Cayman Islands: COVID-19-related mandatory quarantine shortened for fully vaccinated travelers as of June 23, while PCR testing requirement revived for all /update 22

Event

Effective June 23, authorities in the Cayman Islands will reduce the COVID-19-related mandatory quarantine for fully vaccinated incoming travelers from ten days to five days. However, authorities are also reinstating the requirement that all individuals - including those fully vaccinated - present a negative COVID-19 PCR result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure; the government had previously waived the requirement for those who had been fully vaccinated through the islands' health authority. Alongside the reinstatement of pre-departure testing for all, authorities will eliminate, as of June 23, the previous requirement of testing on arrival for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.

Most nonresident foreign nationals remain banned from entry; only Caymanians and permanent residents, work permit holders, residential property owners, student visa holders, persons with close family ties to residents or work permit holders, and other individuals with approval from authorities can enter.

A summary of general requirements and quarantine measures that will be in effect as of June 23 includes:

• All persons wishing to travel the Cayman Islands must apply for pre-approval using the Travel Cayman online portal.

• All travelers aged 10 years or older must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for the Cayman Islands; such persons must submit the documentation at the airport before boarding.

• All incoming travelers not fully vaccinated must quarantine for at least 14 days; fully vaccinated travelers must undergo a shortened quarantine of at least five days. Vaccination status must be securely verifiable, and all individuals must submit to a final COVID-19 PCR test yielding a negative result before exiting quarantine.

• Travelers may quarantine at home or in a hotel, wear a geofencing monitoring device, or agree to isolation in a government facility. Individuals can travel between Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac islands without getting tested or quarantine.

Domestically, authorities have lifted most major pandemic-related restrictions. Individuals must wear facemasks while riding public or private transportation and when in certain indoor public spaces. Indoor public gatherings are limited to 500 people, while outdoor gatherings are limited to 1,000 people. Businesses can continue to operate without capacity limitations as long as they do not have more than 500 people simultaneously within their facilities.

The measures are expected to remain in place through at least July 15. However, authorities could reimpose, extend, tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Cayman Islands - COVID-19 Guidelines
TravelTime Applications