The U.S. government has issued a travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime in the region.
The advisory from the U.S. Department of State is level 2, meaning travelers should “exercise increased caution.”
Why It Matters
The State Department considers a variety of factors when issuing travel advisories, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, likelihood of a natural disaster and current events.
What To Know
A level 2 advisory indicates heightened risks to safety and security.
What did the travel advisory say?
The advisory says most crime occurs in Providenciales, an island in the northwest of the Caicos Islands. The State Department said police in the area may have limited investigative resources.
Stock image: View across turquoise waters of Chalk Sound, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Stock image: View across turquoise waters of Chalk Sound, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. jsnover/Getty Images
It also warns that firearms and ammunition are illegal, including single bullets brought in carry-on bags or luggage by mistake. Travelers who violate this law could face arrest, jail time and heavy fines.
“Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release,” the advisory states.
Crime in Turks and Caicos: What We Know
The region saw an increase in robberies and burglaries this past year, according to a report from local outlet Turks and Caicos Weekly News. The increase in crime led the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to set up a dedicated robbery policing unit.
The robberies allegedly targeted both locals and tourists, particularly in Providenciales. The suspects reportedly invaded villas, restaurants and businesses.
What is a Level 1 Travel Advisory?
Level 1 is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. Travelers are encouraged to exercise normal precautions in these nations and regions. The State Department notes that there is some risk in any international travel and conditions can change at any time.
Nations currently under a level 1 travel advisory include Australia, Japan, Greece, Iceland, South Korea and Canada.
What is a Level 2 Travel Advisory?
Level 2 advisories urge travelers to exercise increased caution and be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.
Nations and regions currently under a level 2 travel advisory include the Turks and Caicos Islands, Albania, France, Germany, the U.K. and Brazil.
What is a Level 3 Travel Advisory?
Level 3 advisories urge travelers to reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security.
Nations and regions currently under a level 3 travel advisory include Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nigeria, Pakistan and Egypt.
What is a Level 4 Travel Advisory?
A level 4 travel advisory urges U.S. citizens not to travel to a nation or region. It is the highest advisory level issued by the State Department and indicates a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.
Nations currently under a level 4 travel advisory include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Russia and North Korea.
What People Are Saying
The State Department, in a travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands: “Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage. Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison.”
What Happens Next
The State Department provides tips for individuals who decide to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Travelers should check luggage carefully and remove any bullets or firearms before leaving the U.S. and avoid walking alone at night. They should not resist a robbery attempt or answer the door to their hotel or residence unless they know who it is.
Travelers are also advised to prepare a contingency plan and enroll in travel alerts through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
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