Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Turks and Caicos Islands
About
| West Caicos: The westernmost island has an abrupt coastline leading to deep water that is ideal for fishing and scuba-diving. The main tourist centre lies around Turtle Cove, with its peaceful yacht basin, and Grace Bay. Grace Bay has a 12 mile beach and the Princess Alexandra Marine Park; also popular are the Sea Centre, Bamboo Gallery (an art centre) and the Ports of Call shopping area. The Turks & Caicos National Museum, situated on the waterfront. Go to Salt Cay, the most charming and atmospheric of all the Salt Islands. There are fine beaches and also still-productive salt ponds. During February, March and April, whale watching enthusiasts are able to observe large numbers of the North Atlantic humpback whale population passing through very close to the western shores of Grand Turk and Salt Cay en route to their breeding grounds at Mouchoir Bank nearby. |
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| Capital: | Grand Turk (GDT) |
| Currency: | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language: | English and Creole |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 1 649 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November: UTC / GMT – 4 (6 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Visitors from all other countries are required to possess a Visitors Permit, which can be obtained at the Road Safety Department, located on Good Street, Grand Turk and at the office on the Old Airport Road, Providenciales. |
| Best Time to go: | April – May. Peak travel is December – March. |
| Best For: | Island relaxation |
| Plugs: | 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style plugs with two flat pins (with or without third grounding pin) are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Serious cases are evacuated to the USA. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | Water is scarce and should be conserved. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. Things happen at a slow pace and attempts to rush service will be frowned upon. Homosexual relationships are legal but tend to be discreet. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Public Nudity is illegal throughout the islands. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into the Turks and Caicos Islands without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 220g tobacco. • 1.136L of alcohol. • Gifts to the value of US$200 (US$400 for residents). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Narcotics, weapons and pornography. |
| Prohibited Exports: | It is a criminal offence to take shells or coral from any national park, which includes much of the coastline. You must obtain a permit from the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources if you wish to export any shell. In conch season (mid-October to mid-July), tourists can obtain a free permit to export three conch shells. During closed season (mid-July to mid-October), exporting conch shells is prohibited. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 10; Apr 18, 21; May 26; Jun 19; Aug 1; Sep 26; Oct 13; Nov 28, Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 9; Apr 3, 6; May 25; Jun 19; Aug 1, 3; Sep 25; Oct 12; Nov 27, Dec 25-26, 28
Visa Requirements
South African Passport Holders do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Passport valid for 6 months beyond intended departure date
- Onward / Return ticket
For visa information, please visit: gov.tc/immigration/visa
Applications for visas are made to the nearest British High Commission.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
