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Travel Warning & Consular Information Sheet

Travel Warning & Consular Information Sheet for Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands - British West Indies - Consular Information Sheet
September 14, 1999

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos are British overseas territories comprising the British West Indies. Three U.S. embassies in the Caribbean area share responsibility for U.S. citizens visiting the islands of the British West Indies. For the areas named below, refer to the specific U.S. Embassy with consular jurisdiction and the appropriate Consular Information Sheet as necessary for additional information.

Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and Montserrat are within the consular district of the U.S. Embassy located in Bridgetown, Barbados. Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands have moderately developed economies. Tourist facilities are widely available. Montserrat has an economy recovering from a series of eruptions from the Soufriere Hills Volcano. Access to the southern part of the island is restricted. Residents are concentrated in the northern designated safe zones. Accommodations are very limited. The airport remains closed, and most visitors to the island travel by daily ferry from Antigua. Travelers should check with Carib World Travel in Antigua, telephone (268) 460-6101, for sailing times.

The Cayman Islands are within the consular district of the U.S. Embassy located in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Turks and Caicos are within the consular district of the U.S. Embassy located in Nassau, Bahamas. The Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of eight major islands and numerous uninhabited cays. Most tourist facilities are located on Providenciales (Provo) and Grand Turk islands. The U.S. dollar is the unit of currency and the larger hotels and shops accept credit cards.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: For tourist stays up to three months in Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat, and for stays up to 30 days in the Turks and Caicos, U.S. citizens need either a passport, naturalization certificate, or original certified birth certificate as well as photo identification, onward or return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay. The Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos also require the payment of a $15 departure tax by all persons 12 years of age and older. In the Cayman Islands, the tax is included in the airfare. For arranging longer stays or arranging work permits in the Cayman Islands or the Turks and Caicos, travelers should contact the Department of Immigration of the Cayman Islands at 011 (345) 949-8344 or the Turks and Caicos Immigration Department at (011) 649 946-2939.

For further information regarding entry and customs requirements for any of the British West Indies, U.S. citizens may contact the British Embassy, 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; telephone (202) 462-1340; or the nearest British consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York or San Francisco. Internet: http://nsi.org/travel/british-west-indies.txt or http://www.britain-info.org.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from these territories of items such as firearms, agricultural products, and currency. It is advisable to contact the Turks and Caicos Customs Department at (649) 946-2867 for specific information regarding customs requirements of that territory. The importation of firearms to the Turks and Caicos is strictly forbidden without prior approval in writing from the Commissioner of Police.

CRIME INFORMATION: Petty street crime does occur. Visitors should not leave valuables unattended in their hotel rooms or on the beach. In the Turks and Caicos, visitors may dial 999 or 911 for emergency police, fire, or medical assistance.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. This publication and others, such as http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs;

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protection available to individuals under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the laws of Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, the Cayman Islands, or the Turks and Caicos, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in these territories are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are available, but limited in Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos. There is a small public hospital on Grand Turk and a private clinic on Provo. This clinic has a hyperbaric chamber. Most serious cases require medical evacuation by air from the Turks and Caicos to the United States, which is expensive. Travelers should ensure that their medical insurance is valid outside the U.S. and that it will cover the expense of air evacuation. Medical facilities are very limited in Montserrat. Although the quality of medical care in the Cayman Islands is comparable to that in the U.S., some procedures and critical care require medical evacuation to the United States. Because of the Cayman Islands highly developed diving sector, a hyperbaric chamber is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. In all four territories, driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat:

Safety of Public Transportation: fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: fair

Night driving and mountain driving in the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat should be done with great caution because of the steep, narrow and winding nature of the roads.

Turks and Caicos:

Safety of Public Transportation: good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: poor

For specific information concerning Turks and Caicos driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board at (649) 946-2321.

Cayman Islands:

Safety of Public Transportation: good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: good

For specific information concerning British driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the British National Tourist Organization offices in New York. Telephone 1 (800) 462-2748 or via the Internet at http://www.usagateway.visitbritain.com.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Anguilla and Montserrat Civil Aviation Authorities as Category 2 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Anguilla and Montserrat air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, air carriers from these territories are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Turks and Caicos, the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands Civil Aviation Authorities as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Great Britain’s air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at 618-229-4801.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Montserrat is a volcano-prone territory. Although volcanic eruptions have abated, the volcano is still dangerous. All Caribbean countries can be affected by hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: U.S. citizens living in or visiting Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and Montserrat are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, which has jurisdiction over those territories, and obtain updated information on travel and security in the region. The Consular Section is located in the American Life Insurance Company (ALICO)) Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown, Barbados, telephone (246) 431-0225 or FAX (246) 431-0179. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday, except local and U.S. holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. U.S. citizens may also register with the U.S. Consular Agent in Antigua, whose address is Bluff House, Pigeon Point, English Harbour, telephone (268) 463-6531; fax (268) 460-1569; or e-mail address: ryderj@candw.ag. The Consular Agent’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday, except local and U.S. holidays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (please call for appointments).

There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in the Turks and Caicos. U.S. citizens living in or visiting Turks and Caicos are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, which has jurisdiction over this territory. The U.S. Embassy is physically located next to the McDonald’s Restaurant on Queen Street in downtown Nassau, and may be reached Monday-Friday (except Bahamian and U.S. holidays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.); telephone (242) 322-1181; after-hours (242) 328-2206; fax (242) 356-7174. For additional information on travel and security in this territory, U.S. citizens may also contact the U.S. Embassy or the Turks and Caicos Tourism Office at (649) 946-2321.

There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in the Cayman Islands. U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Cayman Islands are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, which has jurisdiction over this territory, and obtain updated information on travel and security there. The Consular Section is located on the first floor of the Life of Jamaica Building, 16 Oxford Road, Kingston; telephone (876) 935-6044; fax (876) 935-6018. Office hours are Monday-Friday (except Jamaican and U.S. holidays), 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with window services 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; after hours, a duty officer can be contacted through the U.S. Embassy’s main switchboard, telephone (876) 929-4850 through 59. The Chancery is located three blocks away from the Consular Section in the Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5. U.S. citizens may also register at the Consular Agency in George Town, Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands. The Consular Agency is located in the office of Adventure Travel, Seven-Mile Beach, telephone (345) 946-1611, fax (345) 945-1811. Internet: consulus@candwky. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday-Friday (except Jamaican and U.S. holidays).


This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 8, 1998, to update sections on country description, entry requirements, customs regulations, crime information, criminal penalties, medical information, traffic safety and road conditions, aviation safety oversight, disaster preparedness, children’s issues, and registration/Embassy and Consulate locations.



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