PROVIDENCIALES — Turks and Caicos has “exponentially” increased its COVID-19 testing facilities in response to the CDC’s new pre-arrival requirements, says the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board.
All travellers now have the option of getting tested at any of 12 different locations across three islands, many of which are located on-site at resorts. Additional testing sites are expected to be added throughout the sister islands.
“The Turks and Caicos Islands’ addition of new testing sites makes it easy and convenient for travellers to abide by the CDC’s new rule without disrupting their vacations,” said Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We are proud to meet the latest requirements, in conjunction with our valued partners, to ensure the ongoing safety of our residents and guests along with a seamless travel experience.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has worked closely with private sector partners to ensure that the destination has well above the capacity to meet current testing loads.
The following centers are open and approved to provide travel-related testing and are now accepting appointments:
- Amanyara (Providenciales), 1-649-941-8133
- Associated Medical Practices (Providenciales), 1-649-946-4242
- Beaches Resort (Providenciales), 1-888-BEACHES
- Carolina Medical Clinic (Providenciales), 1-649-946-4367
- COMO Parrot Cay (Parrot Cay), 1-649-339-7788
- FamilyCare Medical Services Ltd (Providenciales), 1-649-431-3262
- Flamingo Pharmacy (Providenciales), 1-649-941-4527; Offering Services Starting Feb. 1
- Grace Bay Club (Providenciales), 1-649-946-5050
- Grace Bay Medical Centre (Providenciales), 1-649-941-5252
- OMNICARE (Providenciales), 1-649-941-5050
- Sail Rock Resort (South Caicos), 1-649-946-3777
- Seven Stars Resort (Providenciales), 1-649-333-7714
The Turks and Caicos Islands still requires negative COVID-19 PCR test results within five days prior to arrival to the destination as part of TCI Assured, a quality assurance pre-travel program and portal. TCI Assured can be found on the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board website and has been in effect since the reopening of borders on July 22, 2020. A travel authorization is provided only after visitors have provided proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test results from an accredited healthcare facility within five days prior to their arrival to the destination, proof of medical insurance, as well as a completed health screening questionnaire. A 14-day quarantine period is not required for visitors once they have tested negative for the virus.
Upon arrival to the airport, visitors must present their TCI Assured certifications to local authorities, all of whom wear PPE, before proceeding through immigration where temperature checks for each travellers will occur.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has received the Safe Travel Stamp from the World Travel Council (WTTC), which is given to destinations where existing safety protocols align with the core requirements established by the WTTC and government and health experts. These include, but are not limited to, proper physical distancing, enforcing capacity limits, requiring masks in public places, and ensuring proper hand washing techniques and sanitation.
For more information call 1-800-241-0824 or visit https://turksandcaicostourism.com/turks-and-caicos-covid-19-testing/.
