The Passport & Corporate Services Office (P&CSO) reminds holders of British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) – Cayman Islands (CI) passports to check to ensure the validity of their documents before making travel arrangements.

If you have applied for a first time or the renewal of a passport, we advise not to make travel plans/reservations until in possession of the said passport.  Ensure you have given yourself sufficient time in order for the documents to be processed and returned to you for your planned travel.

BOTC – CI passports are now printed in the United Kingdom (UK), therefore, the time required by the P&CSO to issue a BOTC – CI passport (first time or renewal) is four (4) to six (6) weeks. The processing time for a replacement of a lost or stolen passport is six (6) to eight (8) weeks.

When appearing at the P&CSO to submit applications for a first time passport or renewal of a passport, please ensure you include the supporting documentation to prove your eligibility for the same.  This will ensure a smooth and efficient transaction when submitting the passport application/s.

Such persons visiting the United States (US) must ensure that their BOTC – CI passports are valid for at least six months beyond the date of intended departure from the US.  US Visas should also be checked to ensure that they are current.  Also when travelling to Canada by air, ensure that they are in possession of an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in order to enter – the website is http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp

Applications for US Visa Waivers for a single entry into the United States direct from the Cayman Islands, takes three (3) working days for processing. US Visa Waivers cannot be issued to any BOTC – CI passport holder whose police record lists a criminal conviction of any kind or who had previously been denied a US Visa.

After applications have been submitted to the P&CSO and a date and time for collection has been arranged, applicants must also ensure that their documents are collected on time.

Anyone intending to travel to the US on a British Citizen – United Kingdom passport, without a valid US Visitor’s Visa, must first obtain online authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).  The website is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.  If travelling to Canada by air, ensure that online authorization has been obtained through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in order to enter.  The website is http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/etc.asp

Residents travelling to other countries should make appropriate plans beforehand and should also know and comply with the travel requirements of respective destinations.

The public is also reminded of the P&CSO’s opening hours:  Monday to Friday between8:30am and 4:00pm.  P&CSO staff members are not permitted to open the office after-hours or on weekends to issue passports or other travel documents.  Neither can they allow the pick-up of documents which were not collected during the working hours as prearranged.

For further information relating to Passports, visit the website at:http://www.immigration.gov.ky