North and Central America and Caribbean
Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)
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Still current at: 03 December 2008
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Updated: 27 November 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Air Travel and Natural Disasters (Hurricanes) section (passing of Hurricane Paloma). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in the Cayman Islands and the local authorities deal with all requests for consular assistance. See General section of this travel advice for more details.
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Following the passing of Hurricane Paloma on 8/9 November 2008, visitors to Cayman Brac should be aware that the availability of hotel accommodation on the island remains very limited.
- The hurricane season in the Cayman Islands normally runs from June to November. See the Natural Disasters (Tropical Cyclones) section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
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There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
The Cayman Islands have a relatively low crime rate. Nevertheless, you should take the usual sensible precautions in respect of your personal safety and belongings. Do not leave valuables lying about. Keep them in a hotel or other safety deposit box.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
The elections of 11 May 2005, resulted in a change of government with the opposition People’s Progressive Movement ousting the United Democratic Party in a landslide victory. The next elections are due to be held in 2009.
Local Travel
Road Travel
The only form of local public transport is minibuses which are safe to use but run only on the main routes. For other journeys, taxis are readily available or you can hire a car. If hiring a vehicle, remember to drive on the left, as in the UK. Observe the speed limits, wear your seat belt at all times and do not drink and drive.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Air Travel
Since September 2001, all airlines require earlier check-in times for passengers and luggage. Both hold-loaded and carry-on luggage is subject to being hand-searched. You should allow extra time at the airport and should check with the individual airline on the recommended check-in time for your flight.
Since September 2001, all airlines require earlier check-in times for passengers and luggage. Both hold-loaded and carry-on luggage is subject to being hand-searched. You should allow extra time at the airport and should check with the individual airline on the recommended check-in time for your flight.
Local laws and customs
There are harsh penalties for those caught with drugs of any kind. A number of British nationals have been arrested in the past, attempting to smuggle marijuana on British Airways flights to London. As a consequence, these flights are still being closely monitored by the local customs authorities.
You should observe the customs regulations on the importation and exportation of agricultural products and the protection of marine and animal life. There are a number of marine and animal specimens that may not be taken from the islands. If in doubt, please check with the customs office prior to the purchase, importation or exportation of such items.
For those returning to the UK, please observe the UK Customs rules on the illegal importation of meat and animal products.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals do not need a tourist visa to visit the Cayman Islands. If you are not a British national, you may need a visa. For more information, you should contact the Identity and Passport Service at the Home Office on 020 7901 2334/7542 during office hours (0900-1700).
Passport validity
A full British passport of at least six months' validity is required for all British nationals visiting the Cayman Islands.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Entry requirements for other nationalities can be found at the following link: http://www.gov.ky/.
Health
There is a relatively new and well-equipped hospital on Grand Cayman in the capital George Town and a smaller facility, Faith Hospital, on Cayman Brac, which can cope with most routine medical and dental problems. You should be aware that even the most remedial treatment is expensive and that more serious cases will normally be stabilised here before being transferred to Miami.
Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cayman Islands and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cayman Islands and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural disasters
Hurricanes
The hurricane season in the Cayman Islands normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation. You can also access the US National Hurricane Centre for updates For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.
For more information on the British humanitarian response to Hurricane Ivan please check the following website: British humanitarian response.
Earthquakes
The Cayman Islands has also experienced earthquakes in recent years. The largest, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale and with an epi centre 20miles south-southeast of the capital George Town, struck the Cayman Islands on 14 December but caused no serious damage or injuries. Smaller aftershocks were experienced: the largest of those, measuring4.4 on the Richter scale, was on 21 December 2004.
General
Insurance
There is no National Health Service in the Cayman Islands and even the most remedial medical treatment is expensive. We strongly advise you to take out adequate travel and medical insurance before travelling. This must cover air ambulance and third country (USA) medical treatment. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Consular registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Consular registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Consular Assistance
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory in which there is no formal British Diplomatic or Consular Representation.
The Governor’s Office will assist British nationals in cases of genuine emergency wherever possible, but you should be aware that the full range of Consular Services offered by a Diplomatic or Consular mission cannot be provided.
The Governor’s Office will assist British nationals in cases of genuine emergency wherever possible, but you should be aware that the full range of Consular Services offered by a Diplomatic or Consular mission cannot be provided.
Renewing or replacing your Passport
You should note in particular that British Passports cannot be renewed or replaced here. In a genuine emergency, the Cayman Islands Passport Office may be able to issue an Emergency Passport. Residents of the Cayman Islands who require the renewal of a British passport should visit the Cayman Islands Passport Office, Elgin Avenue, George Town.
You should note that the turnaround time for routine passport renewals and first issues through the Cayman Islands Passport Office is 6-8 weeks. For all other Consular services and visa enquiries, you should contact the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica at the address shown below.
You should note that the turnaround time for routine passport renewals and first issues through the Cayman Islands Passport Office is 6-8 weeks. For all other Consular services and visa enquiries, you should contact the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica at the address shown below.
British High Commission
PO Box 575
28 Trafalgar Road
Kingston 10
Jamaica
Tel: 00 1 876 510 0700
Fax: 00 1 876 510 0738
E-mail bhckingston@cwjamaica.com
Office Hours: GMT:
Mon-Thurs 1300-1800 & 1900-2130
Friday 1300-1800
Money
All major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and local shops. The local currency is the Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$) however the US dollar is widely accepted throughout the islands. The CI$ is fixed to the US dollar at $1.25 US Dollars equals $1.00 Cayman Island Dollar.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Cayman Islands, George Town, Governor's Office
Address:
Postal Address:
Governor's Office
PO Box 10261
Grand Cayman
CAYMAN ISLANDS KY1-1003
Physical Address:
4th Floor
Aall Building
North Church Street
George Town
Telephone:
(+1) 345 244 2401 General
(+1) 345 244 2402 Social Secretary
Fax:
(+1) 345 945 4131 General
Email: staffoff@candw.ky
Office hours:
1330-1800/1900-2200 GMT
0830-1700 Local Time
