News
Travel Cayman update on travel to the Cayman Islands
Effective Thursday 14th January, 2021 travellers arriving in the Cayman Islands are required to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure.
Since the start of the pandemic the Government has been committed to the safety and protection of the Cayman Islands residents. The introduction of the pre-arrival test as a pre-screening method is another layer of protection for the community. However, it is understood that within the 72-hour period following the test it is possible to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus, therefore additional measures such as PCR testing on arrival and completion of the 14 day quarantine period is still required.
Yesterday the first two flights arrived from the United Kingdom and Honduras which required all passengers to adhere to these new regulations. The Government is pleased to announce that over 200 passengers successfully obtained evidence of a negative PCR test result, taken within the required 72-hour period before flight. Cayman Islands representatives from the London Office (CIGOUK) were on hand at London Heathrow airport to provide assistance and support to travellers. One person was denied boarding the aircraft as their test result sample was collected outside of the required 72-hour period.
Dr Tasha Ebanks-Garcia, Director Travel Cayman commented “we are grateful for the ongoing support from our repatriation airline carriers Cayman Airways and British Airways. As this is a new provision we felt it important to have help at hand from CIGOUK and Cayman Airways staff, providing on the spot advice. Unfortunately, one person was turned away as their test results did not meet Government requirements. We urge the public to ensure their results meet all the criteria, including the type of test mandated, and that the sample is taken no more than 72 hours before the flight departure.”
Types of tests
The public are reminded that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 is a test from an upper airways swab. This test can also be referred to as a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification) test. All tests should be taken no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure and the public are advised to note that other types of COVID-19 tests such as Lateral flow, Rapid Antigen or Anitbody tests will not be accepted.
The PCR test result must be provided from laboratories as follows:
- in the UK, from a UKAS accredited laboratory, or the National Health Service.
- in the USA/Americas/worldwide from:
- JC (Joint Commission) or JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited laboratories, or
- ISO or COLA (Commission on Office/Laboratory Accreditation) accredited laboratories, or
- National Public Health Laboratories or other government approved providers.
A paper copy of test results is recommended but an electronic copy is acceptable.
Passengers who do not meet this requirement, will not be able to travel.
Quarantine protocols remain the same for all travellers
In addition to the new pre-arrival test travellers must take a PCR test on arrival in the Cayman Islands and quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. A day 15 PCR test will continue to be required and travellers must have a negative test result in order to be released from quarantine.
Quarantine protocols are applicable for all travellers arriving into the Cayman Islands, including those persons who have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
British Airways flights confirmed for February 2021
The Cayman Islands Government is pleased to advise the public that two British Airways repatriation flights between the UK and Grand Cayman have been approved for Thursday 11th and 25th of February, 2021.
Outbound International travel
It has now become a requirement for some countries that travellers provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test before arrival, it is recommended to the public to check entry requirements for destination countries before travel. As a result of these new protocols the Health Services Authority (HSA) has extended their testing clinic hours, for full details on appointments and timings visit; https://hsa.ky/news_events/covid-testing-clinic-extended-to-accommodate-new-international-travel-requirements/
Persons with questions should contact the Travel Cayman team directly by email at TravelCayman@gov.ky or tel. 1-345-945-0556/1-345-946-7858. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday 8.30a.m. to 5p.m.
For more information on travel to the Cayman Islands please visit www.exploregov.ky/travel
For the official Cayman Islands Government web portal, www.gov.ky:
