The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a travel alert on September 22, 2023, warning Americans to be cautious when entering Turks and Caicos as the penalty for carrying guns or ammunition could result in a 12-year custodial sentence. The alert emphasized that firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not allowed in Turks and Caicos, and travelers found with these items could face severe legal consequences. An incident involving an Oklahoma resident who was arrested for having hunting ammunition in his luggage highlighted the strict enforcement of these laws. The traveler, Ryan Watson, is currently facing legal restrictions in Turks and Caicos, including surrendering his passport and reporting to the police regularly. The U.S. Embassy issued another alert on April 24, 2024, reiterating the consequences of bringing firearms or ammunition into Turks and Caicos, emphasizing that travelers must adhere to local laws and law enforcement procedures.
