The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory southeast of The Bahamas and north of Hispaniola. Providenciales is the main tourism and population centre, while Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is the capital.
General
Status
British Overseas Territory.
Capital
Cockburn Town, Grand Turk.
Population
52,299 in the official 2025 estimate.
Language
English.
Currency
U.S. dollar.
Telephone
+1 649.
Time
Eastern Time with daylight saving time.
Geography
Land area
About 430 sq km excluding extensive intertidal wetlands and salinas.
Terrain
Low limestone islands with wetlands, mangroves, shallow banks and long sandy coasts.
Climate
Tropical marine, warm and comparatively dry. Hurricane season runs June through November.
Entry, Money and Transport
Passport
International visitors should use a valid passport; exact requirements depend on nationality.
Visa
Many nationalities are visa-exempt for ordinary visits; others require a visa before travel.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
Electricity
120 V, 60 Hz with North American-style plugs.
Main airport
Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
Domestic travel
Domestic flights and passenger ferries link the principal inhabited islands.
Main Visitor Areas
Providenciales
Grace Bay, resorts, restaurants and the principal international airport.
Grand Turk
Capital, cruise port, historic buildings and wall diving.
North & Middle Caicos
Quieter islands with wetlands, caves and beaches.
South Caicos
Fishing heritage, diving and a growing tourism sector.
Salt Cay
Salt-industry heritage, diving and seasonal whale watching.
