Turks and Caicos Tourism Hits Snag as U.S. Updates Travel Advisory

The United States has issued an updated travel advisory urging Americans visiting Turks and Caicos to exercise increased caution due to rising crime rates on the Caribbean island.

The advisory, revised during the islands’ peak tourism season, follows a fatal shooting in January 2025 involving Illinois sheriff’s deputy Shamone Duncan near a restaurant on Grace Bay Road. This incident highlights ongoing security concerns.

Turks and Caicos has maintained a Level 2 travel advisory since 2023. However, the March 2025 update includes explicit warnings regarding firearm regulations after multiple incidents involving American tourists. A Level 2 designation signals increased risks associated with crime, terrorism, or civil unrest.

According to the U.S. State Department, crime has been escalating in Providenciales, the islands’ primary tourist hub. Home to more than 70% of the population and the majority of tourist accommodations, Providenciales has witnessed a surge in violent crime, including armed robberies and shootings.

Limited investigatory resources hampered law enforcement efforts, with local police facing constraints in personnel and technology. This challenge underscores the broader struggle of balancing tourism-driven economic priorities with public safety and legal enforcement in the region.

Turks and Caicos enforces stringent firearm regulations, including a zero-tolerance policy for firearms and ammunition. Violations carry mandatory minimum sentences of 12 years in prison. Recent cases have seen U.S. tourists detained for inadvertently carrying bullets in their luggage, leading to protracted legal battles and fines exceeding $10,000.

The latest advisory urges travelers to thoroughly inspect their baggage before departure, as even a single bullet can result in arrest at airport security checkpoints.

This advisory update comes at a critical time for the local tourism industry, which relies heavily on revenue from hotels, airlines, and tour operators. While major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue continue regular service from U.S. hubs, travel bookings for April through June 2025 have declined by 15% compared to the previous year, indicating growing traveler hesitancy.

Persistent warnings could potentially impact the islands’ reputation as a premier destination for affluent tourists, raising concerns about the long-term economic implications for the tourism sector.