After being closed for three months, Turks and Caicos is once again welcoming leisure travelers to its shores. The island opened its borders on July 22 to a slew of tourists anxious soak up the Caribbean sun. On the first day of resumption of international commercial flight operations, the country welcomed two American Airlines flights at the international terminal and 18 private jets through the two private Jet Centers, Provo Air Center and Blue Heron.

Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and other government officials, were present at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) to welcome the first arriving guests.

American Airlines flight 1279 from Miami was the first to arrive around mid-day and was greeted by a water cannon salute from the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority fire crew.

In what has become the ‘new normal,’ passengers, staff and welcoming party were all wearing the mandatory face masks and practiced physical distancing in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

As part of the new procedures for travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, passengers are required to provide a NEGATIVE COVID-19 PCR test result submitted online via the newly created TCI Assured portal. The pre-arrival screening is intended to create a seamless travel experience upon arrival in the islands. The test can be taken up to five days before arrival in Turks and Caicos.

In order to give tourists a measure of assurance that the destination is safe, the Turks and Caicos government has implement a certification for resorts and businesses across the island as having met public health standards for safety. These include taxis, restaurants and tour operators.

Tourism is the heartbeat of Turks and Caicos Islands and several measures are being taken to ensure the safety of guests and residents so that the travel experience remains memorable.