Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in the Cayman Islands, you are subject to its laws.  Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.  Persons violating the Cayman Island’s  laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Cayman Islands are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

We recommendthat you carry identification, such as a passport or drivers license, at all times.  In the Cayman Islands driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.  If you break local laws in the Cayman Islands, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country or territory you visit, but still illegal in the United States.  You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws.  Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well. 

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not.  To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Cayman Islands customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from the Cayman Islands of items such as firearms of any kind, ammunition, spear guns (or pole spears or Hawaiian slings), live plants and plant cuttings. Raw fruits and vegetables are also restricted.

Visitors from the United States should be aware that products made from farmed green sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Farm Ltd. are offered for local consumption; however, the importation of genuine sea turtle products is strictly prohibited by the United States, as well as other countries that have signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. In addition, U.S. Customs prohibits the transshipment of turtle products through the United States and any products discovered will be confiscated. It is advisable to contact the Cayman Government Collector of Customs (345) 949-2473 for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our Customs Information.

The Cayman Islands, like all Caribbean countries, can be affected by hurricanes and earthquakes. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Hazard Management Cayman Islands is responsible for disaster preparedness and response on the islands. General information on the subject of hurricane and earthquake preparedness is also available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a women traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBT events in the Cayman Islands. There are segments of the Cayman Islands that look down on same sex couples but in general, there is very little harassment or violence related to LGBT travelers.  For more detailed information about LGBT rights, travelers should review the 2013 Human Rights Report and the LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in the Cayman Islands, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The Cayman Islands lack comprehensive disability legislation and while many hotels and resorts well-equipped for disabled guests, other tourist facilities, such as the airport and dock, are much less so. The Cayman Islands lack a suitable dock for large passenger ships, for instance, so passengers aboard cruise vessels who wish to visit the Cayman Islands are transported to shore in smaller vessels which may not be accessible to those with disabilities. You may wish to consult websites and blogs that focus on accessible travel for practical information and first-hand accounts of traveling in the Cayman Islands.