Turks and Caicos Islands

When traveling to Turks and Caicos, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Turks and Caicos, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings
• » Attend or participate in a trade fair
• » Attend or speak at a conference

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Turks and Caicos?

Many nationalities are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa to enter Turks and Caicos for business purposes. Additionally, business travelers with valid permanent residency in Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States may be eligible for a visa waiver to conduct business activities.

If your nationality is not eligible for a visa waiver, you must obtain a Business Visa from a U.K. Embassy or Consulate before traveling. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine eligibility for a Business Visa or visa waiver.

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Turks and Caicos law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Turks and Caicos, even if conducted for a short duration.

• » Technical training
• » System installation
• » Hands-on technical work
• » Consulting

If I am traveling to Turks and Caicos for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Turks and Caicos. The most common types of work authorization for Turks and Caicos are:

• » Temporary Work Permit (short-term work authorization)
• » Work Permit (long-term work authorization)

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are no long-term exemptions to work authorization requirements in Turks and Caicos.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.