Do I Need A Passport To Go To Turks And Caicos Islands
In this post you'll finally get the answer about the age old question "do I need a passport to go to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Jun 13, 2022
12 min read
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When traveling to TCI you will need to comply to the following COVID-19 restrictions:
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:
There are some cases where you’ll be exempt from acquiring a vaccine. You are exempt from acquiring a vaccine if:
The travel authorization is free for all visitors traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, the insurance and covid tests still cost money.
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.
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.
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)
90 days. It is possible to extend this time by visiting the office of the Immigration Department.
3 days before your trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands. As soon as you have submitted your documents using the TCI Assured Travel Authorization portal your application will be reviewed and approved.
The TCI portal guarantees that you will receive your approval within 24 hours before your flight to the Islands.
No, you must have a valid pre-travel authorization to board your flight.
Visitors must have a valid passport, a copy of your travel authorization, and the original copy of your negative PCR COVID-19 test results. You are also required to complete a health questionnaire for COVID-19.
Yes. It is mandatory that all visitors are full-vaccinated before traveling to the TCI. There are cases where individuals are exempt from this requirement.
Yes. You will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before entering the TCI. You must take your COVID-19 test 3 days before traveling to the islands. The following tests are accepted:
It is important that the laboratory which processes your test is accredited. The certificate you receive should include:
Note that home tests and antibody tests are not accepted.
Entry to TCI will only be given to visitors who are fully-vaccinated. This means that you must have received your second dose of the vaccine 14 days before traveling to the TCI. If you are planning to take the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, you will need to take your first dose 14 days prior to your arrival.
You will need to have your proof of vaccination document with you at all times.
The following vaccinations will allow entry to the TCI:
Refer to this infographic.
As just mentioned, some nationals (like US citizens) don't need to apply for a visa to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands for Tourism. However, not all nationals share the same benefits. Some nationals from certain countries need to apply for a visa to enter the TCI. If you don't require a visa, continue reading our guide on obtaining your TCI Travel Authorization for tourism.
Next, you'll find a list of countries exempt from obtaining a visa to the Turks and Caicos Islands for tourism. If your country is not listed here, you'll first need a visa before entering the TCI.
Quick note: Next, you'll find a relatively long list of exempt countries. If you wish to skip this section, click here.
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When using Atlys, you'll automatically be informed of the type of travel document (tourist visas, COVID-19 documents, etc.) you need. Meaning, you don't need to read through countless articles to learn about visas, visa requirements, and so on.
Quick Note: Even if you don't need to apply for a visa, you're still required to get a TCI Travel Authorization. In this guide, we'll walk you through the exact steps you need to take to obtain one.