How to Plan Your Trip to the Cayman Islands when Borders Open
Updated 11 November 2020
The phased reopening of the Cayman Islands’ borders from 1 October 2020 has left some international travellers chomping at the bit to book their next vacay.
To help you plan your future trip, we’ve answered some of the most asked questions on what it might be like to travel to the Cayman Islands in 2020.
Our insights are based on information released from the Cayman Islands Government and stakeholders to date, as well as examining how other Caribbean countries have rolled out their re-opening strategies. Here is what we know, as of 11 November 2020:
When can I travel to the Cayman Islands?
Phase One of the Cayman Islands’ border reopening began on 1 October. The emphasis remains on returning Caymanians, permanent residents, work permit holders, students with a valid student visa, long-stay visitors and second-home owners.
Anyone hoping to travel to the islands must first register with Travel Cayman (previously TravelTime), a Cayman Islands Government entity dedicated to coordinating and operating repatriation flights to, from and within the Cayman Islands, for permission to travel on one of the government-arranged flights or by private air or yacht, with the exception of British Airways who are flying directly from London Heathrow to Grand Cayman every week around the holidays and can be booked directly via ba.com.
Despite the latest lockdown in the UK, the Cayman Islands Government confirmed, as of 4 November 2020, that flights between London and Grand Cayman will continue as scheduled.
Outside of British Airways and Cayman’s national carrier, Cayman Airways, there are other airlines marketing flights to the Cayman Islands. However, no airlines have permission to operate flights while Cayman’s borders are closed so read the fine print before you commit to any future bookings.
What to expect when borders reopen
When commercial airline travel does resume more normally, expect there to be a few additional steps to your travel experience in the new normal, with most gateway airports and airlines having already implemented new sanitation measures, temperature checks and health checklists to protect passengers, such as United Airlines’ new “Ready to Fly” health questionnaire and Clean Plus programme. And as if it wasn’t a given, face coverings are currently required at all times on most major airlines.
If you are hoping to visit the Cayman Islands by cruise ship, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new framework for a phased return of cruise operation, the Cayman Islands Government confirmed that Grand Cayman’s port will remain closed to cruise ships until at least 31 December 2020. So be wary of any cruise lines selling cruises to Grand Cayman, for the remainder of 2020.
What happens when I arrive in the Cayman Islands?
As part of Phase One of the Cayman Islands’ border reopening, all travelers over the age of 10 will have to provide proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their travel date.
Eligible travelers will then either opt-in to wear a new track-and-trace Geofencing wristband and self-isolate in a pre-approved private residence for a minimum of 16 days or quarantine in a government-approved facility for a minimum 16 days. At the end of the quarantine period, all travelers will be required to have a second PCR test and, if negative, will no longer have to isolate.
How much will all of this cost me?
The Cayman Islands Government hasn’t yet released details the cost of the new Geofencing monitoring device for non-residents (estimated at $150-$200) and PCR testing.
However, as an example, visitors to Bermuda currently pay a one-time $75 fee for COVID-19 PCR testing once they land at the airport, and on day 4, day 8 and day 14 of their stay.
Caymanians and permanent residents are not required to pay for their stay at any government-led facility. However, if you are a work-permit holder or long-stay visitor you will have to cover the cost of your stay and this ranges from approx. CI$5,000 – $9,000. Look out for more information as it’s released on the Cayman Islands Government website.
Where should I book to stay in the future?
While details on Phase Two are yet to be released, discussions surrounding the ‘resort bubbles,’ which would allow visitors to safely vacation at local resorts in a highly controlled environment, are still ongoing.
Looking further ahead at the luxury end, there are ample private villa rental options in the Cayman Islands. From luxury rental managers like Luxury Cayman Villas, Grand Cayman Villas and Cayman Villas, to large and spacious suites from some of the best luxury hotel brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Seven South Suites and the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa beachfront bungalows as well as properties that have residences with private entrances or elevators, like The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman.
The Cayman Islands also has a host of independent hotels and accommodations off the Seven Mile Beach strip, from West Bay’s Cobalt Coast Resort to East End’s Compass Point Dive Resort or escape other people completely by heading to one of the sister islands of Cayman Brac or Little Cayman.
Will it be safe to visit the Cayman Islands?
The Cayman Islands Government also has a comprehensive action plan, RB5, The Road Back to 500K Air Arrivals, which focuses on sustainable tourism strategies and puts safety at the forefront. Generally speaking, the Cayman Islands is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, and has been voted one of the top destinations for the Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean, and crime rates have remained stable (and low) throughout the coronavirus crisis.
What are some of the travel essentials I need to pack? Hint: a bikini—and a mask
While face masks are not a requirement in most public spaces now, the Cayman Islands has taken a stringent approach to managing the coronavirus and we expect masks to be a travel essential for a while yet. For example, they are still required in Cayman’s medical facilities, care homes and the airport. Caymanians are also cautious by nature, and some locals and residents are continuing to wear face coverings in public areas. So “act like a local” and continue to keep a safe distance from others, practice good hygiene and stay alert when you’re out and about—but don’t fret about getting ‘mask-lines’ as the beach just yet.
What are some of the best socially distanced experiences?
According to an ongoing survey, around 50% of US travellers say they plan to avoid crowded destinations when they resume their travel. Fortunately, the Cayman Islands has been catering to smaller group excursions for a while - a trend that had already been predicted to rise pre-pandemic by the United States Tour Operators Association and you can start researching your private excursion now.
After spending most of 2020 indoors, 2021 is all about getting outdoors and getting active! The Cayman Islands is bursting with activities centred around its natural beauty and crystal-clear waters and many tour operators are still operating at limited capacity, making for an even more enjoyable experience.
What about the nightlife?
Indoor dining is currently allowed and bars and nightclubs are open. However, if you’re pre-making your dinner reservations or scoping out the local scene in advance, we recommend looking for establishments with outdoor seating just in case this changes once the borders reopen. Fortunately, in the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean the choices for an alfresco meal are plenty AND the sun shines nearly 365 days of the year, so you don’t need to worry about rain stopping play.
How long can I stay in the Cayman Islands?
A Cayman Islands visitors’ visa is valid for three months. However, those who qualify for and successfully apply to the Global Citizen Concierge can relocate to the Cayman Islands and work remotely for up to 24 months.
What is the Global Citizen Concierge?
The Global Citizen Concierge is an opportunity for professionals and digital nomads to indulge in up to two years of the ultimate work-life experience. Applicants must supply proof of an annual salary of $100,000 or more if coming to Cayman with a spouse and/or dependents. Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2021, with the program ending on 30 November 2023.
Those who qualify will get to enjoy the Caymankind lifestyle, with world class dining, breathtaking beaches and laidback locals, ready to welcome you into the local culture. For those who prefer to keep their work and home life separate, there are several co-working spaces, like readyspaces that offer fully furnished, flexible office space in the heart of George Town or on the Seven Mile Beach corridor.
Visit the Global Citizen FAQ Page on the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism website to learn more and apply.
It’s inevitable that travel plans, requirements and timelines will remain fluid through the end of this year and beyond. Continue to read the latest government advisories and confirm your airline and accommodation cancellation policies before you make a booking.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Cayman Islands soon!