Frequently asked questions

Welcome to our FAQ section for the Turks and Caicos Islands diaspora! This section addresses the most frequently asked questions from the Turks and Caicos Islands community around the globe. If you have a question that is not listed below, please feel free to contact one of our offices or send an email to: tcidiaspora@gov.tc

Can I vote  in the Turks and Caicos Islands if I am in abroad ?
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The right to vote is established in the Constitution, in Article 55. This states that exercise of the right to vote is dependent upon being registered to vote. 

The principal qualifications for voting are that a voter must be a Turks and Caicos Islander; be aged eighteen years or over; andresident in the islands. Residency is defined as having spent a total of twelve months, within the two years prior to the registration qualification date, in the islands. 

Exemptions from the residency requirements are conferred on those serving in Her Majesty’s Forces or working abroad on government business or studying overseas.

Go to document in PDF

Can I use my Turks and Caicos Driver’s license abroad?
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Most country will allow a period  for you to trantion to the local drviaing license below are the  deatisl for the th UK, USA and Canada 

UK
You may drive and obtain insurance with your Turks and Caicos Drivers Licence.  However, your Turks and Caicos Licence and UK insurance will only be valid for 12 months. For more information, click here: <https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence>. After this period, you must apply for a UK driving licence if you wish to continue driving <https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences>.

USA
Driving on a foreign driver's license in the United States varies by state, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Duration: Most states allow visitors to drive with a valid foreign driver's license for up to 30 to 90 days. Some states may allow longer periods, but it's essential to check local regulations.
  • Translation: In some cases, especially if the license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified translation may be required.
  • Residency: If you become a resident of a state, you typically must obtain a local driver's license within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days).   Insurance: Ensure that your car insurance covers driving with a foreign license, as requirements can differ by state.

Canada
In Canada, the rules for driving on a foreign driver's license can vary by province or territory. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Duration: Most provinces allow visitors to drive with a valid foreign driver's license for up to 90 days. Some provinces may extend this period, so it's important to check local regulations.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): While not always required, having an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your foreign license can be beneficial, especially if your license is not in English or French.
  • Residency: If you become a resident of Canada, you typically must obtain a local driver's license within a certain timeframe, often ranging from 30 to 90 days.
  • Insurance: Ensure that your insurance covers driving with a foreign license, as requirements can differ by province.

Recommendation
Always check the specific regulations of the state you plan to drive in, as laws can vary significantly

I am a BOTC can I live, study and work in the UK?
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BOTC passport holders do not have a right to work, study or a right of abode in the UK. Persons entering the UK on a TCI BOTC passport can stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. However, BOTC passport holders who wish to reside or work or study in the UK must apply for a Biometric Residence Permit or UK student visa.

TCI British Overseas Territory citizens who also hold a British Passport, have the right to live, work and study in the UK without the requirement for a visa. BOTC status holders who are eligible for British citizenship are strongly advised make an application for a British Passport ahead of relocation to the United Kingdom <https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport>.

BOTC passport holders
A Turks and Caicos Islander is classified as a BOTC. S 3(1) of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002. The Act conferred the right of British Citizenship to all those who were BOTCs on 21 May 2022. For more information click here: <https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/8/section/3>.

To stay up to dat eon all immgration forms and news please  visit:https://gov.tc/bordercontrol/

How do I obtain copies of my documents from the Turks and Caicos
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The process of applying for replacement forms can now be completed online. For replacement passports and status cards click here: https://gov.tc/bordercontrol/forms

For replacement birth certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Certificates or Deed Poll registration click here: https://gov.tc/registry/services.

All other replacements documents please visit www.Gov.tc for further information.