If you are planning to move to the Cayman Islands, or even if you are planning a short trip, then it is of vital importance to know what you can get through the customs. If you bring too many things or try to pass the customs with something illegal, you could get in serious trouble with the law. It would potentially even ruin your plans to move here! So, to prevent that from happening, we have prepared a guide to everything you need to know about the Cayman Islands customs regulations.

A resident’s limit

A very nice thing about the Cayman Islands customs regulations is the allowance they make for the residents of the islands who are going on vacation. Every resident of the Cayman Islands has the right to bring along up to five hundred Cayman Islands Dollars’ worth of goods through customs. If individuals are over the age of eighteen, they may also bring along various goods limited to adult consumption. By that, we are referring to consumables such as cigarettes and alcohol. Note that there is a hard limit on the amount of these that one person can carry. The limit is two hundred cigarettes, while the amounts for alcohol vary by type. The stronger the drink, the less you can bring with you. Everything over this 500 dollars allowance is subject to a 22% duty toll.

Typically free items

Although the list isn’t exactly extensive, there are some items you can declare and take through customs without cost. And this is the case for both the Cayman Islands residents and visitors alike. These items are the typical small things tourists would require to enjoy their stay. Books, cameras, bags, glasses, and even a musical instrument. Note, however, that electronics do not fit into this category. So, if you are a resident going on vacation and already over the limit we had mentioned, you would be expected to pay the twenty-two percent toll. Tourists, on the other hand, would be automatically taxed.

Moving over

We have good news if you are looking to buy your first home in the Caribbean and have marked the Cayman Islands as your ideal destination! Within the first six months of your move to the Cayman Islands, you can have your belongings delivered to you through customs for free. Of course, note that you will need to submit two separate forms and proof of residency. The first form is the Customs Import Entry Form, and the second is the Declaration For Unaccompanied Baggage Form. A work permit is sufficient for proof of residency if you are moving to the Cayman Islands for a limited period. It is not possible to extend the delivery time for your belongings if there is an issue with them. But it will require timely notification of the Collector of Customs. 

Vehicle regulations

If you’ve just moved and want to ship your car from the U.S. to the Cayman Islands, then it is more than possible to get your vehicle to the wanted destination smoothly. All it will require is a one-time payment of the duty fees and filling out a C1-CBC form No.1. This form is also referred to as an ‘Entry For Home Use’ and is required because cars and other vehicles can also be considered merchandise. Note that this still applies to boats, yachts, and aircraft. Any vehicles mentioned above entering the Cayman Islands are subject to their duty laws. And will need to be declared in the harbor or the airport. The good news is, once you have done so once, you only need to hang onto your papers! 

Currency import

If you are worried about wrangling with the Cayman Islands customs regulations after finding a job in the Caribbean about the foreign currency you would be taking to the islands to tide you over, don’t be. There is actually very little control over the imported currency. In fact, if you are entering the country with less than the equivalent of 15.000 Cayman Islands Dollars in any foreign currency, there will be no need to have your money declared at all. Of course, if you do exceed the amount, declaring it is obligatory.

Pet rules

The moving experts from Four Winds KSA warn that if you plan to move here with a pet, it is wise to pay special attention to the Cayman Islands customs regulations. They are very serious about protecting the local ecosystem. And no animals of any kind can be imported from Asia, Africa, Central, and South America. The scope widens further to also ban any and all of the pure or cross-breed Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro, Japanese Tosa, and Pit Bull Terrier. Furthermore, your pets will need an official Veterinary Health Certificate, as well as an Import Permit issued by the Cayman Isl. Department of Agriculture. Only once your beloved pet has passed all of these hurdles can you safely and legally take them with you. Which means you will likely not want to take them along for a casual, short vacation.

Forbidden goods

Note that trying to get through the Cayman Islands customs with particular items in your possession will quickly land you in the local news. The list, at least, makes perfect sense:

• Any kinds of firearms and ammo
• Drugs, illegal substances, and other forms of narcotics
• Dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials

 All of these are typically strictly forbidden. There are various legal hoops you can jump through if you want to import some of these items. Such as guns. However, it is not something you can do without extensive preparation and forewarning.

Final word

Now that you are familiar with everything you need to know about the Cayman Islands customs regulations, you should be ready to move here or pay a visit! Just remember to pack smart, and always be extra careful with what you are bringing along with you.

END

ALL IMAGES: Unsplash