UPDATE: Turks and Caicos making it much easier to visit

Editor's note: This post has been updated with details on new, loosened entry requirements.

Turks and Caicos reopened last summer, but the islands are now making it much easier to visit. As of May 1, you'll no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to enter. The Caribbean destination is also lifting its mask mandate, ditching a requirement to have extra insurance and getting rid of a requirement to register before going. This will make it one of the easiest countries to visit.

Here's what you need to know as you plan a trip to Turks and Caicos.

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What you need to visit Turks and Caicos

The following protocols are current as of April 27:

• All visitors, ages 16 and above, must be fully vaccinated. That means the person has received two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and at least 14 days have elapsed since the second dose. A list of approved vaccines to enter Turks and Caicos can be found here.
• Visitors who test positive during their stay are required to quarantine, at their expense, for 10 days and receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to release.
• A negative test is no longer required.

According to the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, as of May 1, travelers will no longer be required to have extra travel insurance coverage for medical costs or possible quarantine.

Right now, proof of compliance with the above requirements is part of the travel authorization process visitors must complete through the TCI Assured portal. That will be discontinued on April 30.

Related:5 things to know before visiting Turks and Caicos

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What's open in Turks and Caicos

A British overseas territory, Turks and Caicos includes the gateway island of Providenciales, also known as Provo. In general, hotels and restaurants have been fully open since flights were permitted to land at Providenciales International Airport (PLS) last summer.

Beaches, grocery stores, pharmacies and other open-air businesses are open.

Grace Bay Beach in Provo is home to luxury resorts, shops and restaurants. (You'll find a number of approved testing sites at Provo's hotels and resorts.) There is a 14-mile barrier reef on Provo's north shore that's great for scuba diving, plus another famous scuba spot on Grand Turk Island.

"We are delighted to make it easier for travelers to rediscover the Turks and Caicos Islands," said Pamela Ewing, director of tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board. "The wellbeing of our communities has always been our priority, and with the majority of our population vaccinated and a return to normalcy, the Government is lifting restrictions to welcome new and returning visitors to experience our 'Beautiful by Nature' destination in an easy, carefree way."

Getting to Turks and Caicos

Major airlines with service to PLS include the following:

• American: Nonstop flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
• JetBlue: Nonstop flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
• United: Nonstop service from Newark (EWR), Charlotte (CLT) and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
• Delta: Daily nonstop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Southwest: Nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Related: A country-by-country guide to reopening in the Caribbean

Where to stay in Turks and Caicos

Resorts and hotels may impose their own additional protocols and offer varied testing availability. So, the government suggests reaching out to your property for specifics before you travel. Remember that you will need a COVID-19 test to return to the United States.

Some of the hotels to consider include Marriott's new hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, with prices ranging from $998-$2,205 per night. If you want to use Marriott Bonvoy points, you'll need more than 118,000 points per night (if you can even find availability).

The Ritz Carlton, Turks & Caicos features 155 guest rooms and 27 suites, a full-service spa, a fully equipped gym, the Ritz Kids club, a casino and views of the turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach.

Hyatt's Sailrock Resort is another option. Rates start at $780 per night or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Sailrock is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and features 36 suites and villas on over 770 acres. Unfortunately, we found zero availability in 2022.

Hyatt also has the Point Grace Resort and Spa, with rates over $600 a night or 35,000 World of Hyatt points.

Related: A stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos

Among the other properties worth a look are The Shore Club Turks and Caicos on Long Bay Beach, The Palms Turks and Caicos and The Sands at Grace Bay.

TPG freelance writer Donna Heiderstadt wrote about visiting The Shore Club back in 2021.

It's much different now, however, with most resorts operating normally again with few COVID-19 restrictions.

Bottom line

Traveling to Turks and Caicos has just gotten much easier. In fact, beginning May 1, it will become one of the easiest international destinations to visit. Keep in mind that you will need to have a negative COVID-19 test within a day of travel back to the U.S.

Also, be aware the Caribbean destination has also been given a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" travel advisory due to crime, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Additional reporting by Liz Ramanand.