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
(Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)
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.
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- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.