TCI: Imposition of Visa Restrictions on Venezuelan Nationals

#Providenciales, 4 January, 2020 – Turks and Caicos – The Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands at its meeting held on December 18, 2019 granted approval to impose Visa restrictions on Venezuelan Nationals by the removal of Venezuela from Schedule 2 of Regulations 9 (1) of the Immigration Ordinance 2018 revised.

It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will come into force within two (2) weeks.

This decision now mandates that Nationals of that country who wish to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands after the amendments takes effect will be required to make an application for a visa to the nearest British High Commission, Embassy or Consulate. In addition, application may be made to the Director of Immigration or to the Turks and Caicos Islands representatives at the Turks and Caicos Islands Office in London, England or New York, United States of America. Persons making such application must be outside the Turks and Caicos Islands at the time of application.

Although this decision has been taken, the Cabinet remains cognizant of the security and humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the Guidance Notes issued by the United Nations Commission for Refugee issues on March 2018 and updated May 2019 that request that Member States seek to allow access by Venezuelans and that countries have in place appropriate humanitarian protection for Nationals of Venezuela. 

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services will provide further information to Venezuelans within the Islands and the general public in due course.

Release: TCIG