NEW Travel Advisory Issued for Popular Cruise Destination

The Caribbean is a popular vacation destination for tourists known for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s a popular spot for cruises, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and even Disney Cruise Line.

©Getty Images

If you’re traveling to the Caribbean soon, then you need to know about this new travel advisory issued by the U.S. State Department. The Turks and Caicos Islands are now under a travel advisory.

This new travel advisory urges Americans to exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. The bulk of these crimes are in the Providenciales area, locally known as Provo, and police may have limited resources to investigate them. Turks and Caicos doesn’t have a U.S. Embassy, so the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas, helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Grace Bay, Providenciales ©Visit Turks and Caicos Islands

Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Tourists should also beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. You may encounter aggressive vendors; some will offer “free” gifts that lead to demands for money. Additionally, reports of sexual assaults in the Turks and Caicos Islands are frequent. Most sites have tourist police available to help in these situations.

©U.S. Department of State

If you decide to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the U.S. Department of State recommends the following actions:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
Review the Country Security Report for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
Use caution when walking or driving at night.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Review their information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
The U.S. Department of State highly recommends that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Turks and Caicos Islands ©Wiki Commons

We’ll be sure to update you on any and all future travel advisories. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more travel news!

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