Getting to the Turks and Caicos
All scheduled international flights to the Turks and Caicos land at Providenciales.
All cruise ships to the Turks and Caicos stop at Grand Turk.
There are regular flights and passenger ferries between some of the islands.
The Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of nine inhabited islands and many uninhabited islands and cays. Nearly all visitors to the Turks and Caicos arrive either by plane to the island of Providenciales or by cruise ship to the island of Grand Turk.
The Turks and Caicos is a very easy destination to visit for citizens and legal residents of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, who do not require a visa to enter the country.
Getting Here by Plane
All scheduled international flights into the Turks and Caicos land at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
There are currently flights offered from many major United States cities, as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, and Antigua.
You’ll need a valid passport and return/onward ticket to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many nationalities do not need a visa (including citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union), yet it's recommended that you verify before booking your tickets. See Passports and Visas.
Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll have to clear immigration and customs. Generally, you should expect a long wait at immigration (more than an hour), particularly if several flights have recently landed. As is the case in most countries, you’ll be required to fill out basic immigration and customs landing cards. There are limits on the amounts and types of goods that can be brought into the Turks and Caicos duty-free. See Customs Allowances.
If you’re traveling with pets, you’ll need a veterinary certificate stating your animal is in good health. See Traveling with Pets.
Flights are available from Providenciales to the other main islands in the country. See Domestic Flights & Ferries.
Onward transportation from the airport is via taxi, private car service, or car rental.
Getting Here by Cruise Ship
Grand Turk is the only island in the country with a cruise ship port. All cruise ships to the Turks and Caicos arrive at this facility.
All immigration and customs matters are handled by the cruise lines, so it’s a breeze to land. Most stays average about six hours, which leaves plenty of time to see the beaches, sights, and attractions of Grand Turk.
Due to time constraints, it’s not feasible to visit Providenciales or any of the other main islands in the country during a cruise visit.
Getting Here by Yacht
The Turks and Caicos is a beautiful destination for yachts and cruisers. Several marinas can be found throughout the islands.
Your initial stop, once you arrive in the islands, must be at a port-of-entry. There are several such marinas on Providenciales and one on Grand Turk. All water craft operators must complete a SailClear declaration at least 24 hours before arriving or departing the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The waters around the Turks and Caicos have many reefs and shallow hazards, so having up-to-date and proper charts and GPS is highly recommended.
Getting Here by Private Plane
Providenciales and the other main islands in the Turks and Caicos have become a popular destination for private and charter planes.
There are several fixed-base operators (FBOs) on Providenciales to choose from, each offering fuel, immigration and customs clearance, and other services.
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