Cayman Islands eases restrictions for vaccinated visitors
Editor’s note: This post has been updated as of Feb. 23, 2022, to reflect updated guidance and protocols for travelers visiting the Cayman Islands.
Travelers to the Cayman Islands no longer have to test upon arrival, among other newly eased COVID-19 protocols that took effect last week.
It's good news for vaccinated travelers eager to visit the popular Caribbean destination, whether they’re looking forward to beaches, snorkeling, diving or duty-free shopping.
Only vaccinated visitors are allowed as of Feb. 18
The region recently entered Phase 5 of its reopening plan on Jan. 20, under which all fully vaccinated travelers (including children) can enter the country without having to quarantine if traveling from a country with first dose vaccination rates exceeding 60%, including the United States, per the Cayman Islands tourism organization.
For those coming from a country with a vaccination rate lower than 60%, you must quarantine for seven days.
Unvaccinated visitors age 12 and over are currently prohibited from visiting the Cayman Islands unless said visitors have a close tie to the islands, defined as "anyone who can demonstrate that they own a business or property in the Cayman Islands or has a close family tie." This includes spouses, civil partners, siblings, parents, step-parents, grandparents, grandchildren, children or stepchildren of a Caymanian or local resident.
All arrivals must present proof of vaccination, specifically one of the 10 vaccines that have been approved by the World Health Organization.
Rules for children
Children must be vaccinated to visit, excluding children age 11 and younger, who will assume the vaccination status of their parents, allowing fully vaccinated visitors to travel with unvaccinated children in this age group if applicable.
Prearrival testing is still widely required
On-island testing on days two, five and seven is no longer required and vaccinated travelers do not need to take a predeparture test prior if headed to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, specifically. Outside of those two destinations, a prearrival test taken within 24 hours of departure is still required for all travelers age 5 and older before arriving on the islands.
Rapid tests are sufficient for the prearrival test, including ones that are self-administered as long as they are proctored. Otherwise, a PCR test will suffice.
Other predeparture steps
Additionally, all visitors must continue to apply for a travel certificate via the Travel Cayman portal and must show proof of medical and travel insurance covering costs related to COVID-19.
Related: A country-by-country guide to Caribbean reopenings
How to get to the Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman (GCM) is the largest airport in the Cayman Islands and is based in George Town. Cayman Airways is the largest operator serving the islands, though many carriers travel to GCM, including Delta, JetBlue and American. Airlines are gradually resuming service to the islands, the dates of which are available here.
Cayman is a great choice for those based in Miami, as it's located less than 500 miles south and just about an hour by plane.
"Cayman is easily accessible via nonstop service from most travel hubs in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.," says its tourism organization.
On Google Flights, you can find round-trip, nonstop service on both Cayman Airways and American from Miami (MIA) next month, with prices starting around $300.
Note that American's basic economy only includes one carry-on bag.
This same flight would cost you 25,000 AAdvantage miles plus $90.45 via a current special web award to sit in the main cabin. The only difference with this web special would be that you can't make changes to your ticket unless you were to cancel it altogether, as explained below.
Related: A review of Cayman Airways in coach from New York to Grand Cayman
Where to stay in the Cayman Islands
There are numerous resorts to choose from in the Cayman Islands, including the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Westin Grand Cayman and Seven Mile Beach Resort & Club.
Related: The best points hotel in the Caribbean
The Kimpton Seafire Grand Cayman by IHG is on Seven Mile Beach, one of the top attractions of the islands. Rooms for a weekend in early March start at $1,234 per night or 60,000 points +$60.
A more affordable stay near Seven Mile Beach is Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman, where a standard room starts at $326 per night or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Related: 9 places to use points in the Caribbean
Bottom line
Visiting the Cayman Islands is relatively easy right now, particularly for vaccinated tourists.
Additional reporting by Benji Stawski.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.