About the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is an autonomous British Overseas Territory located in the Northern Caribbean, which is constituted of the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Population: 81,000
Language: English
Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
Religion: Christianity (66%)
Government: Parliamentary dependency under a constitutional monarchy
Sovereign State: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Political Rights and Civil Liberties: Unknown
Head of State: His Majesty King Charles III
Head of Government: The Honourable Wayne Panton MP
Information for Barbadian nationals
Entry requirements
This information pertains to the Cayman Islands only. The entry requirements for the United Kingdom and other British Overseas Territories may be different and are not covered by this article.
Barbadians do not need a visa to enter the Cayman Islands for tourism purposes, or to visit friends / family. You can usually stay in the Cayman Islands as a visitor for up to six months, but this is at the discretion of the Caymanian border authorities. Not needing a visa does not mean that you are guaranteed entry into the Cayman Islands. You will still be assessed by an officer of the Cayman Islands Customs & Border Control Service on arrival to determine your suitability for admission.
Visitors to the Cayman Islands must have a paid up one-way or return ticket to a destination outside the Cayman Islands.
If you are planning to transit through the United States to visit the Cayman Islands, you will need a visa to enter the United States. During the winter season, direct flights between Barbados and the Cayman Islands may be available.
Currency and payments
The currency in the Cayman Islands is called the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD). $1 is equivalent to 100 cents. As the local currency is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate, the US dollar is widely accepted usually at an exchange rate of USD $1.25 to KYD $1.00. Other foreign currencies, including the pound sterling, are not accepted by local businesses as a means of payment.
Local laws and customs
There is zero tolerance to the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in the Cayman Islands. Persons convicted of drugs-related offences can expect long prison sentences and heavy fines.
Communication style
Be mindful how you respond to closed questions. Avoid responding with "no, please" in all situations as this phrase sounds unusual to Caymanians and may cause confusion. If you are asked a question in which you are being offered something, you should respond with "yes, please" or "no, thank you". For all other yes/no questions, you should simply respond with "yes" or "no" and avoid using the verb "please" as this will confuse a Caymanian or cause a misunderstanding.
If you are arrested or detained in the Cayman Islands
The Honorary Consulate of Barbados in the Cayman Islands may be notified of your arrest. You may be able to ask the Caymanian government not to notify, but this is at the discretion of the local authorities.
If you are not sure whether the Barbados government has been notified of your arrest, you have the right to ask the police to notify the Honorary Consulate of Barbados in Grand Cayman and they must comply with your request without delay.
Any person charged with a criminal offence has the right to receive a timely, fair and public hearing by an independent, impartial court and to be tried by jury. You have the right to be present at your trial and to consult with an attorney at law of your choice. You cannot be compelled to testify or confess guilt. These rights are guaranteed by the Cayman Islands Constitution.
You are entitled to free legal advice if you are detained at a police station and do not have the means to pay for your legal representation. If you are charged with a criminal offence, you may be entitled to legal aid that partially or fully covers the cost of your defence if you do not have the means to pay for it.
