The Best Way to Get to Turks and Caicos - Direct Flights and Charters

Have your heart set on visiting the stunning archipelago of Turks and Caicos for a getaway? This guide will show you the quickest and easiest ways to get to TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands).

We’ll explore the details of getting to Turks and Caicos by air, including airlines that service the islands and where they fly from. We also cover the option of arriving by sea and by private jet. 

Lastly, we also discuss the entry requirements for Turks and Caicos, ensuring a smooth arrival and beginning to your island getaway. 

Getting to Turks and Caicos by Air

There are two options for getting to Turks and Caicos by air:

• fly with a commercial airline that service the country 
• arrive on a private flight

Let’s look at commercial flight options first and then the private ones. 

International Commercial Flights to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

All international flights arrive at Providenciales International Airport (IATA: PLS, ICAO: MBPV). 

There are direct daily flights to Turks and Caicos from US cities such as New York, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas. 

Several weekly flights also connect Providenciales with Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Houston. 

Regular flights also connect Providenciales with Toronto and Montreal in Canada. 

From London Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic offers direct flights to Turks and Caicos, while British Airways makes a short stopover in Nassau before continuing to Providenciales. 

Travelers will also find direct flights to Turks and Caicos from neighboring Caribbean countries. 

Daily flights arrive from Nassau, while several flights a week travel to Turks and Caicos from places like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, and a few others. 

Direct Flights From the US to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Direct Flights From Canada to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Direct Flights From the UK to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Note: No other direct flights are currently operating from mainland Europe to Providenciales, TCI. You’ll have to connect through London Heathrow. 

Direct Flights From Other Caribbean Islands to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Caicos Express © www.visittci.com

After arriving in Providenciales, the two local airlines (Caicos Express and interCaribbean) offer domestic flights to connect you with your final destination. 

Several flights a day travel to Grand Turk and South Caicos, while Salt Cay is serviced a few times a week. 

Ferry services between islands on Turks & Caicos © www.visittci.com

North Caicos can also be reached on the ferry, which departs Provo several times a day. A ferry also travels to South Caicos a few times a week. 

Private Flights to Turks and Caicos

A private plane is a popular way to travel to Turks and Caicos. Private airplanes must first land at an international airport to clear Turks and Caicos customs and immigration. After clearing customs, aircraft are free to land at other airstrips on the islands.

The two international airports on Turks and Caicos are the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Grand Turk International Airport (GDT). However, Providenciales is the only island with full service Fixed-Base Operators (FBO).

These FBOs cater to private aircraft and their passengers, providing ample room for parking, refueling, and concierge services. From here, you can easily organize a private car service, a taxi, or your own rental car.

Before touching down, all flight plans must be submitted to the local authorities at least two hours before the scheduled landing. 

If your arrival is planned outside the standard operating hours of Providenciales International Airport (6 AM to 8 PM), you’ll need to secure special authorization.

Upon arrival, customs officials will require a general declaration. If passengers are either getting on or off the plane, immigration will need a passenger manifest as well.

In the event that any goods or items are being loaded or unloaded, both customs and immigration will require a cargo manifest.

Getting to Turks and Caicos by Sea

To travel to Turks and Caicos by sea, there are two options for your arrival. The first is on a private yacht or boat, while the other option is via cruise ship. 

All vessels must use one of the ports of entry in Turks and Caicos. There are four in Providenciales, while ports in Grand Turk and South Caicos have limited hours and availability. 

Navigating the waters around Turks and Caicos can prove challenging. Extensive coral reefs and sudden shallow depths mean that proper charts are necessary.

Note: There are ferry services, but only within the islands of Turks and Caicos: 

• From Providenciales to North Caicos and South Caicos 
• Between Grand Turk and Salt Cay

Reaching Turks and Caicos on a Private Yacht or Boat

Arriving in Turks and Caicos on your own private vessel is an exciting way to start any trip to the islands. 

All vessels must first visit one of the official ports of entry, where a government customs official will clear your vessel and its passengers. 

Turtle Cove Marina © www.visittci.com

The marinas on Providenciales all act as one of these ports of entry. These include:

• Turtle Cove 
• Blue Haven on the northern side, 
• South Bank and South Side on the southern side. 

The marinas on Providenciales are well equipped to accommodate private vessels and offer a range of services, including fuel, repairs, shops, and medical services. 

In general, the south coast marinas are easier to access, protected from high ocean swells. 

If you’d rather moor out at sea, there is also a wide range of mooring and anchoring locations in Turks and Caicos. All the inhabited islands offer sheltered locations for private vessels to moor offshore. 

Vessels longer than 60 feet (18 meters) must obtain an Anchoring Permit from the Turks and Caicos government. This is valid for 30 days, and can be obtained from the larger marinas on Providenciales. 

Reaching Turks and Caicos on a Cruise Ship

Cruise Ship on Grand Turk © www.visittci.com

Arriving on a cruise is another popular way to visit Turks and Caicos. 

All cruise ships arrive at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, a large complex with a pool, a restaurant, and shops to entertain visitors. 

There aren’t any cruise ships that can arrive at Providenciales, which is where you’ll find the famous Grace Bay Beach. Luckily, the island of Grand Turk has plenty to do, from fun watersports to stunning beaches.

Entry Requirements to Turks and Caicos (Customs And Immigration Information)

Straightforward travel requirements to Turks and Caicos make traveling here a breeze for many visitors.

A valid passport is necessary, and it should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Visitors from many countries, including the US and UK, are visa-exempt. See all countries whose citizens don’t need a visa.

If you plan to bring your pet, be prepared for additional steps. Approval must be obtained before bringing any pet into Turks and Caicos. This involves a valid veterinary certificate from your home country and a completed import application.

For those arriving by sea on a recreational vessel, a SailClear declaration must be submitted at least 24 hours before arrival or departure. This online system facilitates the clearance requirements of Customs and Immigration.

Remember, upon arrival, you’ll need to clear customs. So, whether you’re a returning resident or a visitor, compliance with these entry requirements will ensure a hassle-free start to your vacation. 

Let WIMCO Help Arrange Your Flight to Turks and Caicos

Guests who reserve a Turks and Caicos villa with us at WIMCO also receive complimentary access to our Airline Reservations Department. In addition to offering return flights from your closest airport, our team can also help charter private air service to Turks and Caicos. 

Book your villa today, or reach out to us with any questions. Let WIMCO arrange your perfect vacation and flight to Turks and Caicos!