Caribbean News Global
TORONTO, Canada – US State Department on July 7 increased Level 2, Turks and Caicos Islands travel advisory, and for Saint Lucia, on July 10, 2026.
Turks and Caicos Islands travel advisory summary was updated:
“Most crime occurs in Providenciales. Police may have limited resources to investigate crimes.
- There have been reports of sexual assaults in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
- Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. You may encounter aggressive vendors. Some will offer “free” gifts that lead to money demands. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations.
- “US Embassy Nassau in The Bahamas helps US citizens who are victims of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The acting governor, the premier, and minister of tourism convened a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and key personnel in the National Security Secretariat, the Police, and ministry of tourism on Sunday July 12, 2026, to assess the updated advisory and to develop a coordinated whole-of-government strategic response.
Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, said:
“The Governor’s Office is working with the British Embassy in Washington to ensure that the internal security situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands is accurately represented in US travel advisories and to provide assurance that the safety of residents and visitors remains of the highest importance.”
Premier Charles Washington Misick, OBE, JP, said:
“The safety and security of our residents and visitors remains one of this Government’s highest priorities. We take all matters relating to public safety seriously and continue to invest significantly in strengthening law enforcement, border security, intelligence-led policing and crime prevention initiatives across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The government said it will continue to monitor developments, strengthen public safety initiatives, and maintain open engagement with international partners, including the United States, to ensure that information provided to prospective visitors accurately reflects conditions within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The US “Crime” indicator for Saint Lucia reads: “Exercise increased caution in St Lucia due to risk of crime.”
The advisory summary says: “Violent crime can occur anywhere in Saint Lucia. US citizens and other foreigners in Saint Lucia have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape. In some cases, US citizens have been killed.”
- “Guests at tourist resorts have been victims of violent crimes.
- Police response times are not as fast as in the United States.
- Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
- “Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. You may encounter aggressive vendors. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations.”
July 14, 2026, local media reports of Saudi Arabian national Abdallah Ragab Abozorik, killed in Marigot from gunshot wounds, on Monday evening.
Saint Lucia has recorded 42 homicides to date.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is asking anyone with information that may assist with the investigation to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3754.
Turks and Caicos Islands and Saint Lucia are premium luxury tourism destinations.
Saint Lucia is currently hosting its annual Carnival celebrations with events and vibrant street parades through July 22, 2026. The Parade of the Bands on July 20 and July 21 will bring to life a cultural explosion.
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