Work and Travel in Turks and Caicos Islands

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR TRAVELLERS

The Turks and Caicos Islands are located in the Caribbean. It’s not an independent country itself. Its current status is as a British Overseas Territory. But due to the islands’ remoteness, you’ll have plenty of volunteering opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to take advantage of.

But first of all you need to know the types of projects available. Before you go work in paradise, read our travel guide to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

1. Clean Up the Coastlines in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Like practically every destination in the Caribbean, there’s a real problem with pollution. Away from the main tourist resorts, this is a difficult issue. Charities are working across the islands to clean up the coastlines. It’s not just a problem with the territory itself but the trash that rolls in from other Caribbean islands.

If you’re looking for work in the Turks and Caicos Islands where you can immediately see the difference you’re making, this is definitely the option for you.

2. Join a Construction Project in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands, like most of the Caribbean, has to deal with hurricanes during part of the year. There are few natural resources here, and even fewer talented craftsmen. That’s why help on construction and infrastructure projects is always welcome.

Ideally, you’ll have some skills and experience in working with your hands, but as long as you’re a hard worker and you have no problem with manual labour this could be the ideal job for you.

3. Preserve Marine Life in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Caribbean Sea, and the adjoining Atlantic Ocean, is a haven for unique marine life. Unfortunately, much of it is under threat. If you’re interested in conservation, these volunteering opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands could offer you the chance to make a real difference.

You don’t need to be a qualified conservationist to join these projects. Extra manpower is always needed to help in conservation efforts on land and at sea.

It’s a chance to see a part of the territory few other tourists get to see, so this will certainly be a unique experience.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Travel in the Turks and Caicos Islands isn’t difficult, with most countries being eligible for a 90-day visa-free stay. If you’re from the UK, the European Union (EU), North America, South Africa, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, China, or Japan you don’t need to do anything to work and travel in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The only notable country that requires a visa in advance is India. You can get a visa by visiting any British embassy.

Take note that the visa-free provision is non-extendable in this British Overseas Territory. If you want to stay for longer than three months you’ll need to apply for a formal visa.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

SPRING WORK

The spring season is the best time of year to visit the country. This is when the temperatures are cool and you don’t need to worry about the threat of rain.

This is the ideal time to work in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the conservation industry. There’s no better time to be outside and it’s when a variety of wildlife migrate through the islands. There’s a reason why this also happens to be the main fishing season.

Likewise, coastal clean-up projects are also popular in spring. You’ll be spending your time in the more remote parts of the island during your time here. It’s the perfect chance to make a difference and see the isolated parts of the territory.

You may also want to consider working in the tourist industry. It’s possible to find work in resorts. Typically, they will ask for evidence of previous experience. You should ideally apply at least a month or two in advance, as these positions involve a more formal application process.

Finally, you may want to consider construction projects. There are always opportunities to work on the infrastructure of the islands in spring. The work is hard, but this is the most comfortable time of year to partake in these volunteering opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season is the worst time to travel in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is the hurricane season in the country. Direct hits are not uncommon, so outdoor projects are not recommended.

The only real options in summer involve education. Working in schools and as a private tutor are two options if you happen to be here during the hurricane season.

AUTUMN

Autumn is a continuation of the hurricane season. Refer back to the ‘Summer’ section for more information on what you can do during the hurricane season.

WINTER

Winter is the main tourist season. It boasts the hottest temperatures of the year, which is why so many tourists decide to visit.

The number one option for work and travel in the Turks and Caicos Islands in winter is working in the tourist industry. As detailed above, you can work in the resorts. If you’re lacking in experience, though, it’s possible to find work in guesthouses. A lot of these guesthouses are seasonal and tend to double as people’s homes, so it’s much easier to find work.

Other than that, you should refer back to the ‘Spring’ section for more information on what you can do in winter.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

The Turks and Caicos Islands is truly paradise. For practically the whole year you’ll get hot weather and sunshine. As a former British territory, you’ll have no problems with a language barrier. There are a lot of similarities between the islands and the UK.

Travel in the Turks and Caicos Islands is common. The territory receives thousands of tourists every year, so you’re never going to feel out of place here.

It might be expensive and difficult to get to, but this is a laidback place to work in.

Do you have work and travel in the Turks and Caicos Islands on your bucket list?