New Immigration and Customs Laws in the Cayman Islands

Strategic Insights -

Effective October 14, 2021, the government of the Cayman Islands has implemented new laws concerning immigration and Customs and Border Control. The new regulations require all eligible individuals immigrating to the Cayman Islands to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the Department of Immigration (WORC) and Customs and Border Control (CBC).

Key Takeaways:

  • The new laws require individuals arriving at the Island on work permits, residency certificates, visas, and other permits to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • Accepted vaccines include AstraZeneca, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Moderna, and Pfizer-BioNTech.
  • Individuals applying for work permits who are off-island and unable to access a COVID-19 vaccination can submit a declaration of their intent to complete an approved vaccine course within 40 days of arrival on-island.
  • The Department of Immigrant and CBC will verify the vaccination status of individuals before issuing work permits and other immigration documents.
  • The new laws are intended to promote public health and safety in the Cayman Islands.

Statistics:

  • As of October 14, 2021, all eligible individuals immigrating to the Cayman Islands will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • A total of 4 vaccines (AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, and Pfizer-BioNTech) have been approved under the new laws.
  • Individuals applying for work permits who are off-island have 40 days to complete an approved vaccine course upon arrival in the Cayman Islands.

Sources:

  • Government of the Cayman Islands (no date)
  • Envoy Global, Inc. (2021)
  • Mondaq Ltd (2021)
  • Department of Immigration, Cayman Islands (no date)
  • Customs and Border Control, Cayman Islands (no date)