Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Turks and Caicos Islands
Over one million tourists visit the Turks and Caicos Islands every year. Turks and Caicos have more than 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited.
Here travellers can find a variety of beach, sea and other activities. Something for every kind of traveller.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Turks and Caicos Islands?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Turks and Caicos Islands
Do I Need a Visa for the Turks and Caicos Islands?
What Is the Climate Like in the Turks and Caicos Islands?
How Safe are the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Snorkel the Reefs of the Turks and Caicos Islands
What Should I Pack for the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Canadian Embassy for the Turks and Caicos Islands
Do I Need Vaccines for Turks and Caicos Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Turks and Caicos Islands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Turks and Caicos Islands: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers going to densely-forested areas on Trinidad. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Turks and Caicos Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers going to densely-forested areas on Trinidad. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Turks and Caicos Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a serious illness transmitted through contaminated food and water. Prevention strategies include vaccination as well as practicing strict hygiene and safe food handling.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
- Rabies – Rabies, a fatal viral illness, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Prevention centers on vaccination, with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) necessary after possible exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommended for individuals with increased risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B prevention relies on vaccination as the most effective measure, recommended for all travellers and critical for healthcare workers. Practicing safe sex and using sterile equipment for body modifications are also key in reducing transmission risks.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can lead to severe health issues. They are transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact. The MMR vaccine, a safe and effective immunization, is recommended by the PHAC as the best way to prevent these diseases.
Dengue and Zika are present on the islands. Mosquito repellent and netting are recommended for your trip. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should take extra precautions.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Turks and Caicos Islands
Prevent Bug Bites in Turks and Caicos Islands
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in Turks and Caicos Islands
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
Infections To Be Aware of in Turks and Caicos Islands
- Dengue – The threat of dengue fever, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, looms large worldwide, with millions infected each year. Prevention through nettings and repellents is a must.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, spreads through mosquito bites, sexual contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Preventive measures include using repellent, practicing safe sex, and removing mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa for Turks and Caicos Islands?
No, you do not need a visa to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands for stays of 90 days or less.
You do need a passport with validity for the duration of your stay and to be in possession of a return ticket.
Turks and Caicos Islands Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Unaccompanied minors need a valid passport and notarized consent from their parent or legal guardian to leave the islands.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Turks and Caicos enjoy a tropical climate with about 350 days of sunshine every year. They have a hot and cool season only a small variance between them. Eastern trade winds help keep the islands more temperate with consistent breezes.
May to October is the hotter period with temperatures around 30. November to April is the cooler period and also the tourist season.
The islands do not get much rainfall. But, the islands are affected by hurricane season.
How Safe are the Turks and Caicos Islands?
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a safe travel destination.
Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs in the dark. Never leave valuable items out in the open.
Medical services have improved over the years. But, patients with serious issues may need to be airlifted to another country.
Secondary roads are often unpaved. There are few road signs in general. Drivers should be wary against wandering animals and be familiar with roundabout procedure.
Snorkel the Reefs of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Turks and Caicos offer the chance to explore reefs, especially with Smith’s Reef and Bright Reef.
Smith’s Reef is large and shallow, filled with animals such as turtles, lobsters, stingrays, and countless varieties of beautiful fish. There are three different entrances to Smith’s Reef from the East, West, and North. Some rocky areas are slippery so be sure to go through sand to get to the reef to avoid possible injury.
Though Bright Reef may be smaller, it still has a tremendous snorkeling adventure. Signs are posted to explain what you’re seeing. You can enjoy variety with water depths ranging from one to five metres and several spots close to the shore. There are also quite a few mini-caves to check out, where you can potentially see hiding fish and sea turtles.
What Should I Pack for the Turks and Caicos Islands?
When travelling to Turks and Caicos, it’s important to pack comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. You will need to pack lightweight clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or rayon. Be sure to pack swimwear, sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun.
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, so pack some insect repellent. Comfortable footwear like sandals or sneakers are perfect for exploring the island. You’ll also want to bring beach accessories such as a beach bag, towel, and water bottle to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to pack electronics like a camera or smartphone to capture your memorable moments.
Be sure to pack your travel documents, passport, travel insurance, flight tickets, and hotel reservation information. It’s important to have some cash and credit cards for tips, transportation, and small purchases. Lastly, bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho in case of unexpected rain.
Remember to pack light to leave plenty of room for souvenirs and other items you might pick up during your trip.
Canadian Embassy for the Turks and Caicos Islands
While there is no embassy serving the islands, the Canadian High Commission in Jamaica offers assistance:
Canadian Embassy in Jamaica
3 West Kings House Road,
Kingston 10, Jamaica
Tel.: (876) 926-1500
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Turks and Caicos Islands
“Detailed informative 1 hr session – providing you with a “vaccine bible” heads up. If you are travelling to the Turks you must visit Passport Health to experience your dream safely.”
“The nurse was very knowledgeable and informational. She was polite and had everything read that we needed for Caicos. Every detail was gone over and answered any questions we had. We will be going back to her and would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a travel clinic.”
“My husband and I visited Passport Health for the second time. Our experience was so positive because the staff is professional, knowledgeable and honest. We feel so reassured as we prepare for a new travel experience in Turks and Caicos.”
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