Authorities in the Cayman Islands have updated travel restrictions “as a response to the Omicron variant.” The new regulations will take effect on Dec. 17.
Travelers currently have up to 72 hours to complete their COVID-19 tests before departing to the Cayman Islands, but this window will be cut to only one day under the new policy.
The permitted testing time for travelers “departing” from Grand Cayman to sister Islands has also been reduced from 72 hours to 1 day.
The word “departure” now means the departure of any connecting or transit flight with a layover of fewer than 12 hours.
Visitors must continue registering and uploading a copy of their immunization certificate at the Travel Cayman portal, as it was before.
On the plus side, certified rapid tests will now be accepted by health authorities.
Unvaccinated passengers, including minors who are not eligible for vaccination, are still barred from entering the Cayman Islands.
Those who own a business or property in the Cayman Islands or are a spouse, civil partner, sibling, parent, step-parent, grandparent, grandchild or child who is Caymanian or a resident are the only unvaccinated people permitted entry.
These travelers must complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
Unlike the UK where 4,713 Omicron cases have been confirmed and 200,000 are estimated, this British overseas territory has not reported any cases of the new variant as of today.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez has encouraged everyone 18 years old and over to get vaccinated.
“With the new Omicron variant beginning to spread worldwide, it is even more important to ensure you are fully protected from a vaccination standpoint.”
“I encourage everyone to continue with wearing a mask, keeping a safe social distance from other people and practicing proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette… Persons can also take routine tests to screen for COVID-19,” he added.