Cayman’s COVID-19 climate is changing rapidly, and as we are within the process of conducting a phased border reopening, there are new details about airport arrival, isolation facilities and safety precautions that you must know prior to travelling.
We are sure that you will have many more questions about the process, especially now with the announcement of Cayman's border reopening. That’s why we have answered all of the most frequently asked questions for you! To know more about quarantining, arrival processes and more, read the FAQs below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens when I get to the airport?
On arrival, the isolation team will greet you at the airport. You must have your passport and Travel Declaration/Approved Request ready on your phone (or printed), ready for identification.
There are several steps that must be taken before you can be released from the airport and transported to your approved quarantine location (if you are subject to quarantine). The Cayman Islands Government have advised the following steps.
Pre-Isolation Steps:
1. NOTE: You are only fitted with a wristband if you are participating in the Quarantine at Residence programme. You will be fitted with your iMSafe smart wristband at
the General Aviation Terminal of the airport – this is new monitoring
technology that you wear as a bracelet. Fitting and activation will take
approximately 5 minutes or less per traveller. The wristband is
light-weight, hypoallergenic, waterproof, latex free and is completely
unobtrusive. Children who are 5 years old and up will be fitted with a
smart wristband.
2. Travellers with securely verified vaccinations are allowed to travel home/from the airport however they choose - authorised transport is no longer required. If you are unvaccinated, the Cayman Islands Government will have arranged for authorised transportation to take you directly to your approved quarantine location. No stops of any kind will be permitted on the way there! You are also not allowed to arrange private transportation for safety purposes. The public will not be allowed into the airport so please advise any family members or friends not to come to the airport on the day you arrive.
2. Do I have to quarantine in a government facility or a hotel?
No! One of the most integral things to bear in mind is that you no longer have to quarantine at a government-led isolation facility, whether you are a Caymanian or a permanent resident. Caymanians and residents, subject to approval, can now quarantine at a private facility or at home. There are also more quarantine options for work-permit holders and property owners. However, no-cost, government-approved facilities are now only available to those who qualify for essential travel.
3. Do I have to get a COVID-19 PCR test before I fly?
Not anymore! The Cayman Islands Government now accepts negative rapid-antigen testing/Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) results as valid proof of testing before travelling. However, the LFT MUST be certified by a registered test provider, and the time frames have also changed: travellers aged 10 and over MUST have a COVID-19 test done no earlier than 24 hours before departure. You can still do a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test prior to travelling, but please note that these are often more expensive than certified LFTs and have a longer turnaround time.
4. If I didn’t take the test, can I still travel?
No. Airlines will reject boarding to anyone who cannot prove they have had a negative PCR/certified LFT test
5. How do I provide my test results?
Printing out a paper copy of your results after you have received them is ideal. However, if you show the test results on your phone, that is also fine. Your results must also be from an accredited laboratory or institution such as a UKAS accredited laboratory or the NHS, National Health Laboratories or other government approved providers.
6. Do I have to have another PCR test when I arrive in Cayman?
No - as of October 2021, arrival PCR tests are no longer required.
7. Is the quarantine period shorter now?
Yes, it is. Securely-verified vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine at all, unless they have tested positive for COVID-19 whilst in the Cayman Islands. In this case, vaccinated persons must isolate for 6 days (with an exit test on Day 7), and unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 9 days, with an exit PCR test on Day 10. The same rules apply for those unvaccinated in the community, i.e. if you test positive, you must quarantine for 10 days.
8. How do I prepare for quarantine? How will I know if I’m ready?
Preparing to isolate for a period of 7/10 days may seem like a daunting, stressful task. There are a variety of things to worry about, such as toiletries and medications, and if you have children, the stress may double. However, if you plan ahead and think about what you will need to be able to stay in your home for the full 7/10 days, it will be a much easier, smooth endeavour. The Cayman Islands Government recommends that, to prepare:
- If you are taking any medication, please be sure to bring along an adequate supply to ensure you have enough while in quarantine. A one-month supply is recommended.
- If your household includes others, ensure they are aware of the quarantine requirements and are prepared to quarantine with you or find alternative accommodation prior to your arrival.
- Ask friends or family to drop off anything you need or order supplies online ahead of your arrival.
9. I have family at home – do they have to quarantine, too?
Yes. Everyone in your household are subject to the same regulations. Any unvaccinated persons in the household that has a positive person must quarantine for 10 days. Vaccinated persons who have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 have to conduct daily lateral flow tests for 7 days, but they can still go about normal activities. Everyone in your household therefore must:
- Quarantine in a location that has been approved by Public Health (unless vaccinated)
- Remain in isolation for a minimum of 6 days (vaccinated persons) and 9 days (unvaccinated persons), of which when the mobile compliance team will visit your household and begin the ‘off-boarding’ process, A.K.A., when yourself and your family are free to leave the home.
10. I live in an apartment complex – can I use the pool and other communal facilities?
No – you are not allowed to use communal areas. You are only allowed to use private areas, such as a private yard or outdoor balcony.
11. Can I have visitors while I quarantine?
No. You are not allowed to have ANY individuals enter your home or your yard space, even if you are not even inside of your home at the time. This includes all family members, friends, food delivery persons, work colleagues and domestic helpers. Any breach in the terms and conditions may cause you to be forcibly removed from the Quarantine at Residence programme and placed in a Government Run facility. Committing an offence is also a breach of the Public Health Law and regulations made to control the spread of Coronavirus.
12. Can I leave my place of quarantine? What if it’s an emergency?
For no reason whatsoever are you allowed to leave your place of isolation. The only exemption is if you have received advance authorisation from the Medical Officer of Health or in the case of an emergency (again, which has been approved).