Cayman Islands

Recommended Vaccinations For Cayman Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Cayman Islands

There are no recommendations for Cayman Islands at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Cayman Islands

For Most Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Cayman Islands.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Cayman Islands through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

There is a very low risk of Zika Fever in this country.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in Bats.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Cayman Islands, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Safety & Security in Cayman Islands

Personal Safety

The Cayman Islands maintain one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. The homicide rate dropped from 7.99 per 100,000 people in 2022 to 5.6 per 100,000 in 2023. This is considerably lower than Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago. Serious violent crime almost exclusively occurs between locals rather than involving tourists. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching do occur, particularly in downtown George Town and parts of West Bay, but these incidents remain rare. The most common crimes affecting visitors are property related, typically involving items left unattended. Tourist areas like Seven Mile Beach and other popular locations benefit from regular police patrols and maintain strong safety records. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service maintains visible presence throughout the islands. You can explore George Town, beaches, and attractions without significant safety concerns during both day and night hours, though staying in well lit areas after dark makes sense. Sexual harassment exists, with local reporting finding it to be underreported, though most incidents involve verbal harassment such as catcalling. The US State Department assigns the islands a Level 1 rating, advising visitors to exercise normal precautions, the same designation given to Canada.

Extreme Violence

Gang activity is uncommon and murders remain rare in the Cayman Islands. The territory recorded only four murders in 2023. A mass shooting at Ed Bush Stadium in West Bay in February 2024 shocked residents, as events of this magnitude were almost unheard of. Police attributed this incident to heightened tensions between rival gangs in George Town and West Bay. Gun crime has been steadily climbing in recent years. In 2022, police recorded 95 firearms related crimes, up from 87 in 2021. Earlier years saw significantly lower numbers. Despite these increases, gun violence rarely affects tourists and typically involves local individuals known to each other. Police maintain strict gun laws with mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years imprisonment for firearm possession following conviction. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service includes a specialized Firearms Response Unit deployed when reports of gunfire occur. Terrorist threats are considered very low. No terrorist attacks have ever occurred in the territory. The islands maintain political stability as a British Overseas Territory with a democratic government and legal system based on UK law.

Political Unrest

The Cayman Islands experience minimal political unrest. The territory operates under a stable parliamentary democracy within the framework of British Overseas Territory governance. Political parties maintain moderate ideologies and support the continuation of free market economic policies. Protests occur infrequently and typically remain small and peaceful. Recent demonstrations focused on environmental issues, including youth led climate protests in 2019 regarding cruise port development and beach erosion concerns in 2024. Occasional small protests have addressed political accountability and specific government decisions. The islands have never experienced violent political upheaval or significant civil disturbances. Government transitions occur through regular democratic elections without disruption to daily life or tourism. While demonstrations can cause temporary disruptions to traffic and services, they pose no significant threat to visitors. The close relationship with the United Kingdom provides additional stability and oversight. Economic prosperity from financial services and tourism contributes to social stability. You are highly unlikely to encounter political demonstrations during your visit, and if you do, they will almost certainly be peaceful and easily avoided.

Areas To Avoid

No specific areas in the Cayman Islands require active avoidance by visitors. Downtown George Town and parts of West Bay warrant standard caution regarding petty crime like pickpocketing, particularly in less populated streets after dark. These areas remain generally safe during daylight hours. Local bars in George Town on Friday nights may be rowdy but pose no serious danger. Tourist destinations including Seven Mile Beach, Camana Bay, Stingray City, and other attractions maintain excellent safety records with regular security and police presence. Camana Bay features pedestrian friendly design, good lighting, and security personnel, making it safe for evening walks. The cruise port area in George Town is entirely safe with visible police presence protecting the approximately 2 million annual cruise visitors. Popular beaches and snorkeling locations frequented by tourists experience virtually no crime. East End, North Side, and Bodden Town remain quiet residential areas. The Sister Islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are extremely safe with minimal crime. Ocean conditions at certain locations like Spotts Beach can have strong undercurrents that require caution when swimming. Most safety concerns involve natural hazards like sun exposure and marine conditions rather than crime or dangerous neighborhoods.