DESTINATIONS
Turks and Caicos Islands
The US renewed its travel warning for this Caribbean island
The U.S. renewed its Turks and Caicos travel advisory, warning visitors about crime and strict ammunition laws that have led to arrests
Kathleen WongUSA TODAY
Updated July 9, 2026, 6:17 p.m. ET
The U.S. Department of State reissued an updated Level 2 travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands on July 7, reminding travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to crime
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators from its March 2025 update, and the agency continues to warn travelers about reports of sexual assault and petty crime like pickpocketing, purse snatching and scams
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” the State Department told USA TODAY in an email. The agency said it routinely updates travel advisories for all countries based on a comprehensive review of safety information and any developments
Most crimes take place in Providenciales, the country’s most populated island, according to the advisory. Tourists should stay aware of their surroundings and watch out for overcharging or aggressive vendors, especially when in the high-traffic tourist areas
U.S. citizens who become victims of crimes in the Turks and Caicos Islands can receive assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau in the Bahamas
In March, the travel advisory was updated to reflect ammunition arrests. The island nation has strict firearms and ammunition laws, making it illegal to have firearms and ammunition – even a single bullet brought by mistake in a traveler’s bag. Police strictly enforce these laws, including at the airport
“U.S. citizens must follow local laws abroad,” states the advisory. “If you break laws in another country – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, or imprisoned.”
Offenders face being arrested, heavy fines and jail sentences of 12 years or more, and the State Department said it cannot get U.S. citizens out of detention
Some Americans have been detained and held in the Turks and Caicos Islands for several weeks after being found with bullets in their luggage. In April 2024, an Oklahoma man vacationing with his wife and some friends was arrested and detained when officials found four rounds of ammunition that were accidentally left in a duffel bag from a past deer hunting trip. He was released in June 2024, but was banned from returning to the country and fined $2,000
This story was updated to add new information
