Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

The crime rate is very low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occasionally occurs. Use your hotel safe to store your valuables, but be sure it is bolted to the wall or the floor.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Carry a photocopy of your passport’s identification page with you at all times
• Don’t bring valuables to the beach
• Don’t walk alone to deserted beaches or poorly lit areas after dark

Women's safety

Sexual assaults occur. Women travelling alone may also be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy. We also strongly advise that you file a report with the local police.

Safe-travel guide for women

Spiked foods and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Recreational activities and excursions

Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance and that sporting and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition. Ensure helmets and life jackets are available, if applicable. Avoid excursions that are not recommended by tour operators.

Cruises

The port of Grand Cayman is a cruise-ship stop.

Advice for Cruise Travellers

Demonstrations

Demonstrations can occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can suddenly turn violent at any time. They may cause disruptions to services, to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place,
• follow the instructions of local authorities,
• monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstration.

More about Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions are poor in some areas.

Public transportation

Safe public minibuses run on the main roads.

Taxis, mopeds, scooters and rental cars are widely available.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid beyond the date of expected departure from the Cayman Islands.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to six months
Work permit: Required
Student visa: Required

Other entry requirements

A return ticket and proof of sufficient funds is required to visit the Cayman Islands.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.  

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in the Caribbean, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Caribbean. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in the Caribbean, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities and services are generally good. There are several public and private hospitals and clinics on the islands. The main Hospitals are in Grand Cayman, the sister island Cayman Brac has a smaller hospital, and Little Cayman has a medical clinic. Therefore, the medical services are more limited on the Sister Islands. The Cayman Islands provide a wide range of ultra-modern medical services. Treatment is expensive, and cash payment may be required upfront. Make sure you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation if required. Severe cases requiring critical care may require medical evacuation to the United States for treatment. Be aware that medical evacuations can be extremely expensive.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medical tourism

Learn about receiving medical care in other countries if you are contemplating undergoing a medical procedure in the Cayman Islands.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. The Cayman Islands is a separate legal jurisdiction from the United Kingdom and has its own laws.

Canada and the United Kingdom are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and British authorities. This process can take a long time and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Do not carry parcels, gifts or luggage for other people across a border or through customs under any circumstances.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the United Kingdom.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Cayman Islands, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Caymanian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Cayman Islands to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

Traffic drives on the left.

A visitor’s driving permit is required to drive in the Cayman Islands. You can obtain a visitor’s driving permit from a car rental agency or from an office of the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing. You will need to present a valid Canadian passport, the immigration card that you received upon entry to the Cayman Islands and a valid Canadian driver’s licence. There is an administration fee of CI$16.

Visitor's driving permit - Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing

Imports and exports

Local customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, spear guns, medications, agricultural products, animals and animal products (including sea turtle products). Note that anything delivering a projectile is considered a firearm. If you travel with such items, you may be required to obtain special permits prior to arrival. Contact the British High Commission in Ottawa for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Marriages

If you are planning to marry in the Cayman Islands, ensure that you meet all requirements and have all necessary documents before leaving Canada.

Marriage overseas

Money

The currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD; CI$). Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants.

Investments

If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in the Cayman Islands, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Cayman Islands before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

Natural disasters and climate

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Earthquakes

The Cayman Islands are located in an active seismic area. Earthquakes occur infrequently and most seismic events pass unnoticed. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the instructions of the local authorities.