization.

Another mandatory requirement for entry into TCI is a negative COVID-19 test result taken no less than 3 days before your departure to the islands. The only exemption to this requirement is for children under 10 years.

When traveling to the TCI, you'll need to ensure that you have valid travel insurance or health insurance. Your insurance must cover any COVID-19 related costs, including hospitalization, medical prescriptions, doctor's visits, emergency medical attention, etc. Furthermore, if you test positive for COVID-19 while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands, you'll need to cover all additional costs. This mainly includes costs related to quarantine.

For a successful TCI travel authorization application, you'll need to answer a standard online health screening questionnaire. Ensure that you answer all these questions honestly.

If you're unsure about the exact requirements or how to obtain certain documents, you can use Atlys to apply for your TCI travel insurance. When using Atlys, you'll be able to apply for your TCI travel authorization without worrying about specific details. All you need to do is enter your personal information, relax, and wait for your travel authorization.

What Travel Insurance Can I Use For My TCI Travel Authorization?

As previously mentioned, you're required to obtain valid travel insurance when you travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands for tourism. Additionally, your travel insurance must cover all medical expenses related to COVID-19. I'll list a few companies that cover all these costs:

Travelex

Seven Corners

HDI Global

Global Rescue

TripMate

Travel Guard

Travel Insurance International

Trawick

Arch RoamRight

Apex Travel Limited

HTH World Wide

Aura

Generali Insurance

Allianz Global Assistance (Get through Atlys)

Did You Know: When you apply for your TCI travel authorization through Atlys, you can automatically add trusted travel insurance alongside your application. Doing this will effectively save you time and frustration.

How To Complete The TCI Travel Authorization Form

Applicants need to head over to the TCI Assured Travel Authorization Portal.

As soon as you head over to the TCI Assured Travel Authorization portal you will notice 2 messages appear.

Please read through these 2 messages attentively and be sure that you understand them.Afterward, you will be able to access the Travel Authorization Portal.

Enter your Email address. You will receive an OTP pin (via email). You will need to insert your unique OTP pin to continue with your application.

Now you'll need to fill in basic information about yourself and the reason for your visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ensure that the information you enter is the same as the information on your passport.

After entering your identification information, you will receive another prompt to confirm that your information is correct.

You then need to fill out a Health Status form. You will need to upload a negative Covid-19 test result using a PCR test via oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab or antigen test.

Make sure to read through all the instructions and requirements.

It is a required field and is mandatory for applicants to upload their test results.

When you have successfully uploaded your test results, you will answer some standard health-related questions.

In the light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic the Turks and Caicos Islands require visitors to have travel insurance. If you do not have travel insurance, your application may be unsuccessful. The insurance should cover COVID-19. You can get insurance on Atlys.

Once you have filled out your health status you can select next and continue with your application.

After you have filled out your Identification and Health Status follow the prompts and ensure that all the information you provide is complete and accurate. Be mindful that your application might take a while to be approved. The TCI Assured Travel Authorization Portal assures that you will receive your approval within 24 hours of arrival to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Furthermore, in the case where you submitted an incomplete application (missing information), you'll be requested to submit all required information for your travel authorization application to be processed.

As soon as you receive your travel authorization, it's recommended that you print out a copy and keep it with you. In addition, you should always have the electronic copy with you.

Proof That You Have Received A COVID-19 Vaccination

The TCI government has implemented a new mandatory requirement to ensure the safety of all locals and visitors. All visitors traveling to the TCI will need to be vaccinated and able to provide proof that they are vaccinated. Later in this post we will talk more about the COVID-19 Restrictions that have been implemented.

What Are The Turks And Caicos COVID-19 Restrictions And Procedures?

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, TCI has implemented strict COVID-19 restrictions and procedures to ensure the safety of all locals and visitors. It is important that you understand these regulations before planning your trip in order to avoid any unwanted situations.

All Visitors Must Be Fully Vaccinated

As mentioned in the requirements, all visitors must be fully-vaccinated before they are allowed entry to the islands. It is important that you have all the supporting documents to prove you are vaccinated. These documents will be uploaded during the Travel Authorization process. This has been implemented to ensure the safety of residents and visitors and is mandatory.

What Are The Current COVID-19 Restrictions?

When traveling to TCI you will need to comply to the following COVID-19 restrictions:

All locals and visitors are required to wear a mask in public spaces during their stay. The safety restriction will be in place until 31 October 2021. This includes all persons above the age of 2 years. People who fail to comply will be subject to a fine of $550.

There is a strict curfew in place from 1 AM - 5 AM on all islands.

It is mandatory that all businesses close at 12 AM on all islands.

There are no inter-island travel restrictions. Locals and visitors are free to travel between islands.

Restaurants and bars are open but are restricted to a certain capacity.

ID Document and Proof of VaccinationAll locals and travelers are required to carry their government issued ID document and proof of vaccination, such as their vaccination card. You may be required to present these documents at any time. If you are not able to present these documents, you will be subject to a fine and prosecution. You’ll need to be fully-vaccinated if you wish to enter any bar, restaurant, or club. These rules are mandatory and no exceptions will be allowed. Also, all the information provided will be logged by establishments and provided to the government on a weekly basis.

What Do I Use As Proof Of Vaccination?

It is important that you have your proof of vaccination with you at all times. Your proof of vaccination can be either digital or paper record uploaded to the TCI Assured Portal. The following will be accepted:

A government issued certification

A certification issued by a qualified doctor

E-certificate/digital certificate

A letter signed by a medical professional. The letter should include an official letterhead, the doctor's registration or licence number, and the details of your first and second dose.

A record from an authorized government institution or a printed record from an electronic vaccination database.

Who Is Exempt From Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine?

There are some cases where you’ll be exempt from acquiring a vaccine. You are exempt from acquiring a vaccine if:

You are under the age of 16. You'll still need to provide a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.

You are not able to take the COVID-19 vaccine due to medical reasons. You’ll need to obtain a letter from a medical professional that clearly states your condition and the reason you are not able to get vaccinated. Furthermore, you’ll need to submit your letter to the online TCI Assured Portal. The Turks and Caicos Ministry of Health will review your letter and decide if it is acceptable. Note that you are required to present a negative Covid-19 test result once you arrive.

You are a crew member of air ambulances.

You are a person who provides emergency aid in a time of crisis.

You have written permission from the Chief Medical Officer.

You are in-transit at the airport for the purposes of connecting flights.

You are a member of a cargo aircraft or cargo ship crew who is expected to work for less than 24 hours.

What Does The Travel Authorization For The Turks and Caicos Islands Cost?

The travel authorization is free for all visitors traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, the insurance and covid tests still cost money.

What Happens If My TCI Travel Authorization Expires Before I Enter The Turks and Caicos Islands?

Unfortunately, unexpected events (like a delayed flight) can lead to your travel authorization expiring. If your travel authorization has expired before your flight, you'll need to reapply for it and get a new COVID-19 test result. Furthermore, if your travel authorization expires before you land, you'll need to reapply for it and get a new COVID-19 test result.

Can US Green Card Holders Apply For A TCI Travel Authorization?

Yes. Furthermore, suppose you have a valid US Tourist Visa or Resident Visa (including an H1-B work visa). In that case, you don't need to apply for a visa to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands even if your home country is not listed as a visa-exempt country.

Other Forms You’ll Need On Arrival To The Turks And Caicos Islands

As soon as you arrive at the Turks and Caicos Islands, you will need to fill out an Immigration form and hand it over to an Immigrations Officer.

Additionally, each family head of house will need to fill out a customs form (C105). If you are traveling with any companions that do not share the same surname as you, they will need to fill out their own customs declaration form.

Below are the forms that you will need to fill out. Please note that these forms are only for viewing purposes. Each passenger will receive a copy that they need to complete by their respective airline. (These forms may be subject to change)

Pdf for the customs form