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Travel Insurance Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos Islands Flag

Turks and Caicos Islands Country Guide

  1. CountryFacts
  2. Health
  3. Media
  1. Intro
  2. Geography
  3. People
  4. Travel
  5. Embassies & Visas
  6. Finance
  7. Cities/Regions

Quick Facts

Region: North America - Caribbean
Full Name: The Turks and Caicos Islands
Capital City: Cockburn Town
Language Spoken: English

Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance to Turks and Caicos Islands from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Turks and Caicos Islands and most of the world.

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Geographic data

21°45’N 71°35’W

Elevation Extremes

Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea 0m Highest Point: Flamingo Hill 48m

Land boundaries

Total: 0 km

Natural hazards

Hurricanes - The hurricane season in the Caribbean usually lasts from June to November. The progression of any hurricanes can be monitored on the US National Hurricane Centre website.www.weather.gov/.The British FCDO advise you to “follow the advice of the local authorities.”

Natural resources

Conch and spiny lobster, corn, beans, citrus fruits, cassava, and fish.

Land use

Agricultural land: 1.1% Arable land:1.1% Permanent crops: 0% Permanent pasture: 0% Forest: 36.2% Other: 62.7% (2011 est.)

Environmental current issues

The Turks and Caicos Islands are currently experiencing limited natural freshwater resources.

Climate

The Turks and Caicos Islands have a tropical climate. From May to October, runs the hot season. The hot season consists of high temperatures of around 31°c. The hot season is the most likely time that the islands see hurricanes. Hurricane season usually occurs between the beginning of June to the end of November. The most recent tropical storm to hit the islands was Tropical Storm Bertha, in August 2014. Bertha broke Turks and Caicos tropical storm records. Tropical Storm Warnings were put into place, as Bertha caused flights to be cancelled, and power cuts across many parts of the Caribbean.

Time difference

The Turks and Caicos Islands are 5 hours behind the UK.

Population

51,430 (July 2016 est.)

Age structure

0-14 years: 21.87% (male 5,732/female 5,517) 15-24 years: 14.31% (male 3,628/female 3,730) 25-54 years: 53.31% (male 13,861/female 13,558) 55-64 years: 6.1% (male 1,696/female 1,443) 65 years and over: 4.4% (male 1,018/female 1,247) (2016 est.)

Median age

Total: 32.9 years Male: 33.2 years Female: 32.5 years (2016 est.)

Population growth rate

2.23%

Birth rate

15.7 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Death rate

3.2 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Net migration rate

9.7 migrant (s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Sex ratio

At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.18 male (s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female Total population: 0.82 male(s)/female

Life expectancy at birth

Total population: 79.8 years Male: 77.1 years Female: 82.7 years (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.7 children born/woman (2016 est.)

Business Practices

Business practices on the Turks and Caicos Islands are reasonably relaxed and informal, however, when addressing someone to do with business, you should always address them formally, rather than just using their first name. As the climate on the islands is fairly tropical, it is suggested that lightweight formal business attire is worn. The island's main trading partners are the US, and the UK. Usually, offices are open from 8am-4:30 pm. When eating out, the standard tipping price is 15% of the bill.

Crime

The British Foreign and Common Office state that the crime levels in the Turks and Caicos Islands is low: “Levels of crime are relatively low. The level of crime on Providenciales, the first point of arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands for most visitors and the territory’s economic hub, is higher than on the other islands where incidences of serious crime are rare. Most crime tends to be as a result of opportunistic burglary and theft, although an increase in the incidence of more serious robberies has been reported recently. There have also been a number of armed robberies. Victims of robberies may suffer injuries if they resist.” The FCDO advises travellers to take care of their possessions and practice normal safety precautions including placing all possessions of value into hotel safety facilities, and not carrying large measures of cash.

Hotels

The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to a range of accommodation, including: all inclusive; inns; hotels; and self-catering villas and apartments. The standard of accommodation on the islands is usually rather high.

Communications

Good communication networks are available on the island. Internet cafes and kiosks are available around the islands for public use. Post Office Opening Times - Monday-Thursday: 8am-4pm. Friday 8am-3:30pm. Country Calling Code - +1-649

Electricity

The Turks and Caicos Islands have a voltage of 120V, and a frequency of 60 Hz.

Plug Types

Types A/B

Food And Dining

Food and Dining on the islands is fairly inexpensive. Both traditional and continental food is available. Specialities: Fresh fish and lobster, Conch salad, Hominy. You have to be 18 in order to legally drink on the island. Drinks special to the islands include Turks Head Beer and rum based cocktails.

Transport

Driving is on the left hand side of the road. For a period of one month, you can drive on the Turks and Caicos Islands using a British Driving Licence, or an International Driving Permit. If you intend to drive on the islands for a period longer than one month, local driving licences can be obtained from the Department of Road Safety.

Flight Time

8 hours, 23 minutes

Entry departure requirements

All Passports need to be valid for the duration of the trip, and a return ticket is required.

Visa immigration information

Passports

All Passports need to be valid for the duration of the trip.

Visas

If you have a valid British passport, then you do not need a visa in order to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands for a period of up to 90 days.

Types of visa

A single visitor’s visa costs US$150. If you intend to work on the islands, you will need to apply for a permit.

Validity

THIS HAS NOT BEEN DONE

Application to

The UK Passport Agency

Working days required

When applying for a visa, you should allow three to four weeks.

Departure tax

The departure tax is usually included in the air fare

Embassies

The Embassy of the Turks and Caicos Islands UK

There is no formal British representation on the Turks and Caicos Islands, as they are British territory. The government of the islands provides the assistance abroad that British nationals may require.

The Embassy of the Turks and Caicos Islands US

Consulate - U.S. Consular Agency 2 Venture Ct. Grace Bay Suite 102E Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office

The British FCDO state that there is currently a low threat from terrorism on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

US Department of State

Website: http://www.state.gov/

Currency

US Dollar

Currency restrictions

There are currently no currency restrictions when importing or exporting foreign or local money.

Banking hours

Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30

Currency exchange

1GBP = 1.22USD (2016)

Credit cards

Major well known branded credit cards such as Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted across the islands.

Travellers cheques

Travellers cheques are often accepted by shops, hotels, banks restaurants, and other businesses.

  1. Health Information
  2. Recent Disease Outbreak
  3. Hospital Database

Dental care

Dental practices on the islands:

Dental Services Ltd
Address: Windward Rd, Providenciales TKCA 1ZZ, Turks & Caicos Islands
Tel: +1 649-946-4321
Opening Times: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
Website: http://www.dentist.tc/

Mark Osmond Dental Clinic
Address: Mark Osmond Dental Clinic, Main Graceway IGA Complex, Providenciales, TCI
Tel: (649) 432-3777
Opening Times: Monday - Thursday 8am-4pm, Friday 8am-2pm, Saturday 9am-1pm
Website: http://dentalclinictci.com/

Medication Availability

Pharmacies on the islands:
Flamingo Pharmacy
Address: Unit 105/6, Cabot House, Graceway Plaza (Main IGA), Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Tel: +649-941-4527
Website: www.flamingopharmacy.com/

Grace Bay Pharmacy
Address: Allegro Rd, Turks and Caicos Islands
Tel: +1 649-946-8242

Blood supplies

Blood donations are tested.

Medical facilities

There is a reciprocal health agreement that the UK have with the Turks and Caicos Islands. To access the free health care, evidence of UK residency needs to be provided. This can be done by showing your driving licences, NHS card, etc. Although there is a reciprocal health agreement in place, it is still strongly advised that you take out travel insurance.

Interhealth Canada run the hospital facilities on both Providenciales, and Grand Turk. Although the hospital facilities can cater for a range of cases, providing important services including emergency services, and outpatient specialty clinics, more serious cases are usually referred to nearby countries for treatment. Serious cases in the Turk and Caicos Islands are usually transported to either Nassau, or Miami, for treatment.

During your trip, if you need emergency assistance, you should dial 911.

It is advised that you purchase travel health insurance that is able to cover you for all aspects of your trip. If you intend to take part in any additional activities, it is important to make sure that they are covered under your policy. Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from Direct Travel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly UK based team on 0330 880 3600.

General caution

None

Specific concerns

None

Immunization

When travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should be up-to-date with your routine jabs and boosters including MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus-pertussis, polio, and your yearly flu jab. It is also advised to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, preferably 4-6 weeks before you are due to travel, and that you should consider being vaccinated against typhoid. It is always best to check with your GP to make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations and whether other vaccinations are recommended for your chosen place of travel.

Disease risk summary

Zika Virus

There have been reports of locally transmitted Zika Virus on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Zika Virus is transmitted by certain mosquitoes known as Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to humans. When transmitted to the majority of people through a mosquito bite, the NHS describe the virus as a ‘very mild infection and isn’t harmful.’ However, it can cause serious birth defects if transmitted to pregnant women. The defects can include microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with unusually small heads.

When travelling to Zika transmitted areas, the NHS recommend that you should receive travel health advice before you leave. For pregnant women, it is advised that you postpone all non-essential trips to locations where Zika Virus is currently transmitted.

Chikungunya Fever

Some cases of Chikungunya Fever, which is transported by mosquitos, have been confirmed across the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is more common in the rainy seasons. Fever, nausea, rashes and muscle pains are just some of the symptoms that have been linked to Chikungunya Fever. Although serious problems of Chikungunya Fever are uncommon, the symptoms can last for a few days. In order to help prevent being bitten by mosquitos whilst being in the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is advised that you wear insect repellant. These can be in forms of, repellant creams, wipes, wristbands, sprays etc. Wearing clothes that cover your skin, especially loose fitting clothing, can also help prevent you from being bitten.

Entry requirements

None.

Recent disease outbreaks

There have been reports of locally transmitted Zika Virus on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Zika Virus is transmitted by certain mosquitoes known as Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to humans. When transmitted to the majority of people through a mosquito bite, the NHS describe the virus as a ‘very mild infection and isn’t harmful.’ However, it can cause serious birth defects if transmitted to pregnant women. The defects can include microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with unusually small heads.

When travelling to Zika transmitted areas, the NHS recommend that you should receive travel health advice before you leave. For pregnant women, it is advised that you postpone all non-essential trips to locations where Zika Virus is currently transmitted.

No symptoms usually occur once you’ve contracted the virus, however if symptoms do show, they are usually minor and tend not to last for an overly long period of time. Zika Virus symptoms can include: fever; headaches; itchiness and rashes; muscle and joint pains; lower back pain; reddening of your eyes; and pain behind your eyes.

In order to lessen your chances of getting the virus, mosquito preventions methods can be used. These can include:

      Using deet based repellant products
      Wearing loose and baggy clothing
      Using a mosquito net to cover you when you are sleeping
Name Address Telephone
Associated Medical Practices Windward Rd, Turks and Caicos Islands +1 649-946-4242
Carolina Medical Centre +649-946-4367
Cheshire Hall Medical Centre Hospital Road, TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands
Cockburn Town Medical Centre Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Grand Turk +649-941-2900
Courtyard Chiropractic Unit #19 La Vista Azul, Turtle Cove, Providenciales +649-339-1000
Grace Bay Medical Centre Neptune Plaza, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands +649-941-5252
Omnicare Medical Clinic Town Centre Mall, Butterfield Square, Downtown Providenciales +649-941-5050

Media

As the Turks and Caicos Islands only have one local terrestrial television station, Turks and Caicos Television, many broadcasts on the islands come from the Bahamas.

Internet Code: .tc

Newspapers:Weekly newspaper publishings on the island are by Turks & Caicos Free Press, The Turks & Caicos Weekly, and Turks & Caicos Sun.