For those longing for clear turquoise waves, lapping clean white, powdery sand, look no further than the tempting Turks and Caicos Islands.
What with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Americans aren’t exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to travel destinations right now. Many countries have firmly closed their doors to U.S. travelers, including most European destinations. However, the good news is Turks and Caicos has reopened to travelers from July 22. The Caribbean islands join Aruba, Dominican Republic and St. Lucia in accepting American visitors.
What can you expect in Turks and Caicos?
One thing to bear in mind, a vacation here doesn’t exactly come cheap. Turks and Caicos (TCI) is a luxury destination, famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water. With its low annual rainfall, it has plenty of sunny days on which to enjoy the beaches. Even better, Turks and Caicos is only a 3.5-hour flight from New York and around 2 hours from Miami.
After being locked down for several months, TCI recently updated its reopening procedures. Pamela Ewing, tourism director for the islands’ tourist board, said, “We are taking every precaution to ensure the Islands are safe and to enhance the exceptional experience and care afforded by the destination and our world-class hospitality partners.”
Ewing said their intention is to “cautiously reboot” the tourism sector in the islands. They will lay a foundation for both short-term and long-term recovery. As of July 20, Turks and Caicos reported 81 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has suffered two related deaths.
Safety protocols for traveling
Visitors mustn’t expect to jump on a plane at the last minute and head to TCI. It is required that all tourists provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within five days of travel. Medical or travel insurance, which must cover a Medevac, is required. Visitors must also complete an online health screening and travel authorization form 72 hours before arrival. According to the tourism bureau, approval is granted within a few hours.
On arrival at the airport, a health screening and temperature checks are conducted. In certain cases, it is possible that visitors could be subjected to COVID-19 testing.
The countdown is on for the reopening of tourism in #TURKSANDCAICOS.
Before you travel, you'll want to upload some critical information to be #tciassured and get your confirmation for entry into the country.
The TCI Assured Portal is found here: https://t.co/whCOn44dhx pic.twitter.com/V6q0Kasjm0
— Turks and Caicos HTA (@OfficialTCHTA) July 19, 2020
Masks and face coverings
For the most part, tourists are required to wear facial coverings in all public spaces. There are some exceptions to the rule. For instance, at the beach, you don’t need them, but you must maintain a six-foot social distance from other sunbathers. When entering restaurants, you must cover your face, however, the mask can be removed once you are seated.
Dining and hotels
Speaking of restaurants, for anyone concerned about dining out, look out for eateries displaying a “TCI Assured” decal. This designation indicates the restaurant has submitted the necessary reopening plan to the government and has passed a health department inspection. Ask your hotel concierge for a list of the approved restaurants before heading out to dine.
Hotels have set their own safety protocols, with social distancing, regular cleaning, and other aspects catered for. Most have plenty of beachfront to allow people to spread out and enjoy themselves. Check out details of the various major hotels on the Forbes website.
Get ready to pack your bags and head to Turks and Caicos for a journey into paradise, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic!
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