Turks and Caicos Islands - Country Travel Advice Report - Study Abroad Office
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Travel Advice Report
Turks and Caicos Islands
Overall Risk Rating: Low | 2.00
Drum Cussac Group Limited Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Contents
Country Risk Rating Breakdown ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Country Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Security
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Political
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Infrastructural
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Environmental
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Medical
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Fact Box ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Travel Risk Advice ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Threat Scale Reference ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Drum Cussac Group Limited 2 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Risk Rating Breakdown
Country Overall Risk Rating Low | 2.00
Security Environmental Infrastructural Political Medical
Negligible - Low | 1.50 Low | 2.25 Low | 2.00 Negligible - Low | 1.50 Low | 2.00
Drum Cussac Group Limited 3 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services Country Overview Low | 2.00 The Turks and Caicos Islands, one of various British overseas territories, is a mainstay of Caribbean destinations due to both its significant infrastructure and its relative proximity to the North American mainland. Turks and Caicos is fuelled mainly by its tourism and financial sectors, and is often referred to as a "tax haven". With the exception of seafood and a select number of agricultural goods, most products on the islands are imported. Additionally, because of the territory's unique geography, those planning on visiting both sets of islands (the Turks and Caicos chains) must utilize either maritime or aerial transportation. The risks posed by crime, instability and conflict are much lower than Caribbean averages and, indeed, low by North American and European standards, as well. Instead, the principal threat to visitors to the islands is that of tropical systems, and as such is a seasonal risk. Hurricanes and tropical storms most often form from June through November. The sheer physical isolation of some islands is also a secondary risk, as not all are connected by road. Security Negligible - Low | 1.50 Overview Crime poses a low risk for those visiting the country, with slightly higher risks on Providenciales and Grand Turk islands. Transnational terrorism is not considered a threat, but concerns exist over the potential for money laundering activities due to the islands' large financial sector. Unrest has occurred on the islands in isolated bouts, but is generally limited to Providenciales and Grand Turk; even so, unrest is considered exceptional there as well. There is no notable conflict threat to Turks and Caicos, nor is one expected to develop. Political Negligible - Low | 1.50 Overview Turks and Caicos currently exhibits no signs of desiring a change in its political status vis-a-vis the United Kingdom. Internal island politics are also broadly stable. Rule of law under the new 2012 constitution is generally strong, although impunity is still considered an issue due to a lack of police resources in some areas. Corruption is thought to have come under better control in recent years following alarmingly high levels. Sanctions of any kind are not an issue for Turks and Caicos. Infrastructural Low | 2.00 Overview The main roads on Providenciales and Grand Turk are comprehensive and of generally good quality, but other islands lack strong road networks. International carriers are considered safe for travel to Turks and Caicos, as are domestic carriers for flights between islands. Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are all highly reliable throughout any of the inhabited islands, but may be non-existent on islands without any permanent populations. Turks and Caicos is not known to be a sponsor of cyberattacks, nor is it known to particularly suffer from them. Environmental Low | 2.25 Overview Turks and Caicos has a quasi-Caribbean climate, with significantly less precipitation than in other parts of the region; heat stroke is a concern for the unprepared. Hurricanes and tropical systems represent the greatest environmental threat to travelers, as Turks and Caicos lies squarely in the hurricane belt. The hurricane season generally lasts from June through November, with activity peaking by September. Like much of the Caribbean, the islands broadly lie within a seismic zone, although activity is not nearly as intense as in other parts of the region. Turks and Caicos is not considered a major pollutant due to its small size and generally makes environmental concerns a high priority due to their potential effects on the islands' vital tourism industry. However, smaller scale pollution can still occur, particularly on Providenciales and Grand Turk. Medical Low | 2.00 Drum Cussac Group Limited 4 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services Overview Turks and Caicos has no notable outbreaks of disease apart from certain mosquito-borne illnesses; only routine vaccinations are required. Health facilities on the main islands are adequate for the majority of medical needs. However, services and treatment may be sparse or otherwise non- existent on other islands. All major medications can be obtained in some form on the main islands, but more specialized medications may not be sold there. Tap water is considered safe for drinking unless otherwise specified. Drum Cussac Group Limited 5 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Fact Box
Government
Parliamentary democracy
Type
Population 34,340 (2015)
Currency US Dollar
Languages English
Time Zone UTC-4
Religions Protestant 72.8%, Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.8%, other 14%
Traffic Drives on the left
Plug Types Type A and Type B
Ethnicities black 87.6%, white 7.9%, mixed 2.5%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.7%
Drinking
Safe to drink
Water
Significant Dates January 1 - New Year’s Day March 9 - Commonwealth Day April 10 -
Good Friday April 13 - Easter Monday May 25 - National Heroes Day June 8 - The Queen’s
Additional
Official Birthday August 3 - Emancipation Day August 31 - Independence Day September 24
Information
- Republic Day September 28 - National Youth Day October 12 - National Heritage Day
November 27 - Thanksgiving Day December 25 - Christmas Day December 26 - Boxing Day
International
Country +1
Code
Drum Cussac Group Limited 6 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Travel Risk Advice
Vaccinations and Key Health Risks
You should visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Travellers should ensure that they have routine vaccination
courses and boosters. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and
annual flu vaccine.
Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present in the country, and mosquito prevention efforts are recommended.
There is no vaccination to prevent zika and comprehensive mosquito protection methods are recommended. This is particularly important for
those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, suffer from a severe, chronic medical condition, or have a medical condition that weakens
the immune system. Female travellers who are pregnant or who wish to become pregnant, including their partners, may wish to seek additional
medical advice.
Dependent on work, reason for travel, or underlying health conditions, some travellers visiting may require vaccines from:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Pre-departure
Travellers should have adequate travel insurance in place to enable rapid medical treatment or emergency extraction from country.
Travellers should provide friends and family with a copy of their travel itinerary, and make a copy of important travel and identification
documents.
On Arrival
There are no significant measures that need to be undertaken on arrival into country.
In Transit
The safest form of travel is to hire a 4x4 car due to poor road conditions and rough terrain outside the main cities and towns. Travellers are
advised to only call for a taxi from a reputable dispatch service or from a hotel.
At Your Hotel
There are no significant measures travellers should undertake at hotels in Turks & Caicos, although weather reports provided by local media
and government authorities should be monitored, and trusted news sources should be followed on social media. Travellers should prepare
an emergency kit of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered radio, medications that are taken regularly, and vital travel
documents.
In the Street
Travellers should avoid overt displays of wealth and dress discreetly and appropriately to environment. Do not display money, jewellery or
valuables and keep a low profile.
Travellers should use only small denominations of the local currency, and keep large amounts of cash and cards in a separate place on your
person. Reduce the contents of your wallet or purse contents, particularly cards which may denote affiliations, memberships and accounts.
Do not use credit or debit cards unless absolutely necessary and then only at respected, well-known retail and service establishments.
Travellers should ensure that their mobile phone is carried with sufficient battery life and programmed with appropriate emergency numbers.
Travellers should also carry an ID card or passport and emergency medical information.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 7 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Travellers should be aware of their location and surroundings. Avoid high-crime areas and of walking through dimly lit streets after dark.
Travellers should know routes and carry a map if necessary, but keep it concealed.
In crowded situations, travellers should be aware of jostling as this may be a ploy for pick-pockets. Travellers should also be aware of people
loitering, and also that attackers may first pass their victim to attack from behind.
Travellers should ignore verbal ‘bait’ from passers-by, do not get into an argument and avoid eye contact with strangers.
Travellers should be aware of the national culture and behavioural expectations. Local attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly
tolerant, although public displays of affections may attract unwanted negative attention outside international resorts and in smaller, traditional
towns. Travellers should make informed, risk-based decisions while in country.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 8 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Threat Scale Reference
Threat Rating Implication
The operating environment is benign and there are only isolated threats to business
1 - Negligible
and/or travel.
The operating environment is generally permissive, although there are a limited
2 – Low
number of threats to business and/or travel that requires basic mitigations.
The operating environment is challenging and there are serious threats to business
3 – Moderate
and/or travel that requires some mitigations.
The operating environment is hostile and there are significant threats to business,
4 – High
personal safety and/or travel, requiring comprehensive mitigations and planning.
The operating environment is characterised by pervasive direct threats to business,
5 – Extreme
personal safety and/or travel, requiring strict risk management procedures.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 9 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Disclaimer
Drum Cussac Group Ltd makes no representation, warranties or assurance against risk with respect to the contents or use of this document, and
specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties or usefulness for any particular purpose of this publication. Recommendations made are based on
information available at the time of writing. No express or implied warranty is given in respect of any judgment made or to changes, or any unforeseen
escalation of any factors affecting any such judgment.
Copyright
Copyright 2016 Drum Cussac Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express prior consent of Drum
Cussac Group Ltd.
Drum Cussac is a global consultancy delivering intelligence-led, technology-enabled risk, security and crisis management solutions to leading
international organisations. Our specialist operations teams are recognised experts in providing a highly responsive and proactive resource in
challenging and demanding situations.
Drum Cussac Group Ltd info@drum-cussac.com
+44 (0) 1202 802 060 drum-cussac.com
+44 (0) 1202 937 707 (24hr) @DrumCussac
LinkedIn.com/company/drum-cussac
Global Presence Europe | North America | Latin America | Africa | Middle East | Asia and Pacific
Drum Cussac Group Limited 10 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:48 (UTC)You can also read
