The Cayman Islands has announced a timetable for safely welcoming back tourists to Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The five-phase re-opening plan, which began last month, aims to see the destination fully re-open by January 2022.
“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,” says tourism minister Kenneth Bryan.
Developed in conjunction with health authorities, and public and private sectors, the five-phase approach to re-opening includes:
• 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 travellers, a mandatory five-day quarantine is in place; unvaccinated travellers are required to undergo a 14-day isolation period.
• Phase 2 – Reduced Repatriation Restrictions (Aug. 9): In this phase, 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 (CARPHA) guidelines. All travellers will continue to apply for entry authorization via the Travel Cayman Portal.
• Phase 3 – Limited Introduction of Tourism (Sept. 9): This phase, subject to the achievement of 80% on-island vaccination rate, will allow for a limited introduction of tourists with secure verification of vaccination status. Cruise travel will not be permitted during this phase. All travellers will continue to apply for entry via the Travel Cayman Portal.
• Phase 4 – Reduced Quarantine Restrictions (Oct. 14): Quarantine requirements will be removed for all securely verified, fully vaccinated travellers. Unvaccinated visitors will be required to apply for entry via Travel Cayman and quarantine upon arrival for a 14-day period. Additionally, all travellers must declare travel and vaccination status on the Travel Cayman Portal.
• Phase 5 – Travel for Unvaccinated Children (Nov. 18): While cruise tourism remains prohibited at this stage, unvaccinated children (under age 12) will now be allowed to travel with vaccinated adult tourists with no quarantine period required. Unvaccinated visitors above the age of 12 will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
• Welcome Back – Assessed Jan. 27, 2022: Once the country has completed all five phases and following a thorough assessment from the government and health officials, the Cayman Islands will celebrate its grand re-opening, welcoming all travellers without quarantine or travel restrictions. At this time, cruise tourism may resume.
At all phases, public health officials will monitor the prevalence rate and spread of COVID-19. Transition between stages will be determined by a myriad of factors. At all phases, all inbound travellers are required to make a declaration of travel and vaccination status on the Travel Cayman Portal, and present a declaration certificate, vaccination documents, and provide proof of medical insurance which includes coverage for COVID-19 upon arrival.
“(We) 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!” says Bryan. “Our guests will appreciate the impactful developments and enhancements we’ve made to the destination – surely proving that Cayman is worth the wait.”