TCI: The Department of Agriculture would like to inform the public of travel do’s and don’ts

#Providenciales, July 15, 2019 – Turks and Caicos –Its vacation time again and you might be thinking of traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands with fruits, vegetables, soil, flowers, plants, pets, meats, meat products, dairy and dairy products or perhaps you may ask relatives and friends overseas to send these items.

Do remember, that there are rules when returning to the islands with these items, so before traveling you should consult with the Department of Agriculture to find out what those rules are.

Here is a list of the things you should know:

Importing plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

1. Travelers are allowed to enter TCI with domestic quantities of fruits and vegetables of 25lbs or less.  These items will still need to be declared to the Customs & Excise and undergo inspection by the Department of Agriculture;
2. You will need to apply for an import permit and undergo an inspection if traveling with domestic quantities greater than 25lbs (11.4kgs). Quantities above 25lbs (11.4kgs) without an Import Permit will be confiscated;
3. ALL plants, fruits, vegetables and flowers should be free of roots and soil;
4. Each variety of fruit or vegetable must be washed clean, packaged separately, free of signs of diseases, free of insects and insect damages.
5. You are required to have a Phytosanitary Permit from the country of export and an Import permit issued by the TCI Department of Agriculture when importing ALL plants, flowers and soils.

Importing pets, meats, meat products, dairy and dairy products.

1. Travelers are allowed to enter TCI with domestic quantities of meat, meat products, dairy and dairy products of 99lbs (45kgs) or less.  These items will still need to be declared to the Customs & Excise and undergo inspection by the Department of Agriculture
2. You will need to apply for an Import Permit and undergo an inspection if traveling with domestic quantities greater than 99lbs (45kg). Quantities above 99lbs without an Import Permit or from a country not approved for importation will be confiscated.
3. ALL pets are required to have an Import Permit before arrival.

For Further Information Please Contact

Department of Agriculture

16 Parade Avenue, Butterfield Square, Providenciales

1(649)3385269  agriculture@gov.tc

Release: TCIG