From the Second Amendment Foundation . . .
To all U.S. gun owners: Do Not Travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory located southeast of the Bahamas, and if you have already made plans, reconsider your destination.
SUMMARY: Since November 2022, at least eight American tourists have faced “firearms prosecutions” for inadvertently having ammunition in their luggage. In the past, tourists had been able to pay a fine, but as of a judge’s ruling in February of this year, violators are subject to severe prison time.
Firearms and ammunition are strictly forbidden in Turks and Caicos. The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas last September issued this warning to travelers: “Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not permitted in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). TCI authorities strictly enforce all firearms related laws. The penalty for traveling to TCI with a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon is a minimum custodial sentence of twelve (12) years.”
The advisory also stated, “We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI and will result in your arrest.
“We strongly encourage you to carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing for TCI. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody. You are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures.”
4 Responses
It is entirely safe to travel to the Turks and Caicos. Just don’t be stupid enough to take firearms or ammo with you. This is another example of why you need a dedicated bag/case for your hunting/range accoutrements. We have traveled to Costa Rico several times and always make sure there are no items in our bags that could run us afoul of Costa Rican laws. I have seen how the OIJ deals with law breakers and it is not a pretty experience. I watched a man get handcuffed and tossed into the trunk of a police vehicle over an argument with a taxi driver. We had a person on our last flight home throw a fit over having a hand scanner run over his body after we passed threw security at the airport. He was unceremoniously drug away by 2 officers with MP-5 sub machine guns and didn’t make the flight. I’m sure his experience wasn’t a pleasant one. so keep in mind when traveling to a foreign country. The Constitutional Rights we all are afforded in our country. Don’t mean 5h1t wherever you are traveling to.
“It is entirely safe to travel to the Turks and Caicos. Just don’t be stupid enough to take firearms or ammo with you.”
Accidents. Occasionally. Happen.
Their response is so egregious (they want to literally ruin your life!) for something so innocuous as a single missed round of .22 lr ammo (their punishment clearly doesn’t fit the crime), the only conclusion I can make is that they literally hate American’s civil rights in America.
Fuck them, sideways. I will not spend one dime of my money there, ever.
You hate me that much, I hate you… 🙁
Geoff thats my take on it. Hopefully they see a massive decline in good ol American $$ coming their way. Like you said you hate me well F you there’s many other places for me to spend my $$
They certainly don’t need our dollars, or under cushion ammo either.