Explore: Turks & Caicos - Formalities
Clearance
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
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.
Boats waiting to clear-in can either anchor in the designated anchorage zone or moor alongside the dock and await the boarding officer. Whilst the anchorage is crowded, it is preferable to the dock which is concrete and very high with widely-spaced rusty bollards and rubber tires. Not designed for yachts.
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.
Boarding officers will also give information regarding National Parks Regulations and details of the regulations that affect cruising while in national waters.
Clearance Papers
On arrival, you will be required to complete this 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 (Form C113) which is valid for an additional three (3) months (90 days) at a cost of $300.
No more than two 90 day cruising permits will be issued in one calendar year. (See Fees below).
It is also necessary to complete this Customs Declaration.
An Immigration Form also needs to be completed for each member of the crew.
Clearance formalities can be completed at the following ports and marinas:
Providenciales:
South Dock (for Sapodilla Bay anchorage), South Side Marina, Caicos Marina and Shipyard, Turtle Cove Marina, Turks and Caicos YachtClub (Leeward).
South Caicos:
Government Dock, Seaview Marina
Grand Turk:
Government Freighter Wharf (south end of the island), Coburn Town Dock (1/4 mile north of radio tower), Flamingo Cove Marina.
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.
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 in July 2018.
Immigration
All visitors require a passport which is valid for the length of their stay.
The Immigration Form will need to be completed for each crew member.
Visas are not required for most visitors. See www.turksandcaicostourism.com/entry-requirements.html for a full list of countries.
Entry is granted for a stay of 90 days and this can be renewed once only.
Last updated in July 2018.
Customs
In an attempt to detect smuggling of illicit drugs weapons, and other contraband, TCI customs are stepping up the number of searches they make on visiting vessels and aircraft as of May 2019. Be aware that it’s a strong possibility your yacht may be searched by several officials on arrival.
Rules for Yachts
Note that only two cruising permits may be issued in the same calendar year.
Dry-docked periods are exempt.
Yachts remaining in the Turks and Caicos Islands longer than 6 months now pay an import tax of 12%.
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.
Other Customs Rules
Any Guns and ammunition aboard 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. 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.
The importation of controlled drugs and pornography is illegal in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Last updated: July 2018
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry.
Medical facilities are limited. Serious cases are usually evacuated to Miami or Nassau. There is a small hospital on Grand Turk and some private general practitioners on Providenciales.
ZIKA VIRUS ALERT: (September 2016) There have been recent safety alerts from the US State Department, UK Foreign Office, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding travel to parts of Central and South America, Africa, southern Asia, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific islands. Both islands of the Turks & Caicos are an area of interest. There is growing concern about the rapid spread of the ZIKA Virus and the impact of the virus on pregnant women and babies. ZIKA is transmitted by mosquitos in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and there is currently no cure or vaccine. This situation is evolving rapidly, so please refer to the CDC’s dedicated website if you are intending to cruise in one of the affected areas.
Fees
Entrance (Inward)
Temporary Importation Declaration (first 7 days) – $50 USD.
Cruising Permits (Extended Stay)
Cruising Permit (90 days) – $300 USD.
Note: (Cruising Permits are only granted and charged to those vessels which intend to remain in the territory for a period exceeding seven (7) days).
Note: No more than two (2) 90-day cruising Permits will be issued in one calendar year.
Clearance (Outward)
Application for Clearance for Departure (valid for 24hrs) – $50 USD.
Overtime Fees
Charges outside of regular working hours. (Normal working hours 8am-4: 30 pm, Mon –Thurs) & (8am-4pm, Friday).
$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 in June 2016.
Restrictions
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
There are no restrictions on bringing domestic pets into the Turks and Caicos Islands from countries the Department of Agriculture considers as a rabies free country such as the following:
Antigua, Australia, Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, Ireland, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Virgin Islands, and the United Kingdom. Pets must have resided in these countries for at least six (6) months.
Pets entering from countries with a low incidence of rabies such as the United States and Canada must follow these steps:
- Your pet must be microchipped (readable) prior to being vaccinated for rabies.
- Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies and other diseases not less than 6 months and not more than one year prior to entry.
- Dogs and cats must have had a number of vaccinations.
- You must have an Import Permit issued by Animal Health Services (must be submitted and approved at least one week prior to travel).
- When originating in a non-rabies-free country, a Blood Titer Test must be administered not less than 30 days after rabies vaccination.
- A licensed vet must complete an International Health Certificate for endorsement by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the USA or Canada, or by the Governmental Authority responsible for the import and export of animals if traveling from another country.
- Your pet must have ticks and tapeworm examination within 14 days of import.
Some breeds of dogs are banned from the Islands.
A fee of $50 is payable upon arrival in the country (per animal).
For more detailed information go to http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/Turks_Caicos.cfm and https://www.visittci.com/travel-info/travelling-with-pets
Last updated in March 2017.
