Even though the British overseas territory of Turks and Caicos is widely considered to be among the most luxurious vacation destinations in the world, the U.S. State Department keeps it at a Level 2 “exercise increased caution” rating — in part due to petty crime but also over a string of recent incidents in which Americans traveling with ammunition ran afoul of local laws.
“Travelers face arrest, jail time, and heavy fines,” the advisory updated on March 4 reads. “Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage.”
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Turks and Caicos responds: ‘Committed to ensuring a safe, secure and seamless vacation’
In response to the fatalistic-sounding warning, the Turks and Caicos Ministry of Tourism put out a statement stressing that the rating level itself has not changed.
“We are committed to ensuring that every visitor enjoys a safe, secure, and seamless vacation in our ‘Beautiful by Nature’ destination,” Minister of Tourism Hon. Zhavago Jolly said in a statement. “While the advisory has not changed in its overall assessment, it reinforces the importance of our strict firearm regulations, which are in place to protect both residents and visitors.”
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The incident that prompted the State Department warning occurred when, in April 2024, 40-year-old Ryan Watson was arrested alongside several other tourists he was traveling with after Turks and Caicos officials found multiple rounds of bullets in his suitcase.
Watson spent 12 weeks in local jail before a judge sentenced him to time served and $2,000, $500 for each round. He was facing up to 12 years in prison.
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Turks and Caicos is a combination of islands in the Caribbean.
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Going to Turks and Caicos? Here is what you need to know
Another incident occurred to Royal Caribbean (RCL) passenger Tyler Wenrich when, in April 2024, he was arrested on the same possession of ammunition charges during a security checkpoint at a port stop in Grand Turk.
“Firearms and ammunition, including single bullets brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage, are illegal. Police strictly enforce these laws, even at the airport when travelers are leaving,” the State Department warning reads further. “[…] Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release.”
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As travelers facing arrest often claim that they were not aware that Turks and Caicos laws differ from what they are used to in the U.S., both the U.S. government and the Ministry of Tourism encouraged anyone going to the territory to familiarize oneself with local laws and customs import requirements in particular.
Along with any hard drugs and weapons, other restricted goods that can cause one trouble when entering or leaving the country include stun guns and self-defense sprays, live animals and certain types of fruits and vegetables. While there are ways to apply for permission to import certain items, anyone traveling for short periods is better off leaving all such restricted items at home.
“We encourage all visitors to stay informed, exercise basic travel precautions, and carefully check their luggage to avoid any inadvertent issues,” Jolly said. “Our goal is for every traveler to fully enjoy their time here.”
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