Moving to Cayman Islands

Country Guide

Country Guide: Cayman Islands

Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.

Updated: November 16, 2016

 
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Detailed inventory
  • Invoices (new goods)
  • Customs import entry form, if applicable
  • Appointment of agent form, if applicable
  • Customs import / export declaration
  • Declaration of unaccompanied personal effects, if applicable
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release/air waybill (AWB)

Specific Information

  • When establishing residence in the Cayman Islands, household goods and personal effects moved within the first 6 months of residence are exempt from duties if the following conditions apply:
    • Imported items are used personal belongings older than 6 months including computers and furniture (proof of date of purchase may be required).
    • Vehicles, alcohol, and tobacco are not included in the duty exemption.
 
Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Vehicle title / registration
  • OBL / AWB

Specific Information

  • Duties are approximately 27.5% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value.
 
Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Official health certificate for the animal, bird, or fish / phytosanitary certificate for plant or plant product
  • CITES certificate, if applicable
  • Import permit obtained from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture

Specific Information

  • The import permit must be obtained prior to the import of any live animal, bird, fish, plant, or plant product.
  • Imported species are required to undergo inspection and must be accompanied by an original copy of an inspection certificate.
  • The inspection certificate must be issued by the Agricultural Authority at the origin.
  • Dogs and cats must be at least 10 months old for import.
  • An import permit application must be completed and submitted with an official health certificate and rabies report plus required fees.
  • Dogs and cats must be permanently identified with a microchip transponder or tattoo; contact the destination agent for specific requirements.
  • Pets must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using an approved inactivated vaccine.
  • A blood test must be taken within 30 days after the vaccination to check for protective antibodies against rabies; approved laboratories must be used.
  • Pets are eligible for entry 6 months after the date of the blood test showing a successful result.
    • Rabies vaccinations older than 12 months or blood test results older than 2 years prior to import will be accepted.
  • Contact veterinary services, Department of Agriculture, Grand Cayman Islands for more information.
 
Restricted/Dutiable Items
  • Firearms, ammunition, bulletproof vests, and gun powder (an import permit and license signed by the Commissioner of Police is required)
 
Prohibited Items
  • Controlled or illegal drugs or paraphernalia
  • Obscene publication and articles
  • Items depicting any reference to marijuana
  • Counterfeit coins and notes
  • Items for gambling
  • Turtles and products related thereof
  • Spearguns and Hawaiian slings and parts
 
Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air/sea shipments.

 
Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook Entry for Cayman Islands

Wikipedia Entry for Cayman Islands