Turks and Caicos to reopen for international travellers next month

Domestic and international travellers will be able to visit the paradise of the Turks and Caicos Islands as of July 22.

The islands’ Ministry of Tourism, as well as the Board of Tourism, is working alongside businesses and workers operating within the tourism industry as they plan and organize the various health and safety precautions that will permit the borders to reopen on schedule now that a definitive date has been set.

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These measures are created based on domestic and international standards, the islands’ tourism website explains. More comprehensive details regarding the policies will be outlined in the near future.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Tourism will be collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health as well as key representatives within the travel sector to “guarantee the destination’s readiness.”

Turks and Caicos is a popular travel destination, and the islands heavily rely on the tourism industry as a critical factor of their economy. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented obstacles prompting the islands to close their borders and enforce curfews to ensure the safety of residents.

Since then, Minister Higgs, in association with the Ministry of Health, has been developing measures to mitigate the losses incurred while the islands were closed off to travellers.

“Overall, my Government will ensure that the health and welfare of our industry workers, residents and guests is paramount,” he said in a statement. He went on to describe that they are working with representatives from various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and transportation, to ensure that they all comply with the particular procedures outlined by the Ministry of Health.

The primary objective for the Ministry of Tourism is to demonstrate to potential visitors that they are taking all of the actions necessary to prioritize their health, well-being and safety. They are doing so by illustrating not only how they will protect them but also how the measures will ensure the safety of those who work in and operate the hotels, villas, airport and transportation services that they will utilize.

“We are eager to welcome visitors back to our shores. This careful planning will put Turks and Caicos at the top of the competitive ladder, as visitors will recognize that we put their safety first,” Higgins explained.

“I am looking forward to the reopening of our borders in a way that will safeguard the health and safety for all and ensure that TCI remains ‘Beautiful by Nature’ and as safe as possible from COVID-19.”

Note: As border closures and travel restrictions begin to lift, health authorities are reminding individuals to monitor themselves for any signs of COVID-19. If you are feeling unwell, it is recommended you stay at home. If you do decide to travel, follow the health and safety precautions and protocols outlined by the departure and arrival locations you will be travelling to/from.