The U.S. travel advisory tiers, issued by the Department of State, has four levels: Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) Level 4 (Do Not Travel)

The United States has issued an updated travel advisory urging Americans visiting Turks and Caicos to exercise increased caution.

The U.S. State Department has upgraded its travel alert related to a popular Caribbean tourist spot. The British territory of Turks and Caicos is under a Level 2 “exercise increased caution” warning due to crime, as well as warnings about travelers in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The incident that prompted the State Department warning occurred when, in April 2024, 40-year-old Ryan Watson was arrested alongside several other tourists he was traveling with after Turks and Caicos officials found multiple rounds of bullets in his suitcase.

The U.S. State Department recently issued a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime.

At seven miles long and six miles wide, on Grand Turk you’re never far from the sea. And though it might be tempting to stay put at the buzzing Cruise Center (which has restaurants, shops, and the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean), there’s much to do beyond that hub. Here’s how to make the most of your time on Grand Turk.