Cayman Islands: Government extends most COVID-19-related restrictions through at least Sept. 15 /update 23

Event

Authorities in the Cayman Islands have amended most of the territory's existing COVID-19-related restrictions to remain in effect through Sept. 15; the measures were originally slated to expire July 15. Nevertheless, authorities have also published a reopening plan which details the tentative phases the territory will pass through as it gradually reopens to international visitors. The islands will remain in Phase 1 through August 9, at which point the territory is slated to enter Phase 2 which will ease certain monitoring burdens for fully vaccinated travelers. As of September 9, the Cayman Islands will enter Phase 3, under which international tourism is expected to resume. Regardless, the reopening schedule remains flexible with the exact dates subject to change.

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.

General requirements and quarantine measures that will be in effect as of July 15 include:

• 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.

Regardless of the published reopening plan, authorities could also move to 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