Cayman Islands - Immigration

Cayman Islands Immigration Procedure

On arrival, Immigration will require original boat papers including registration documents and boat particulars, clearance from last port of call, a crew list, and passports for all crew.

Keep the immigration card you’re given, you’ll be required to present it to an Immigration Officer upon your departure.

All visitors should have a minimum of six months of validity left on their passport.

Do I Need a Visa?

The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory. A visa is not required for citizens of many countries including most western and northern European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.

Nationals of certain countries do require visas to enter the Cayman Islands. See the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control's list of Countries that require a Visa page for more info and a full list of countries that require and do not require a visa.

Crew that require a visa must be in possession of the visa prior to their arrival in Caymans. Failure to do so will result in a fine and refusal to enter. For the visa application procedure, refer to the Customs and Border Control Visitor Visa Application webpage.

Length of Stay

Depending on the nationality of the crew (if a visa is not required) an initial stay of 30 days is possible and should be requested on arrival or you will likely only be granted 14 days. While extending your stay from 14 days to 30 is not difficult, it does come at a cost.

Technically, a stay of 30 days can be extended for up to 6 months provided proof of financial means is submitted on arrival or at the Immigration department. However, in reality it is a very complex process to extend your visa. See reports from cruisers who have tried to extend their stay in the comments section (blue bar, speech bubble icon).

The fees regarding the extension of the crew are CI$50 for the first extension, and CI$100 for any extension after, per person. See the Customs and Border Control Visitor Extension webpage for full details.

Incoming/Outgoing Crew and Guests

If the crew is leaving by plane, go to the Immigration office with a copy of their airline ticket and the crew member, so they can be removed from your crew list.

If you are picking up crew or guests on Grand Cayman who are on a one-way ticket, give them a letter inviting them to join the boat and a copy of your boat’s clearance papers.

Last updated:  January 2025