US and Canadian citizens don't need visas or passports, but may want to carry valid passports, because proof of identity and citizenship is required before entering the Caymans. Citizens of the EU, the UK, Israel, and Japan need passports but visas are not required for entry. Citizens of many countries are offered a 30-day landing permit without a visa. These one-month permits may be extended, by filling out an extension application and having it approved by the Immigration Department. Because laws and regulations are subject to change, it is always best to contact the Cayman Islands Immigration Department before travel, to find out what is required.

Visitors who intend to work must get a work permit before arrival. Working without a permit is against the law and violators are subject to arrest, severe fines, and deportation.

Non-resident students need to have student visas issued by the Immigration Department. Schools normally submit visa applications on behalf of incoming students, so check with specific schools for more information.

New immigration law extends the period for which a work permit can be granted, and it sets a limit on the amount of time that a person can continuously reside in the Cayman Islands on a work permit.

The Work Permit Board is responsible for applications from businesses employing less than 15 work permit holders or for individual employers, while the Business Staffing Plan Board deals with applications from companies employing 15 or more expatriate workers. The boards may grant work permits for up to three years, generally, or for up to five years in the case of domestics, teachers, doctors and religious ministers. Some five-year permits are granted under special provisions.

All applications by visitors to the Caymans must be approved prior to arrival. Permits are generally issued for a designated occupation and employer. Dependants are taken into consideration when the work permit application is reviewed. Expatriate spouses are generally able to obtain work permits if they are qualified in areas where opportunities are most abundant such as hospitality, finance, and nursing.

The Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board handles applications from those married to Caymanians, and those who have had residency for at least eight years. Successful applicants in these two categories will be granted a residency and employment rights certificate. This certificate allows spouses of Caymanians to work for any employer in any occupation. If approved, those in the eight-year-residence category can work for any employer within the occupations listed on their application.

Spouses of permanent residents may also apply for a residency and employment rights certificate and, if granted, they will be entitled to the same employment rights as their spouses. Or they can apply for a seven-year work permit not limited to a particular occupation. After seven years the holder will be eligible to apply for the right to be Caymanian on marital grounds.

Applications under the categories of "wealthy retiree" and "entrepreneurs or investors" will be made to, and decided by, the Chief Immigration Officer. In the case of wealthy retirees, a successful applicant will be granted a certificate valid for 25 years, permitting him and his dependants to reside in the Cayman Islands without the right to work. This certificate is renewable. Persons meeting the criteria for the "entrepreneurs or investors" category will also be issued a renewable certificate valid for 25 years, permitting one to work for the business in which they have invested.

For more information contact a British embassy or consulate or the office listed below:

Immigration Department of Cayman Islands
PO Box 1098GT
Elgin Avenue
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
phone: (345) 949-8344