In March 2020, the country closed its borders to international travel and cruise ships due to the global pandemic. The Cayman Islands Government has been working closely with health authorities to develop a five-phase approach to reopening that will protect residents, those working in the tourism industry, and visitors to the country.
“Since March 2020, the Cayman Islands has been deliberate in all efforts to protect our people and visitors; from rapid and widespread testing, investing in the Caymanian workforce and implementing a phased strategy to safely reopen our shores to luxury-seeking visitors, the health and safety of our community was paramount in all decisions,” said Minister for Tourism and Transport, Hon. Kenneth Bryan.
“My colleagues and I in government have worked tirelessly to develop this phased approach in preparation for the opening of our borders to international travellers – and we are pleased to announce the wait for paradise is almost over!”
Carnival ships anchored off the coast of Grand Cayman (Photo courtesy of Carnival)
Phased Reopening
Here are the Cayman Islands’ phases for reopening:
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 visitors must quarantine for 14 days.
Phase 2: Reduced Repatriation Restrictions — August 9
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 guidelines. All travelers will continue to apply for entry authorization via the Travel Cayman Portal.
Phase 3: Limited Introduction of Tourism — September 9
This phase is subject to the achievement of an 80 percent vaccination rate within the country. It will allow for a limited introduction of tourists with secure verification of vaccination status. Cruise travel is not permitted during this phase. All visitors will continue to apply for entry via the Travel Cayman Portal.
Phase 4: Reduced Quarantine Restrictions — October 14
Quarantine requirements will be removed for fully-vaccinated travelers. Unvaccinated visitors will be required to apply for entry via Travel Cayman and continue to quarantine for 14 days. All travelers must declare travel and vaccination status on the Travel Cayman Portal.
Phase 5: Travel for Unvaccinated Kids — November 18
Unvaccinated kids under 12 will be allowed to travel with vaccinated adults in this phase. No quarantine period will be required for kids. Unvaccinated visitors over 12 will continue to quarantine for 14 days. Cruises will remain prohibited at this stage.
Phase 6: Welcome Back — January 27, 2022
Once the country has completed the first five phases, and following an assessment from the Government and health officials, the Cayman Islands will celebrate its grand reopening. All travelers will be welcomed without quarantine or travel restrictions. At this phase, cruise calls may resume.
COVID-19 Monitoring
At all phases, Public Health officials will monitor the prevalence and spread of COVID-19. Transition between phases will be determined by a myriad of factors.
Within the first five phases, all inbound travelers must make a declaration of travel and vaccination status on the Travel Cayman Portal, and present the declaration certificate, vaccination documents, and proof of medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage upon arrival.
Tags: Cayman Islands, Cruise Ships, in Early 2022
