US updates Turks and Caicos Islands travel advisory, year after Americans arrested
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(WJW) – A level 2 travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands has been updated by the U.S. State Department, warning Americans planning to visit to “exercise increased caution."
The advisory generally warns of crime on the islands, with most occurring in Providenciales, an area where police may have “limited investigatory resources.”
The travel advisory, updated Tuesday, also provides updated information regarding traveling with firearms and ammunition. The State Department says police "strictly enforce" laws regarding these items.
Even "single bullets brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage" are considered illegal in Turks and Caicos.
"Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage," the advisory adds. "Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison."
While there are some "exceptions and discretion" with the law, "the Department of State cannot guarantee your release," it continues.
Last year, five Americans were arrested in Turks and Caicos and accused of carrying ammunition during trips to the islands.
One, a man from Pennsylvania, was able to return to the U.S. after receiving a one-year suspended sentence and a fine of $6,700. A terminally ill man from Texas was given a suspended 33-week sentence after pleading guilty to possessing ammunition in his luggage, CBS News reported. A Florida grandmother was given a 23-week suspended sentence and fined $1,500 after authorities found two stray bullets in her luggage when she arrived in Turks and Caicos.
A Virginia man, arrested after authorities found ammunition in his backpack, was sentenced to time served with a $9,000 fine after pleading guilty to two counts of ammunition possession. After returning home, he told Nexstar's WRIC that he "learned a valuable lesson" after the incident.
Ryan Watson of Oklahoma spent roughly two months in Turks and Caicos before receiving a sentence of 13 weeks imprisonment suspended for nine months and a $2,000 fine.
"We’re human,” Watson told Nexstar's KFOR after returning to the U.S. “We are bound to make mistakes. I pray that they receive the grace and the support that we received when they make their next mistake.”
If you do have plans to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the advisory asks that you follow these guidelines:
- Check luggage and handbags carefully for bullets or firearms and remove them before leaving.
- Avoid walking alone and at night.
- Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage.
At a minimum, the State Department reviews every level 1 and 2 advisory at least once a year.
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