Cayman Islands Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All visitors are required to hold sufficient funds for intended period of stay in the Cayman Islands, as well as a return or onward ticket and documents required for further travel. Entry may be refused if not complying with general appearance, behavior and clothing requirements. Visas are usually for 30 days, provided coming for tourist purposes. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Americans

United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

UK Nationals

UK nationals require a valid passport or proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, accompanied by an official photo ID (e.g. driver's license), for travel to the Cayman Islands and can travel visa free for no longer than six months (return or onward ticket required). Passports or other documents must be valid beyond the intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months is possible) for passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen.

Canadians

Canadian nationals do not require a passport for travel to the Cayman Islands providing they hold a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and do not stay longer than six months (onward or return ticket required). No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

Australians

Australian nationals must have a valid passport beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions are possible for up to six months).

South Africans

South African nationals require a passport valid beyond the period of intended stay in the Cayman Islands. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a passport valid at least beyond the intended period of stay and no visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

Healthcare

Generally there are no specific health risks and food and water are considered safe, however note that some types of tropical reef fish may be poisonous when eaten, even well cooked. Dengue fever has been reported from the Caribbean region and insect protection measures should be taken. Medical facilities are relatively good; there is both a public and private hospital, one with a decompression chamber. Serious cases will normally be transferred to Miami. Visitors should take out adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the possible need for air ambulance.

Safety

The Cayman Islands has a relatively low crime rate. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to take the usual sensible precautions as they would anywhere else in respect of their personal safety and belongings. Do not leave valuables lying about, keep them in a hotel or other safety deposit box. Visitors should be aware of the risk of flooding during hurricane season (June to November) and follow local advice with regards to leaving the island in the event of an approaching hurricane.