If you're wondering when to visit Turks and Caicos, we have seven reasons why the…
Important FAQs: How to Prepare for Your Turks and Caicos Vacation
(Updated on: May 01, 2022)
The Turks and Caicos Islands are open to visitors and our resort and island community are thrilled to be accepting guests! If you’re considering a Turks and Caicos vacation this year, here’s what you need to know to be prepared for your trip, including what you’ll need to travel, what your resort is doing to help ensure your safety and wellbeing, and what to expect when you’re here.
Leading up to your Turks and Caicos Vacation
It sure is nice to be able to visit your favorite destinations again. A Turks and Caicos vacation can certainly help anyone decompress and replenish with loads of sunshine, beautiful beach days, great food, great fun and ample downtime to delve into a favorite book and momentarily forget about all your worries. Everyone needs a bit of an escape at times, and our idyllic island is the perfect place to do just that.
Before you start packing, there are a few other steps you’ll need to take to prepare for your Turks and Caicos vacation as follows.
New pre-entry updates make it even easier to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands!
(As of May 01, 2022), the Turks and Caicos Government made updates to pre-entry requirements for all visitors and residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands as follows:
- All visitors aged 18 and older must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
- Visitors under the age of 18 and those who are medically exempt are not required to be vaccinated.
- Visitors are no longer required to undergo Covid 19 testing before arriving in Turks and Caicos.
- Visitors are no longer required to apply for Travel Authorization or complete a health screening questionnaire.
- Visitors are no longer required to obtain travel insurance with comprehensive COVID-19 coverage. However, visitors will be responsible for costs related to medical care, hospitalization, quarantine and testing if they test positive for COVID 19 during their stay.
- Masks/Face Coverings are no longer required.
For details on full vaccination requirements, exemptions and more, please click here to view the updated entry requirements page on the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, Ministry of Health and Human Services website.
# 1 Ensure your passport is up to date
Turks and Caicos requires that all visitors hold a passport that is valid for at least 90 days beyond their scheduled departure date.
#2 Obtain required COVID-19 proof of vaccination documents
(As of May 01, 2022), the Turks and Caicos government requires all visitors (18 years of age and older) to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Full vaccination status means that visitors have received the required series of accepted mRNA or Adenovirus vector vaccines or a combination of the two. Please click here for a complete outline of WHO-approved vaccines.
To be considered fully vaccinated, visitors must have received the final dose of their required vaccines at least 14 days before their scheduled arrival in Turks and Caicos.
According to The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, accepted proof of vaccination are as follows:
- E-certificate/digital certificates, e.g. CVS, Walgreens, NHS
- Certification by doctor or government entity
- Vaccination cards/certificates accepted by national authorities: e.g. EU, US, UK (i.e. CDC, NHS)
- A vaccination letter signed by a medical professional (physician or registered nurse) on official letterhead with contact details — doctors registration or licensed # should be included with details of the first and second dose (date, country and vaccine you received)
- Authorized government entity or printed record from an electronic vaccination database
For requirements before departing Turks & Caicos:
Please refer to our Policies and Procedures page for more detailed instructions on pre-departure testing requirements, restrictions and recommendations.
#3 (Optional) Consider obtaining travel insurance
(As of May 01, 2022), the Turks and Caicos government no longer requires that all arriving guests have valid Travel Insurance with COVID-19 related coverage. However, visitors are responsible for costs associated with medical treatment, quarantine, testing and medivac costs if they test positive for COVID-19 and require treatment during their visit.
Please visit the Turks and Caicos Government Ministry of Health and Human Services website for more information on the above pre-entry requirements.
Other Things to Know About
How long you can stay
Guests are welcome to holiday for up to 90 days at a time in Turks and Caicos. The Tuscany Resort also offers special long-term rates for guests who wish to stay with us for two weeks or more. Should you wish to stay longer, you can apply to extend your stay for an additional 90 days by visiting an Immigration Department while you’re here. You can find more information about extended stays here.
What to remember to pack
Besides your favorite vacation wear, don’t forget to pack an ample amount of sunblock, hats, and eye protection. It’s also a good idea to bring a lightweight scarf and shirt to throw on in the event you get too much sun on your shoulders, and waterproof flip flops are ideal for the beach and walking across warm sand.
Pack any prescription medication you take (in their actual bottles if possible) and it’s always a good idea to pack along a small tube of broad-spectrum antibacterial ointment with a few bandaids (just in case).
Regardless of COVID, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer are always excellent travel essentials to include in your carry-on luggage and purse. They can be used to wipe down surfaces on the plane and clean your hands when a sink is out of reach. As for masks, while our resort and many venues will supply you with a mask upon arrival, for your convenience we recommend you pack some PPE. If you forget to, our resort lobby will offer extra disposable masks that can be purchased.
During Your Turks and Caicos Vacation
Our resort and island community have been busy preparing for your arrival and are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our beautiful oasis with you again. When you arrive, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to feast, forage and forget your worries while you sink your toes into warm, white sand and explore our perfectly calm, clear waters.
If you’re a returning guest to Turks and Caicos, you’ll find most of what you love about Providenciales hasn’t changed, with the exception of a few extra safety measures as follows.
A note about mask mandates
(As of May 01, 2022), masks are no longer required in public places in Turks and Caicos with few exceptions, including public transit and indoor settings when social distancing cannot be maintained.
At the resort
The Tuscany Resort family and staff are committed to doing our best to ensure your comfort, safety and wellbeing throughout your stay with us. You can learn about the extra precautions and protocols we’ve established here, and what to expect when arriving and enjoying the resort’s common grounds. We do whatever we can to ensure your Turks and Caicos vacation is comfortable, safe and enjoyable.
On the beach
While our government officials encourage all citizens and guests to maintain physical distancing measures (except for people with whom you’re travelling), practice diligent hand sanitization and wear masks while moving within public spaces, a mask can be worn while at the beach but is not necessary.
Considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Grace Bay Beach offers plenty of space between beachgoers — even at peak travel times, our beach doesn’t feel crowded. Whether you’re enjoying the beachfront or the poolside at the Tuscany Resort, lounge chairs will be sanitized between guest use and spaced according to physical-distancing protocols (except for the people in your group). Who doesn’t enjoy a little space and privacy anyhow?
Shopping and dining
You’ve probably heard about the delicious Caribbean food that awaits you here, including conch fritters, fresh seafood and jerk chicken. You won’t be disappointed! When you’re considering your restaurant and beach bar options, feel free to ask our concierge for suggestions, and look for restaurants that display the TCI Assured Certification seal which symbolizes their compliance with all COVID-19 Health Protocols.
Island curfew
There is no island curfew as of December 01, 2021.
Activities and excursions
One of the many reasons that inspire people to vacation in Turks and Caicos over other destinations is our extraordinary beaches and clear, calm waters that are ideal for snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, fishing, sailing and more. When you’re here, you’ll have your choice of several activities to experience, including watersports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, chartered excursions and more. There are plenty of things to do and experience during your Turks and Caicos vacation.
Most activity operators and facilities are open to guests, and will each have their own set of safety requirements. For example, charters are required to limit the size of groups, maintain physical distance between guests and staff, and require PPE when boarding and moving throughout the vessel or common areas. You will not, however, be required to wear PPE during water activities (for obvious reasons).
If a particular activity interests you, inquire with our concierge or contact the activity operator directly for details before booking,
Getting around
Located at the quieter end of Grace Bay Beach, The Tuscany Resort offers guests privacy while placing you within close proximity to beach bars, restaurants, shops and attractions. Our resort offers complimentary use of bicycles, and our concierge will be happy to recommend a car rental service or arrange a taxi for you. When you reserve your stay at The Tuscany, you’ll hear from our pre-arrival concierge who can help arrange transportation from the airport.
In The Event of an Emergency
What to do if you experience symptoms
If you are a guest of The Tuscany Resort, and If you or someone in your travel group test positive for or develop symptoms of COVID-19 or another illness during your visit, you are required to immediately contact The Ministry of Health COVID-19 hotline at 649-232-9444 or 649-333-0911 for information and instructions on what to do next.
Where to go if you require medical care
Providenciales has one hospital, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, which is within easy reach and can provide you with excellent care until arrangements are made to get you home.
Prior to Departure
COVID testing requirements
As of October 25, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires that all air passengers (aged 2 years and older) returning to the United States obtain proof of negative COVID-19 test no more than 1-day prior to boarding their flights home.
In accordance with these new CDC guidelines for all air passengers returning to the United States, The Tuscany has partnered with Family Choice Medical Center to offer our guests COVID-19 (Antigen & PCR) testing on-site before their departure. Testing will be carried out by a certified lab technician at a designated rapid testing location within The Tuscany Resort’s property.
To arrange for your rapid antigen test:
- Upon arrival and check-in at The Tuscany, speak with our concierge about reserving your COVID-19 test to take place no more than 1-day prior to your departure.
- Airlines require that all air passengers provide proof of negative COVID-19 test (or proof of recovery) before boarding. More information here.
- Antigen testing costs $60.00 USD per person and PCR testing costs $185 USD per person (subject to change).
Please refer to our Policies and Procedures page for more detailed instructions on pre-departure testing requirements, restrictions and recommendations, or The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board website for details about Turks and Caicos COVID-19 testing facilities.
Get Expert Help Planning Your Trip
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two or a fun-filled family vacation, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos offers the perfect balance between outdoor adventure and blissful relaxation. For help planning your best vacation yet, consult with local travel agents in Turks and Caicos, Susan & Val.
Susan and Val live in Providenciales and are super familiar with our community and all the things to do, see, and explore while you’re here. They’ll take all the guesswork out of trip planning, so all you have to do is decide what to pack and try to contain your excitement until you’re here.
Privacy, Luxury and Comfort with a Beachfront View
Imagine retreating to an airy and spacious suite that feels like your own luxurious vacation home, with a screened porch and large windows overlooking one of the most beautiful and idyllic beach fronts in the world?
A full-sized and stocked, gourmet kitchen gives you the option to prepare your favorite snacks and late morning breakfasts when you want a break from dining out, and your own in-suite laundry room means you can pack light and not return home with a suitcase full of dirty laundry after your trip.
Conveniently located to Providenciales’ best dining, shopping and activities while being nestled at the quieter end of Grace Bay Beach, guests of the Tuscany Resort take pleasure in the tranquil privacy and luxurious touches that our resort affords them while having one of the most spectacular beaches at their doorstep.
The Tuscany on Grace Bay isn’t just a place you visit, it’s a place you experience and when you do, you’ll understand why most guests keep coming back.
When you’re ready to plan your Turks and Caicos vacation:
Save up to 40% on accommodations at The Tuscany by taking advantage of our seasonal specials. If you’re considering a longer visit, contact us to inquire about our special long-term rates for guests staying with us for two weeks or longer.
On behalf of the Tuscany family and team, we look forward to welcoming you!
Related Information
The Tuscany Resort’s Policies and Procedures Page
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