GRAND CAYMAN — The Cayman Islands is now allowing children 11 years old and younger to enter the destination as part of its phased reopening plan.
Having officially entered Phase 5 of the plan on Jan. 20, 2022, the destination has confirmed that children 11 years and younger will be permitted to travel to the Caymans when accompanied by vaccinated adults, regardless of the child’s vaccination status.
In addition, quarantine requirements for all travellers are shortened from 10 days to seven, and testing protocols have been altered, now requiring travellers to submit a lateral flow test (LFT) on days two, five and seven of their stay.
“These challenges outlined in Phase 5 of the Government’s reopening plan will make it much easier to travel to our destination with children and allow families to enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing holiday in Cayman once again,” said Minister Kenneth V. Bryan. “Family travel is an important segment of our tourism industry, and these new protocols will bring a range of encouraging benefits to Caymanians and our tourism partners. We are very excited to usher in this new phase and remain optimistic for the future of Cayman tourism.”
Here are additional details of Phase 5:
Travelling with Children
Under Phase 5, children aged 11 and younger are permitted to travel to the Cayman Islands regardless of the child’s vaccination status, provided they are travelling with a verified, fully vaccinated adult. Children between the ages of 5-11 will be required to undergo the same testing requirements as adults, while children below the age of five are not subject to pre-arrival or on-site testing.
COVID-19 Testing Requirements
As of Jan. 20, all inbound travellers aged five years and older must provide a negative pre-departure test, either a certified rapid test/LFT or PCR test, taken no earlier than the day before departure. Video-proctored at-home tests have been made available by AZOVA Inc.
On-island testing requirements have been adjusted, with travellers being required to complete a certified LFT through an approved provider on days two, five and seven of their visit. A test on day 10 is no longer required. If the traveller tests positive, the PCR test confirmation and any additional testing to exit quarantine will be covered by the Cayman Islands Public Health Department.
Children aged four years and under will not require testing. Those between the ages of 5-11 years will be required to undergo the same testing requirements as adults.
Phase 5 protocols also require travellers to the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman to provide a negative certified LFT or PCR test prior to departure.
Duration of Isolation
The isolation period for vaccinated persons who test positive is now seven days, down from the previous 10 days. Persons testing positive will be required to isolate for six days and take a PCR test on day seven.
Canadians can fly to the Cayman Islands with WestJet, which offers roundtrip direct service from Toronto. For more information about travel to the Cayman Islands, go to https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-ca/travel-requirements.
