The United States government has issued a cautionary travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos islands, following a notable increase in crime, including sexual assaults - particularly in Providenciales.

Travellers were also warned of the risk of severe consequences for carrying firearms or ammunition, including arrest, jail time and/or heavy fines.

The warning said local laws were strictly enforced, especially at the airport when people left the country, and that possession of so much as a bullet in luggage could lead to arrest, detention and heavy fines.

Turks and Caicos crime warnings focused on Providenciales

According to the advisory, most crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands occurred in Providenciales. The advisory said police in Providenciales had limited resources to investigate offences, and urged visitors to take extra precautions. Travellers were told to stay aware of their surroundings, particularly in busy areas.

The advisory said crimes against foreigners were often crimes of opportunity, including purse snatching and pickpocketing. It also said petty crime was common in popular tourist locations. Visitors were warned to be careful when walking through busy shopping areas, beaches and transport hubs, where thieves could target distracted travellers. They were also advised not to physically resist any robbery attempt. Instead, they were told to focus on personal safety and report the matter afterwards.

The advisory said there were also reports of sexual assaults in the islands. Travellers were urged to use caution when walking or driving at night and not to answer hotel or residence doors unless they knew who was there.

Tourists were also told to be on alert for overcharging, scams and aggressive vendors in tourist districts. Some sellers, the advisory said, offered “free” gifts that later led to demands for money. Most sites had tourist police available to help people who felt uncomfortable, and visitors were advised to seek help rather than escalate situations on their own.

Strict ammunition laws carried heavy penalties

A major part of the Turks and Caicos travel warning concerned firearms, ammunition, which the advisory said it was illegal to possess in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including single bullets and cartridges that travellers might have packed by mistake in carry-on bags or checked luggage. A firearm licence or permit from the United States or any other country was not valid there.

Police strictly enforced those laws, especially at the airport when travellers were leaving the country. Some U.S. citizens had been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after bullets were found in their luggage, the advisory said.

Offenders could face 12 years or more in prison. The advisory also said the U.S. government could not guarantee it would secure the release of citizens detained under local law.

Travel guidance also pointed to hurricanes and emergency preparation

The Turks and Caicos Islands also regularly experienced hurricanes, the advisory said. Travellers were told to review weather and natural disaster guidance before departure and to consider how a storm could affect flights, accommodation and movement around the islands.

The U.S. government urged people planning a trip to review its travel guidance and country security report for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It also recommended checking travel health information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and using the International Travel Checklist before leaving home. The U.S. government urged people planning a trip to review its travel guidance and country security report for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Travellers were specifically encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrolment Programme, known as STEP, so the U.S. embassy or consulate could send alerts and make contact in an emergency. The advisory said this also helped embassies reach a traveller’s emergency contact if needed. It further recommended buying travel insurance with evacuation assistance, medical cover and trip cancellation protection.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas, said it helped U.S. citizens who were victims of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands.