Cayman Islands - Customs

Cayman Islands Customs Rules for Yachts

Arriving By Yacht:

Vessel searches are done at the discretion of C. I. Customs and all firearms and spear guns must be declared or they will be confiscated if found and the owner prosecuted for its importation.

Length of Stay:

Vessels are initially granted a stay of either two weeks or one month. Cruisers recommend taking the one month option as a visit to customs and immigration will be needed to get an extension. Extensions, however, are not easy to get. See the comments section (blue bar, speech bubble icon) for feedback from cruisers who have tried.

Other Items:

The list of prohibited items includes (See the official Customs site for full list):

• Any controlled or illegal drugs or utensils, obscene publications and articles, any goods or items depicting or bearing any reference to ganja (marijuana) or the plant, instruments, and appliances for gambling.
• Lobster, Conch or conch meat in any form is prohibited.
• Also, declare any stocks of alcohol and tobacco on the boat.
• Live plants and plant cuttings, raw fruits and vegetables are restricted.

Be aware that Customs officials look for smuggled drugs in medication containers and may check all medications on board. Be sure to carry written prescriptions in generic, not brand-name, form and keep all prescription medications in their original labeled containers.

Importing Parts/Spares:

Spare parts can be imported for yachts in transit duty-free as long as the import company or Customs officer has a copy of the boat's clearance documents. However, it is not an easy procedure. The imported item has to be collected from the Customs office in the port authority building, not the airport or the cruise terminal. A Customs officer is supposed to accompany you and see the parcel going onto the boat but this requirement might be waived.

Last updated:  May 2023