Getting to the Turks and Caicos Islands
Getting Here by Plane
All scheduled international flights into the Turks and Caicos land at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Domestic flights are regularly offered by two local airlines from Providenciales to the other main islands in the country, and a ferry service operates several times a day between Providenciales and North and Middle Caicos.
Domestic flights are surprisingly expensive for the distance, and thus this puts restrictions on the ability to travel between the islands. See our Domestic Flights and Ferries section for more information and a route map.
You'll need a valid passport and return/onward ticket to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands. Most nationalities don't need a visa (the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom do not). If you're traveling with pets, you'll need a veterinary certificate stating your animal is in good health. More information can be found at Passports and Visas and Travelling with Pets.
Getting Here by Cruise Ship
All cruise ships to the Turks and Caicos arrive at Grand Turk. All immigration and customs matters are handled by the cruise lines, so it's a breeze to land. Due to time constraints, it's really not feasible to see any of the other main islands in the country when visiting Grand Turk by cruise ship, and indeed Grand Turk offers plenty of things to do and will definitely fill up your day on the island.
Cruise visitors here for the day should be sure to visit our Grand Turk section to find out what there is to do. You can either rent a scooter for the day (recommended due to the island wide 20 MPH speed limit), rent a car, or use the bus service operated by the cruise center that stops at the major attractions. Most of Grand Turk's attractions are historic sights, and most of the activities are water sports, including some of the best diving in the world.
Getting Here by Yacht
The Turks and Caicos is a popular destination for yachts and pleasure boaters, with many marinas throughout the islands.
Your initial stop once you arrive in the islands must be at a port-of-entry. There are several on Providenciales and Grand Turk, and one on South Caicos. The harbormaster at the port of entry has the authority to grant leave to enter for one-week. If you wish to stay longer or cruise among the islands, you must get a Cruising Permit (valid for 90 days), and/or visit one of the main immigration offices on Providenciales or Grand Turk.
The waters around the Turks and Caicos have many reef and shallows hazards, so proper charts are a necessity for navigating among the Turks and Caicos Islands. The foremost publisher is Waveyline Publishing of Grand Turk, which produces detailed electronic and printed charts of the Turks and Caicos archipelago.
