THE US State Department has issued a travel advisory for Americans looking to indulge in a sunny summer vacation.

Ahead of Spring Break, the agency cautioned travelers that a popular vacation hotspot has seen an uptick in crime.

The Providenciales is an island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, in the Atlantic Ocean, which many Americans enjoy for its soft, sandy beaches.

However, the State Department issued a Level Two travel advisory on March 4, saying Americans should be wary of traveling to Turks and Caicos.

Those who choose to travel are instructed to leave their firearms and ammunition at home.

“Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage,” the advisory stated.

“Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison. Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release.”

If an American traveler is convicted of a crime or is victim to a crime, there is only so much that the State Department can do.

In the travel advisory, the agency stated it is working with limited resources in these islands.

“Police may have limited investigatory resources,” they said.

“U.S. Embassy Nassau, located in The Bahamas, provides consular services (including assistance to victims of crime) for U.S. citizens in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The State Department also urged Americans who are traveling to avoid walking alone and at night.

Similarly, those on the islands should be careful not to answer their hotel door unless they know who it is.

However, if you are robbed, the agency says not to physically resist any robbery attempt.

As a preemptive measure, travelers should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the agency or others to locate them if there is an emergency.

The State Department encourages Americans to prepare a contingency plan for emergencies using the Traveler’s Checklist.