Cayman Islands: Authorities update COVID-19 travel restrictions as of Dec. 20 /update 29

Event

As of Dec. 20, authorities in the Cayman Islands have updated COVID-19-related travel restrictions while maintaining most domestic measures unchanged. Authorities have tightened the testing time frame for all arrivals; however, both rapid antigen and PCR tests are now accepted. All passengers over the age of five are required to submit a negative result of an accepted COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours prior to departure, instead of 72 hours. Travelers who have recently been in Belgium, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Domestic Measures
Under the current directives, most gatherings are limited to 100 people indoors and 250 people outside. Gyms, fitness centers, and indoor fitness areas must limit their capacity to a maximum of 50 percent and must ensure all clients are either fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours. Individuals must wear protective facemasks in indoor public settings.

International Travel Restrictions
The Cayman Islands is under phase four of its multi-phase COVID-19 restrictions regime. For details on the various stages, please click here.

Unvaccinated people remain mostly prohibited from entering the territory as tourists. Unvaccinated Caymanians returning to the islands, residents, and work permit holders are permitted to enter the territory by air. Cruise ship tourism remains prohibited. All travelers must receive approval to enter the territory through the Travel Cayman system prior to departure.

Persons who provide verifiable proof of having been fully vaccinated, or do not have verifiable proof but have remained in a country with vaccination rates exceeding 60 percent in the 14 days prior to travel, are not required to quarantine. However, these travelers must undergo three COVID-19 tests on days two, five, and 10 of their stay.

Arrivals who are vaccinated but cannot verify their stats from a country with vaccination rates lower than 60 percent, must quarantine for 10 days. Permitted unvaccinated arrivals must quarantine for 14 days. Individuals must isolate at a government-approved location. GPS tracking is required for those allowed to isolate at a private residence and authorities may carry out checks. Travelers are subject to an additional PCR test prior to being released from isolation.

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