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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.