Turks and Caicos Islands Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Turks and Caicos Islands
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated March 4, 2025
Turks and Caicos Islands recorded 76.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Turks and Caicos Islands #1 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 542% over the past decade (from 11.9 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Turks and Caicos Islands at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
76.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#195 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1992-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 542% over the past decade (from 11.9 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Turks and Caicos Islands Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Turks and Caicos Islands, the homicide rate for men is 1.9× higher than the rate for women — 11.3 vs 6.0 per 100,000 (2014).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Turks and Caicos Islands:
Updated to reflect information on traveling with firearms and ammunition. Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime . Country Summary: Most crime occurs in Providenciales. Police may have limited investigatory resources. U.S. Embassy Nassau, located in The Bahamas, provides consular services (including assistance to victims of crime) for U.S. citizens in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Firearms and ammunition, including single bullets brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage , are illegal.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Turks and Caicos Islands
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 30, 2023).
Crime
American citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in the Eastern Caribbean islands. However, crimes of opportunity such as petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins; as well as incidents of violent crime, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes do occasionally occur. As you would in any major metropolitan area of the U.S., use the below personnel security measures while traveling: Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes. Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit locations. Go out in groups or with a companion and restrict nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues. Use only clearly marked taxis and avoid rides with strangers. Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 911 or 999. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy in Nassau. If you are in immediate danger, first contact the local police at 911.
Hurricanes
Hurricane season generally runs from June through November, although hurricanes can occur outside that period. Monitor local weather reports closely.
Tourism
Regulation across the tourism industry varies, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities may not uniformly occur across all tourism operators. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. U.S. citizens are encouraged to discuss safety and security measures with tourism operators. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities or major tourism zones. First responders may be unable to access areas outside of major cities or major tourism zones.The ability to provide urgent medical treatment may be limited. Critical injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Turks and Caicos Islands Population & Demographics
Population of 46,535, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turks and Caicos Islands safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Turks and Caicos Islands at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 76.3 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Turks and Caicos Islands?
Turks and Caicos Islands has an intentional homicide rate of 76.3 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #1 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Turks and Caicos Islands?
Turks and Caicos Islands is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Turks and Caicos Islands compare to other countries?
Turks and Caicos Islands's homicide rate of 76.3 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.