COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Cayman Islands (5 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No

• As of 1 October, the Cayman Islands have begun a phased reopening. At this time, citizens, residents, and persons having a valid work permit, homeowners, students and individuals with close family ties with the residents of Cayman Islands will be allowed to enter. Tourism is expected to resume during the second phase of border reopening. The date is not set for the second phase.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All arriving passengers above the age of five years will have a COVID-19 test at the airport, followed by another test after two weeks.

Test certificate required?

• No

• COVID-19 test certificates are not required for entering the Cayman Islands.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Every arriving traveller will be required to either quarantine at home or a government-designated facility for up to 14-days and will wear an iMSafe Geofencing Wristband. After 14-days of self-isolation, a COVID-19 test will be required. A negative result is required to terminate quarantine and use of the wristband.

• Anyone found violating the rules and protocols will be prosecuted. The individual may be sentenced to prison or fined.

Insurance required?

• Yes

• Travellers must submit proof of COVID-19 insurance.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Arriving passengers are still required to pre-register and obtain approval through the “Travel-Time” application.

Recommended Border app

• Yes

• A smartphone app, “OpenUp”, has been developed, which can be used to prove the COVID-19 status.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• All airports are closed for international tourism and non-essential travel, except for private charters and repatriation flights.

• Cargo flights, couriers, private charters, repatriation, and air ambulance flights will continue to operate.

• Travellers are allowed to leave the country and can make their arrangements by contacting the carrier directly. They no longer need to use the Travel Time app.

• Travellers departing via charter or private planes must get authorization from the country’s Civil Aviation Department. Travellers departing directly to London via the British Airways air bridge will still need to register with the “Travel Time” application.

• All outbound flights will operate from the Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport.

• There is amnesty for people who have overstayed their time in the Caymans.

• Inter-island flights have resumed.

• British Airways is operating reparation flights. The list of upcoming flights can be found here.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• The Cayman Islands have begun a phased reopening. At this time, citizens, residents, and persons having a valid work permit, homeowners, students, and individuals with close family ties with the residents of Cayman Islands will be allowed to enter.

• The ports are closed for cruise ships until at least 31 December.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• All curfews have been lifted.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• The government has extended all existing restrictions until at least 31 January 2021.

• There are penalties of fines and/or imprisonment for exceeding the limit on gatherings.

• There are 5 levels of restrictions, with level 1 being least restrictive and level 5 being most restrictive. The Cayman Islands is currently at level 2 (Minimal Suppression).

• Social distancing is currently not mandatory, however, it is advised to maintain physical distancing of up to 3 feet from other people who are not from the same household.

• Gatherings are limited to 500 people, including all public spaces, beaches, spiritual activities, recreational and leisure activities, churches, sporting events, parades, concerts, conferences, and other social activities. Workspaces, supermarkets, health care facilities, bars, restaurants, businesses, cinemas, and theatres are exempt from the limits.

• Employees are encouraged to work from home whenever possible.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Face masks are required on public transportation.

• People are allowed to move freely, go for outings, visit beaches, or engage in other outdoor activities.

• Inter-island travel is permitted without COVID-19 testing for citizens who have been on the island for at least 14 days or more or a person with no respiratory or COVID-19 symptoms. Travellers who were not on the island for at least 14 days must have a test done or request a travel authorization.

• Boats may carry a maximum of 500 passengers.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Retail shops, building sites, supermarkets, entertainment establishments, and other businesses are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels are open for business.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open and can offer indoor and outdoor services.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars are open and can offer indoor and outdoor services.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches are open, as well as tourist attractions.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• Spas, gyms, and hairdressers are open.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Churches and spiritual activities are permitted.

Events allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• Contact sports are allowed, and gyms are now open. Up to 500 spectators are permitted at sporting events, concerts, conferences, conventions, and fundraisers. Any processions and festive ceremonies are banned. There are penalties of fines and/or imprisonment for exceeding the limit on gatherings.

• Attendees at weddings and funerals must not exceed 500 people, except for the bride, groom, witnesses, and marriage officials. For funerals, pallbearers, mortuary staff, and the officiant are exempted.

Masks required in public?

• Yes with exceptions

• Face masks/coverings are required for anyone over the age of two years in healthcare facilities, prisons, public transportation, airports, residential home care facilities, and places specified by the health officer. Face masks are recommended when visiting elderly or vulnerable people. Face masks are not mandatory in any other setting.

• Anyone is free to wear face masks, and no one can be denied entry indoors in public places for wearing a mask.

Other

• Educational institutions are allowed to operate with strict safety guidelines.

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The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or your country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.