Cayman Islands Immigration Entry Requirements

United States, British, Canadian citizens as well as citizens of British Dependent Territories do not require passports, but must present proof of citizenship and a return or ongoing airline ticket. Note: a Voter's Registration Card or a Social Security Card is not considered valid proof of US citizenship and is therefore not valid Identification for re-entry into the United States. Proof of citizenship include:

• Passport or Birth certificate with a raised seal
• Photo Id (i.e. Driver's License)

* Photocopies of Birth Certificates need to have the copy notarized by a Notary Republic.

Commonwealth citizens, and citizens of the following countries must have passports but do not require Visas to enter the Cayman Islands:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, Irish Republic, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Portugal, San Merino, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Venezuela.

All other countries not noted above should contact the nearest British Consulate or High Commission Office to inquire about entry requirements or receive applications for Visas. Entry is granted for up to six months. Resident aliens of the US who show a valid US Alien Registration Card (green card) may be permitted to enter and remain in the Cayman Islands for up to 30 days.

Anyone wishing to extend their stay after arrival must visit the Department of Immigration on Elgin Avenue in George town and obtain an extension and may be asked to show proof of financial resources to permit an extension.

Departure Tax: There is a CI $20.00 or US$25.00 departure tax for the Cayman Islands that should have been included in the price of your airline ticket.

Working in the Cayman Islands: It is against the law to work in the Cayman Islands without a work permit. Visitors found working are arrested, tried in court and if found guilty, fined and deported.

If you're planning a business trip, please know in advance that salespeople planning to solicit business and take orders in our islands require a temporary work permit. Applications for this may be obtained in advance from the Department of Immigration. Contact their office weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (345) 949-8344. You also must declare all samples of goods you bring into the country and these must leave with you. A casual visitor is not permitted to take up or solicit employment while in the Islands. A work permit must be applied for and obtained before arrival, either by the individual, if he is to be self-employed, or by the employer with a post to fill. A work permit entitles the holder and named dependants (normally limited to three) to live in the Islands during the term of the licence or specific employment. Dependants will not be allowed to work without their own licences.

Return Tickets are not required for the following persons for re-entry into the Cayman Islands:
Permanent Residents, Full Work Permit holders, Status Holders, Caymanians, Residency with the Right to Work. Visitors and persons with temporary work permits are required to possess return airline tickets to their country of origin or legal residence, and sufficient funds to maintain themselves while in the Islands. If you plan to transit through the United States on your way to the Cayman Islands, you will require a U.S. Visa if you are not exempted from this rule.

Entry Requirements for Students
All non-resident students need passports, and student visas issued by the Cayman Islands Immigration Department. Schools or colleges submit visa applications to Immigration for their students. Thus students should follow instructions from their institution's admissions office to obtain the necessary documentation to enter and study in the Cayman Islands.

For specific questions regarding entry into the Cayman Islands contact the Cayman Islands Department of Immigration:

Immigration Department - Cayman Islands Government
PO Box 1098GT
Elgin Avenue, George Town
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Telephone: (345) 949-8344 or 949-8052
Fax: (345) 949-8486