department of tourism cayman

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions in place for the Cayman Islands. All travelers—vaccinated and unvaccinated—are permitted to enter the Cayman Islands, via air or sea, without the need for any additional documents or health-related steps due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before you make your entrance

To make your trip to the Cayman Islands as smooth as possible, please have the following items ready upon your arrival.

• Identification (U.S. Passport/Proof Of Canadian Citizenship)
• Immigration Card (Provided By Airline Staff)
• Customs Declaration Card (Provided By Airline Staff)

Immigrants to the Cayman Islands include:

• Those authorised by a work permit to work in the Cayman Islands.
• Those named in a work permit as a dependant of the licensee.
• Those exempted from work permit requirements or their dependants.
• Those permitted to reside permanently in the Cayman Islands.
• Those holding a valid re-entry permit are not required to produce a visa.

  Prohibited immigrants to Cayman include:

• Those declared destitute, mentally disordered or previously deported.
• Those creating health hazards to the community.
• Those reasonably believed to be a prostitute or living on prostitution
• Those who received a prison sentence of 12+ months in another country.
• Those declared to be undesirable for economic or moral reasons.

Visitors Prohibited & Restricted Goods

• Firearms, Ammunition, Bulletproof Vest and Gun powder are prohibited unless accompanied by an import permit and license signed by the Commissioner of Police.
• Any controlled or illegal drugs or utensils are prohibited.
• Any goods or items depicting or bearing any reference to ganja (marijuana) or the plant is prohibited. View the Restricted Goods

Use the link below to view more information on  Prohibited & Restricted Goods : https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/visitors Upon arrival, you must retain the immigration card given to you. You’re advised to keep your card with your travel documents, as you may be required to present it to an Immigration Officer upon your departure.   If you're planning a business trip, soliciting services and taking purchase orders requires a temporary work permit. Applications for this permit may be obtained in advance from the Department of Immigration. You must declare all samples of goods you bring into the country and these goods must leave with you. By law, you may not accept jobs in the Cayman Islands without a work permit.   For specific questions regarding entry into the Cayman Islands, visit the Cayman Islands Customs & Border Control Service website by using the link below: https://www.cbc.gov.ky/index.php/travel/entry-and-landing-requirements

Update April 12, 2024

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Cayman Islands

Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Cayman islands - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in the Cayman Islands.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the Cayman

If you decide to travel to the Cayman Islands:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the Cayman Islands
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

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Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy kingston.

142 Old Hope Road Kingston 6 Jamaica, West Indies Telephone: +(876) 702-6000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(876) 702-6000 Fax: +(876) 702-6018 [email protected]

Physical Address:

U.S. Consular Agency - Cayman Islands 202B Smith Road Center 150 Smith Road George Town, Cyman Islands Telephone: +(345) 945-8173 Fax: +(345) 945-8192 [email protected]

Mailing Address:

U.S. Consular Agency P.O. Box 12204 George Town, Grand Cayman Cayman Islands. BWI KY1-1010 Telephone: +(345) 945-8173 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica: +(876) 702-6000

There is a part-time Consular Agent in the Cayman Islands. For routine assistance please contact the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling to the Cayman Islands for work must obtain a work permit from the Department of Immigration of the Cayman Islands, telephone (345) 949-8344. Visit or call the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism offices in Miami at (305) 599-9033, New York (212) 889-9009, Houston (713) 461-1317 or Chicago (630) 705-0650 for the most current visa information. 

Exit Information:

There is a departure tax for travelers age 12 and older, which is included in airfare.

Immunization Requirements: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Health Information for Travelers to Cayman Islands (U.K.) page for more information.

Customs:  Please see the  Cayman Islands Customs  portal for comprehensive customs information.

Common prohibited items are as follows:

• Importing: Firearms, ammunition, spear guns, pole spears, Hawaiian slings, plants and plant cuttings, raw fruits and vegetables.
• Exporting or transshipping: sea turtle products.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the Cayman Islands.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs information  on our websites. 

Safety and Security

The Cayman Islands are a safe place with little criminal activity affecting tourists. 

Crime:  Crime of opportunity such as pick-pocketing and purse snatchings occasionally occur. Police in the Cayman Islands enforce laws against illegal drugs, guns and ammunition.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 911 (the local equivalent of “911” in the U.S.) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1-876-702-6000.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

These are some of the things the Embassy can do for you as a crime victim:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, first contact the local police at 911.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and the regularity and quality of safety inspections vary widely by industry and attraction.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only on Grand Cayman, with limited care available on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. First responders are generally unable to access the smaller islands to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to the laws of the Cayman Islands while you are here. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Common reasons for arrest include:

• Carrying ammunition and firearms into the Cayman Islands. (Even a single bullet inadvertently loose in a carry-on bag can lead to arrest.)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.
• Buying, selling, holding or taking illegal drugs under any circumstances.

Firearms: You are strictly forbidden to import or possess firearms in the Cayman Islands.

• A Conceal Carry Permit, employment by a police agency, or service in U.S. Armed Forces does NOT allow you to bring a firearm or ammunition into the Cayman Islands.
• If you travel with firearms, firearm components & parts and/or ammunition to the Cayman Islands, you will be arrested and referred to the local courts for prosecution which will result in a substantial fine and/or incarceration for an unspecified amount of time.

Customs: Please see the Cayman Islands Customs portal for comprehensive customs information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the Cayman Islands.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in the Cayman Islands, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States.

• The Cayman Islands lack comprehensive disability legislation, and, while many hotels and resorts are well-equipped for disabled guests, other tourist facilities, such as the airport and the cruise ship dock, are much less so.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See the State Department’s travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Medical Care: The quality of medical care in the Cayman Islands is generally comparable to that available in the United States, but some procedures and cases requiring critical care may require medical evacuation to the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment for health services.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Snorkeling/SCUBA Diving: Each year, U.S. citizens drown or suffer cardiac arrest while snorkeling or SCUBA diving in the Cayman Islands. Remember:

Be honest with your instructor or the dive shop if you have a pre-existing medical condition that could be exacerbated when snorkeling or diving; and

Check that a hyperbaric chamber is available for treatment of decompression illness.

Emergency Services: Emergency response services are available in the Cayman Islands.

The following diseases are prevalent: Zika Virus , Chikungunya , Dengue Fever . 

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby, as well as through sexual contact. The CDC has concluded that the Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects in some fetuses and babies born to infected mothers. Zika outbreaks have been reported on Curacao. For additional information about Zika, including travel advisories, visit the CDC website .

Chikunguya and Dengue are mosquito-borne illnesses that are becoming more frequent in tropical and equatorial climates around the world. Preventing mosquito bites is the most important way to prevent these illnesses. Travelers should carry and use CDC recommended insect repellents .

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Vehicles in the Cayman Islands travel on the left-hand side of the road.

Traffic Laws: You must obtain a temporary driver’s license at a car rental agency or police station by presenting a valid U.S. driver’s license and paying a small fee.

• Traffic circles (“roundabouts”) are often poorly marked and require traffic to move in a clockwise direction;
• Motorists entering a roundabout must yield to those already in it;
• All passengers are required to wear seat belts; and
• Laws against driving while intoxicated are strictly enforced, with a legal maximum blood alcohol level set at 100 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood (equivalent to a .10 blood/alcohol level in the United States).

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of the Cayman Islands National Roads Authority .

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Cayman Islands’ Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Cayman Islands’ air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Cayman Islands .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Sell The Cayman Islands And Earn

Being Caymankind has its rewards—reap yours with every booking you make to the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism invites you to become a member of the Cayman Islands Specialist, one of the richest incentives programmes in the travel and tourism industry. Upon your graduation from our quick e-course from Travel Agent University, you will be awarded the prestigious title of “Cayman Islands Specialist” and receive all the benefits that come with it, such as:

• Exclusive FAM Trips • Early Access To Special Rates • Online Leads In Your Region • Access To Sales Collateral And Destination Literature • Cayman Islands Specialist

Once Cayman is open again to commercial flights and leisure travel, members can log bookings on caymanrewards.com for a chance to share in $11,400 annual cash prizes. Up to $950 will be awarded monthly to the top three travel agents plus one random winner! Plus, visitor satisfaction rates are at an all-time high so expect repeat bookings along with referrals to family and friends which means more chances to win.

First place = $500 Second place = $250 Third place = $100 Random winner: $100 *To be eligible for monthly booking awards, bookings must be entered prior to client’s travel dates and are valid only after client's travel is completed and have been verified.

While we know you are already an ambassador for our destination, we want to ensure you are equipped with the most up-to-date information to share with your potential clients. For this reason, in order to be eligible for all the Cayman Islands Specialist’s added benefits you must have passed the most current exam to remain qualified.

Additionally, we recently launched two new exam modules to help you obtain knowledge within two specific aspects of Cayman experiences – The Cayman Vows module focuses on romance and destination weddings features, while VIP Cayman will provide materials to help you guide clientele seeking Cayman’s luxury offerings.

Please note, while it is not required to take part in our booking/rewards portion of the programme, we encourage you to take the new exam modules as they will help you better sell Cayman to clients seeking premier and preferred warm weather destinations. Both Cayman Vows and VIP Cayman require you to complete the new Cayman Islands Specialist course before you can progress to those modules. Visit caymanrewards.com for more information.

US Sales Team

Meetings & Incentives

8 Reasons to Visit the Cayman Islands Now

Unmatched Sunrises and Sunsets

Early risers can head to the East End of Grand Cayman to take in some of the destination’s most picturesque sunrises, while Seven Mile Beach, Rum Point, and Smith Barcadere offer some of the best spots to settle into the sand and watch the sun descend over the horizon.

Bespoke Culinary Experiences

Whether you desire a romantic candlelit dinner amid the sound of crashing waves or an organic, locally sourced farm-to-table meal at an acclaimed restaurant, the Cayman Islands’ culinary scene has something to whet every foodie’s appetite.

Paradise for Love

Perfect for a romantic escape, wedding, or honeymoon, the Cayman Islands takes an already monumental day to another level with some of the most beautiful locales across all three islands—from The Bluff on Cayman Brac to a private picnic on Little Cayman’s Owen Island.

Party and Parade Like a Local

Gear up for the Cayman Islands’ biggest party of the year: Batabano, in May. An electric celebration of the islands’ vibrant culture featuring local music and decorative costumes, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.

Alex Erdekian

Blane Bachelor

Josephine Wong

Adele Chapin

Unbelievable Dive Sites

Featuring 365 dive sites (a different one for every day of the year), the Cayman Islands has no shortage of spectacular wrecks, reefs, and other unique dive experiences to explore—all of which feature amazingly colorful marine life. The destination’s calm crystal-clear waters also provide some of the best conditions for snorkeling and other underwater activities like SNUBA®.

Natural Beauty Abounds

Beyond the beach, Grand Cayman’s Sister Island Cayman Brac (gaelic for “bluff”), boasts stunning views from cliffs and hiking paths overlooking the deep blue sea to delight any nature lover. Venture through untouched forests, intricate caves, and more, in addition to a 180-acre parrot reserve, which hosts the rare Brac Parrot.

The Key to Relaxation

Beautiful resorts like Carib Sands and Le Soleil d’Or on Cayman Brac will turn your trip into a true escape. Pamper yourself at the islands’ luxury spas and find the most perfect spot for an afternoon nap.

Stretches of Unspoiled Beaches—need we say more?

It’s no surprise that Seven Mile Beach is consistently rated one of the world’s most beautiful. The soft white sand and impossibly turquoise waters might be the only reason you need to visit the Cayman Islands after all.

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How to choose the right Cayman Island for you

From cosmopolitan Grand Cayman and wild Cayman Brac to tranquil Little Cayman, each of these Caribbean islands offers something unique.

The tri-island archipelago, located in the western Caribbean Sea, is known for its postcard-perfect beaches, tangerine sunsets and poolside cocktails, but there’s so much more to the Cayman Islands. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find a treasure trove of cultural sites, adventurous activities and natural beauty. The idyllic island trio comprises Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Each has plenty to offer, be it hiking trails or a sophisticated culinary scene, meaning there’s an island for every type of traveller.

Grand Cayman

Best for: culture and cuisine The largest of the three islands, Grand Cayman is the ultimate beach break, with the added appeal of cultural treasures and top-notch cuisine. Close to the elegant hotels of Seven Mile Beach, the capital George Town is home to the Cayman Islands National Museum, showcasing artefacts from the region’s seafaring past. More history can be uncovered in Bodden Town, the island’s first settlement, while the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands exhibits Caymanian paintings and sculptures.  

For nature-lovers, the Mastic Trail cuts through dense forest, while the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is the place to spot endemic blue iguanas. You can spot wildlife beyond the shoreline, too. The journey by boat to Stingray City ends in a shallow sandbar, where rays swim elegantly by. Grand Cayman is ideal for eating out, too. Colourful beachside shacks offer fresh local fish cooked on the barbecue, while there are plenty of restaurants serving up inventive farm-to-table and sea-to-plate menus.  

Little Cayman

Best for: first-class diving The smallest island in the archipelago, Little Cayman is a tiny slice of coral-and-sand paradise. It’s 10 miles long, one mile wide and home to fewer than 200 residents. With swathes of empty beaches, this diminutive isle is blissfully peaceful, surrounded by pristine waters named by Jacques Cousteau as among the finest in the world for diving. The island’s Bloody Bay Wall beckons underwater enthusiasts to its dramatic vertical cliff, which starts in the shallows and drops to a depth of 1,000ft. Fantastic visibility allows for close-up encounters with big-lipped groupers, stripey sergeant majors and massive spotted eagle rays, not to mention reef sharks and sea turtles.  

Back on dry land, the flat landscape of Little Cayman lends itself to bicycle exploration, with opportunities to stop off in secluded bays for a spot of snorkelling. Few places capture Little Cayman’s understated magic more than Point of Sand; its blindingly white sands, fringed by a blue lagoon, are free of development, so pack a picnic and spend the day here. Alternatively, kayak to Owen Island, a tiny islet off the southwest coast, where there’s rarely another soul in sight.

Cayman Brac

Best for: jaw-dropping scenery Adventurers can plan an action-packed getaway on Cayman Brac, blessed with the most striking scenery of all three islands thanks to The Bluff, a towering limestone plateau. Hiking trails crisscross the island, offering the chance to spot indigenous and migratory birdlife. Brown boobies nest on the edge of The Bluff, frigatebirds glide above the sea cliffs and the endangered West Indian whistling ducks paddle around the Salt Water Pond, a sanctuary on the south coast.  

The rocky island also has hundreds of climbing routes, attracting novice and seasoned climbers alike to scale The Bluff while waves crash below. It’s pocketed by 170 craggy limestone caves, many accessible by foot or a short climb. Popular caving spots include Bat Cave, where shining a flashlight into the gloomy caverns reveals hordes of resident fruit bats. Another is Great Cave, which requires a challenging climb via a near-vertical ladder but rewards with beautiful formations of stalagmites and stalactites.  

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