Cayman Islands Announces Reopening Plans
If the Cayman Islands and its white sandy beaches and turquoise water are in your travel list, then there’s some good news. Plans are in place to begin safely welcoming back tourists to Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman via an intentional phased reopening approach.
Beginning in early March 2020, the Cayman Islands closed its borders to international travel and cruise traffic to protect travelers and residents from the global pandemic. The new five-phase approach to reopening will continue to safeguard the Caymanian population, while also carefully allowing international visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, sea and safety of Cayman once again. The plan comes in five phases, with the final stage set to wrap up in early 2022, when all limitations and requirements will be dropped.
Cayman Islands Reopening Phases
- Phase 1: Reduced Quarantine Period | June 2021
In this stage, the Cayman Islands has reduced quarantine periods and eased other travel restrictions. For fully vaccinated and securely verified travelers, a mandatory five-day quarantine is in place; unvaccinated travelers are required to undergo a 14-day isolation period. - Phase 2: Reduced Repatriation Restrictions | August 9, 2021
In this phase, additional travel restrictions will be eased, including the removal of GPS monitoring. All local businesses must adhere to the advanced safety protocols issued by regulators and Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) guidelines. All travelers will continue to apply for entry authorization via the Travel Cayman Portal. - Phase 3: Limited Introduction of Tourism | September 9, 2021
This phase, subject to the achievement of 80% on-island vaccination rate, will allow for a limited introduction of tourists with secure verification of vaccination status. Cruise travel will not be permitted during this phase. All travelers will continue to apply for entry via the Travel Cayman Portal. - Phase 4: Reduced Quarantine Restrictions | October 14, 2021
Quarantine requirements will be removed for all securely verified, fully vaccinated travelers. Unvaccinated visitors will be required to apply for entry via Travel Cayman and quarantine upon arrival for a 14-day period. Additionally, all travelers must declare travel and vaccination status on the Travel Cayman Portal. - Phase 5: Travel for Unvaccinated Children | November 18, 2021
While cruise tourism remains prohibited at this stage, unvaccinated children (under age 12) will now be allowed to travel with vaccinated adult tourists; no quarantine period will be required for children. Unvaccinated visitors above the age of 12 will be required to quarantine for 14-days. - Welcome Back | Assessed January 27, 2022
Once the country has completed all five phases and following a thorough assessment from the Government and health officials, the Cayman Islands will celebrate its Grand Re-Opening, welcoming all travelers without quarantine or travel restrictions. At this time, cruise tourism may resume.
At all phases, Public Health officials will monitor the prevalence rate and spread of COVID-19. Transition between stages will be determined by a myriad of factors. At all phases, all inbound travelers are required to make a declaration of travel and vaccination status on Travel Cayman Portal, and present the declaration certificate, vaccination documents, and provide proof of medical insurance which includes coverage for COVID-19 upon arrival.
For more information on leisure travel to the Cayman Islands visit www.visitcaymanislands.com. For additional COVID-19 updates, please visit www.exploregov.ky/reopening-plan.
