Explore: Turks & Caicos - Formalities
Clearance
COVID-19: Entry protocols for yachts have been affected by the pandemic. See the Biosecurity section for details.
PRE-ARRIVAL
See Turks & Caicos – getting here by yacht
The SailClear advance web notification service for clearance is now operational here. Completing the online forms prior to checking in may save a lot of time at Customs. For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Advance Notification:
The Turks and Caicos Government operate a radar surveillance station that monitors vessels entering and departing their territorial waters. Vessels entering or leaving the twelve-mile limit can contact the station by calling “Provo Radio”. The station operates 24/7 on VHF Channels 16 and 64 and also broadcasts navigational warnings and weather forecasts.
The radar and radio transmitters are mounted on a 40-meter tower located in the South Dock area on Providenciales at 21° 44.44′ N/72° 16.26′ W
When within range of the harbor, try to call the Harbour Master on VHF channel 16. They do not however always monitor the radio, particularly if it is a cruise ship day.
Ports of Entry:
Your initial stop, once you arrive in the islands, must be at a port-of-entry. These include govnerment docks and marinas at Grand Turk (Cockburn Town), Providenciales and South Caicos. See the port links for more details. Some of the marinas that have difficult entrances can be contacted on channels 16 or 68, either for advice, or they may send out a pilot boat, for which a charge is usually made.
While the harbormaster at the port of entry has the authority to grant an Immigration permit for crew 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 visit one of the immigration offices on Providenciales or Grand Turk.
General Process:
Boats waiting to clear-in should either anchor in the designated anchorage zone or moor alongside the dock and await the boarding officer. If necessary, the skipper should go ashore to the office to initiate clearance, but no one else must leave the boat until clearance is complete.
Paperwork you will need to complete on arrival includes:
- Temporary Importation Declaration.
This is the official entrance declaration for the duration of your stay, but is only valid for seven (7) days. This form captures details pertaining to the crew, passengers and the vessel. - Subsequently, if the intended stay in the Turks and Caicos will exceed seven (7) days, the skipper is then required to purchase a Cruising Permit valid for an additional three (3) months (90 days). See Documents for more details.
- Customs Declaration.
- Immigration Form – to be completed by each crew member.
All forms will be provided on arrival to complete.
Domestic Cruising:
Boarding officers will also give information regarding National Parks Regulations and details of the regulations that affect cruising while in national waters.
CLEARING OUT
Departure Clearance:
All skippers are required to complete an Application for Clearance for Departure (Form C124) for clearance to their next Port of Call, which will cost $50 USD.
Note: Debit & Credit Cards are now accepted for all transactions.
Last updated: September 2021
Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
All visitors require a passport which is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.
An Immigration Form will need to be completed for each crew member.
Visas are not required for most visitors. See here for a full list of countries.
Entry is granted for a stay of 90 days and this can be renewed once only.
Incoming Crew and Guests:
A return/onward ticket is now needed upon arrival in Turks and Caicos. A formal letter from the skipper confirming that crew are boarding and departing on a yacht, stamped by the marina where the yacht is berthed, should suffice for joining crew.
Last updated: August 2021
Related Businesses
Immigration Office – Turks & Caicos
Address: Turks Caicos,
Customs
Arriving by Yacht
You must arrive in the islands at an official Port of Entry. Crew should remain on board until government officers have arrived and cleared the vessel. A customs declaration form must be completed.
In an attempt to detect smuggling of illicit drugs weapons, and other contraband, TCI customs officers began stepping up the number of searches on visiting vessels and aircraft as in May 2019. Be aware that it’s a strong possibility your yacht may be searched by several officials on arrival.
Length of Stay
The Harbormaster can grant a permit to enter for one week. If you want to stay longer you will need a cruising permit, valid for 90 days. See Documents below for more details.
Yachts remaining in the Turks and Caicos Islands longer than 6 months now pay an import tax of 12%.
Other Items
- Firearms are strictly controlled and it is illegal to be in possession of a firearm, ammunition or a firearm part or accessory without an appropriate license. Any guns and ammunition must be handed over to the Customs officer, with a proper receipt received. These are then returned by Customs when the vessel is cleared outwards from TCI. At least 24 hours notice must be given to retrieve firearms on departure.
- Spearguns and Hawaiian slings are also illegal and must be brought in to Customs when you clear.
- All controlled drugs must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription. It is advised to keep all medication in original packaging to avoid confusion and questioning at ports of entry.
- The importation of pornography is illegal in the Turks and Caicos Islands and there are penalties for anyone found in possession.
- See https://www.visittci.com/travel-info/customs-allowances for more info.
Importing Parts and Spares
Boats in transit can have parts and equipment shipped duty-free, but there may be a 7% Customs handling fee. There are several direct flights every week to the USA and UK, also two air freight flights weekly to Florida. It is advisable to check with Customs first for the arrangements required and to check that no duty is due.
Last updated: September 2021
Related Businesses
Customs Offices – Turks & Caicos
Address: Turks & Caicos,
For contact details and telephone numbers for all T&C Customs offices go to their website.... Read More
BioSecurity
COVID-19: OPEN
With the continual change in protocols due to the pandemic, we outline the last-known situation below for yacht arrivals. Skippers should follow the recommended links in “resources” to confirm the latest protocols. Always check with your intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required. Please e-mail [email protected] if you find protocols have changed.
Yachting Protocols:
October 2021
- As of 1st September all visitors aged 16 years and over will have to upload to the TCI Assured Portal- proof of being fully vaccinated and a negative COVID 19 test from an accredited laboratory taken within 3 days of arrival (72 hours) and insurance which covers COVID 19 medical costs, full cost of hospitalization, prescriptions, doctors’ visits, medical evacuation and quarantine.
- All travelers to the Turks and Caicos must obtain travel pre-authorization via the TCI Assured Portal – https://travelauthorisation.turksandcaicostourism.com/public/.
- All arriving vessels also have to email: [email protected] – prior to arrival with yacht name and crew list.
- Authorization takes between 15 minutes and 24 hours (although at times of increased traffic there will be delays). If the application is incomplete, it may take longer.
- Tests can be conducted on island (Providenciales only), but all crew will have to remain on board until the results are received and same is uploaded and approval granted. Therefore, no one will be allowed to disembark until a COVID19 test and negative results are taken and receive approval for entry into TCI.
As confirmed by Kenrick Neely of TCI Government and official websites.
Resources:
- https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/
- https://turksandcaicostourism.com/
- https://www.visittci.com/travel-info/turks-and-caicos-coronavirus-covid-19
History:
- On 26 March, 2020, TCI locked down with restricted movement for at least 21 days. No yachts could clear in or out of the country.
- On 22 July, the Providenciales airport opened for international tourism.
- As of 1st September 2021, only fully vaccinated tourists are permitted to enter.
Reports:
Related Businesses
The Government of Turks & Caicos
Address: Hon. N.J.S. Francis Building, Pond St. Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands,
Health
Medical facilities are limited but there is a new hospital located in central Providenciales, the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, managed by Canadian firm InterHealth Canada. Serious cases are usually evacuated to Miami or Nassau. There is a small hospital on Grand Turk and some private general practitioners on Providenciales.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
No vaccinations are required for entry.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
Mosquitos can be a nuisance, but there have been on recent outbreaks. Zika virus was reported here in 2017.
The Tourist Board Website has excellent health and medical information.
Documents
Cruising Permit:
For stays of more than 7 days in the Turks and Caicos, a cruising permit (form C113) is required.
Applications for a 90-day cruising permit must be made at one of the Immigration Department offices in Providenciales or at South Base on Grand Turk. Cost USD$ 300.
No more than two 90 day cruising permits will be issued in one calendar year.
Dry-docked periods are exempt.
Fees
Entrance (Inward)
Temporary Importation Declaration (first 7 days) – USD $100 ($130 on weekends and holidays)
Cruising Permits (Extended Stay)
Cruising Permit (90 days) – USD $300
Clearance (Outward)
Application for Clearance for Departure (valid for 24hrs) – USD $50
Overtime Fees
Charges outside of regular working hours. (Normal working hours 8am-4: 30 pm, Mon –Thurs) & (8am-4pm, Friday).
USD $10/hr on weekdays and $15/ hr on weekends.
Note: Overtime is only charged when the act of service is rendered outside of normal working hours.
Last updated: September 2021
Restrictions
National Parks:
- The Turks and Caicos is home to many marine nature reserves and national parks, and it’s important that yachters are aware of these areas and applicable laws and policies. Boarding officers on arrival will also give information regarding National Parks Regulations and details of the regulations that affect cruising while in national waters.
- It is illegal to harm or remove and natural or historical object, or use jet skis in a protected area.
- Great care and attention must be taken both inside and outside of protected areas to only anchor on sandy bottoms, and not to damage and coral, reef, or sea grass. Significant fines may apply if reef damage occurs.
- Wider Caribbean’s Marine Protected Areas (CaMPAM)
Larger yachts:
- All vessels greater than 60 feet (18m) in length will require an Anchoring Permit, which is valid for 30 days and can be obtained from the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and some of the larger marinas.
- For larger vessels with drafts above 8 feet (2.5m), the choice is a bit more limited to permanent moorings off Grace Bay and the Bight Beach, off Parrot Cay, and off Malcolm’s Road Beach near Amanyara Resort.
Fishing:
Sport fishing without a permit is forbidden, as are spearguns, pole spears, Hawaiian slings and using scuba gear to take any marine life. Lobster may be taken in season (August 1 to March 31) by hand or noose.
Local Customs
Swim wear worn other than poolside or at the beach is frowned upon.
Pets
An approval and an import permit must be obtained with the Environmental Health Department (EHD) at least two weeks before travel.
Application requirements:
- A valid veterinary certificate (in English) from your country of origin and a completed import application must be submitted at least one week prior to travel.
- A fee of $50 (per animal) to be paid upon arrival in the country.
Some breeds are prohibited from entry into the islands.
For more information, see https://www.visittci.com/travel-info/traveling-with-pets
Last updated: September 2021
