U.S. State Department Warns About Bringing Guns and Ammunition to Turks and Caicos

The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Turks and Caicos this week, one of the most popular Caribbean travel destinations for Americans.

While the overall destination remains safe—the State Department has Turks and Caicos under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory, the same level as France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands—there are some risks for Americans, particularly regarding their luggage.

The update this week specifically called out regulations on traveling with firearms and ammunition to Turks and Caicos, including single bullets mistakenly brought in carry-on bags or luggage. Bringing firearms or ammunition, including at the airport when leaving the islands, can lead to arrest, jail time, and heavy fines.

“Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage. Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison. Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release,” the advisory states.

Last summer, several Americans were detained on the island for months after ammunition was found in their luggage when they were trying to return to the U.S., including one who was boarding a cruise ship. While most were sentenced to time served and ordered to pay heavy fines, they avoided the minimum 12-year prison sentence only because they were foreigners.