Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Turks and Caicos
Over one million tourists visit 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.
Do I Need Vaccines for the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Turks and Caicos Islands: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - 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. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Turks and Caicos Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| 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. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for the Turks and Caicos Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| 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. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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!
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 ranging from about 29 to 32 degrees. 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
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?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Sun Protection – The Turks and Caicos Islands can be hot due to their tropical climate. Make sure you pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and some form of head covering.
- Travellers’ Diarrhea Kit – It’s the one thing that could easily ruin your trip if you fall ill. Make sure you bring a kit with you to stay protected.
- Snorkel Gear – With so many amazing reefs, having some snorkeling equipment is a must.
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.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Do I Need a Visa for 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
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