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Turks and Caicos will introduce mandatory proof of vaccination for all travelers over the age of 16 from September 1st after rising cases of the Delta variant around the world.
Turks and Caicos have been open — albeit with restrictions — since last year, but the mandatory proof of vaccination is a step towards tougher restrictions.
The New Restrictions
From September 1st, Turks and Caicos will require that all visitors above 16 provide proof of vaccination upon arrival. Travelers must have received their second vaccination dose at least 14 days before entering the country.
The country will accept the following vaccines:
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- AstraZeneca
- Moderna
- Johnson & Johnson
Travelers will need to provide evidence of vaccination via a signed vaccination letter from a doctor or in electronic format. However, the tourism board says they will not accept handwritten vaccination cards.
The new proof of vaccination mandate is in addition to the requirement of taking a negative PCR test within 3 days prior to arrival. Travelers must also complete a travel authorization form and a health screening questionnaire.
Turks and Caicos will allow travelers under the age of sixteen to enter the country without proof of vaccination. But travelers under 16 will have to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test three days before arrival.
Anyone who is medically exempt from a COVID-19 vaccine won’t have to show proof of full vaccination. Travelers that are medically exempt from a COVID-19 vaccine will still need to bring a signed letter from a medical professional proving this.
Travelers will also need insurance that covers COVID-19, including full hospitalization, air ambulance, prescriptions, and any doctor’s visits.
Once travelers have entered Turks and Caicos, they won’t need to undergo any more tests during their stay. Also, there isn’t a tracking app like in various Caribbean Islands and countries worldwide.
Travelers can stay for 90 days after they enter the islands, and they can extend that stay for another 90 days if they’re looking for a spot to become a digital nomad.
The COVID-19 Situation In Turks And Caicos
According to a report from John Hopkins University, Turks and Caicos have only had 2,568 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. That includes a total of 115 COVID-19 cases in the previous 28 days. So far, the islands have given 49,107 vaccination doses.
Turks and Caicos have seen three small waves of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. That includes small outbreaks last summer, a larger wave last winter, and a small wave in the last four weeks since the country reopened.
The Restrictions In Turks And Caicos
Although Turks and Caicos have reopened to travelers since last month, the country still has restrictions in place. Travelers will need to wear masks in all public places, and there’s a nighttime curfew every single night from 1 am to 5 am.
The local authorities have limited bars and restaurants to a 70 percent capacity and travelers can only dine at places that display a TCI Assured Symbol.
Thankfully, there are zero restrictions between the 40 islands, meaning travelers can enjoy the entire beauty of Turks and Caicos without any restrictions on movement.
The restrictions on businesses, masks, and curfews will stay in place until October 31st, 2021 at the latest.
Turks and Caicos are one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for U.S tourists, and if you’re fully vaccinated, it’s a beautiful spot for a late summer vacation or a getaway in the winter.
Read More:
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New Orleans Makes Proof of Vaccine Mandatory For Restaurants, Bars and Gyms
These Caribbean Countries Are Making It Easier For American Tourists To Visit
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.