Travel Requirements for the Cayman Islands

For those craving a vacation in the crystal waters of the Cayman Islands, there is good news. The Caribbean country has fully reopened to all vaccinated travelers to visit without the previous COVID-19 restrictions.

The Cayman Islands no longer requires vaccinated visitors to quarantine, even if arriving from countries with a vaccination rate below 60%. This is a significant shift in the country’s policy, allowing travelers to explore the islands without extensive delays.

Essential Steps for Traveling to the Cayman Islands

While the restrictions are being relaxed, certain requirements must still be met for entry into the Cayman Islands:

• Register with the Travel Cayman portal at least 72 hours before departure.
• Upload proof of vaccination and apply for a travel declaration.
• Securely verifiable vaccination records offer instant travel declaration downloads, while non-secure records may take up to 5 working days for processing.

Moreover, it’s crucial to understand that only vaccination records with security features such as holograms or unique QR codes are considered securely verifiable. Paper records, such as CDC cards, do not qualify. However, for US travelers, SMART health card records may be accepted, provided the healthcare provider participates in the system.

Unvaccinated children under 11 will inherit the vaccination status of their traveling adult. Additionally, travelers over the age of 5 are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before departure. Both PCR and certified rapid tests are acceptable under this rule.

Travelers must also have travel and medical insurance that does not exclude coverage for COVID-19-related issues.

Cruise Ship Arrivals

On March 21, the first cruise ships returned to the port of Grand Cayman. Vaccinated travelers can disembark if they have completed an approved vaccine course at least 14 days before their cruise. Notably, unvaccinated children under 12 may also disembark if traveling with a fully vaccinated adult.

Furthermore, these regulations apply to all crew members and ship captains. Cruise lines are responsible for providing Cayman customs and border agents with detailed lists of passengers and their vaccination statuses prior to arrival.

It’s important to note that the Cayman Islands has limited cruise ship traffic to 40% of pre-pandemic volume. Major cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Celebrity, and Princess have scheduled itineraries to Grand Cayman.

Restrictions on Unvaccinated Travelers

Unvaccinated travelers, except for children under 11 traveling with vaccinated adults, are not allowed entry unless they possess a “close tie to the island.” These ties may include:

• Owning a business or property in the Cayman Islands.
• Family connections with Caymanian or resident status, such as spouses, parents, or siblings.

If granted entry, unvaccinated travelers must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

The information presented in this article emphasizes the evolving travel landscape, offering essential guidelines for a seamless journey to the enchanting Cayman Islands.