Published: June 25, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Cayman Islands Travel Advisory and Cayman Islands Country Information Page. This product is released in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica. The U.S. maintains a Consular Agency in George Town, Cayman Islands.
Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Consular Agency: 150 Smith Road, Smith Road Center, Unit 202B, George Town, KY1-1010, Grand Cayman.
Tel: (345) 945-8173
Hours: Monday – Friday, 0800-1400.
OSAC Country Chapter
Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Cayman Islands Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers to the Cayman Islands should exercise normal precautions.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cayman Islands.
As a major Caribbean tourist destination, the principal crimes of concern in the Cayman Islands are those of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatchings.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service reports that general crime rates increased 3.9% from 2022 to 2023. During this time, violent crime decreased by 29% and the murder rate decreased 70%, from 7.00 per 100,000 to 5.6 per 100,000 residents. Overall, there has been an increase in acquisitive crimes (i.e. robbery, burglary, and other property crimes). The Royal Cayman Islands Police has put a number of proactive measures and operations in place to mitigate anti-social behavior, while detecting and prosecuting offenders.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cayman Islands.
There is minimal threat from kidnapping in the Cayman Islands.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cayman Islands.
There is no recent history of terrorism in the Cayman Islands, and no indication of any terrorist activity.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Cayman Islands. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
There is minimal threat of political violence and civil unrest in the Cayman Islands.
Elections/Political Stability
Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory subject to United Kingdom laws and government. April 2025 general elections proceeded smoothly with no security concerns.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests and demonstration activity are relatively rare in Cayman Islands.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There are no concerns about anti-U.S. sentiment in Cayman Islands.
Law Enforcement
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is a national police service with a unified command structure. It is an unarmed service, with an armed response capability, mandated by statute to deliver the full range of police services across the Cayman Islands and within its territorial waters.
The RCIPS operate in a variety of roles, including emergency response, road and marine safety and enforcement, child protection, criminal investigation, intelligence, drug and firearm interdiction, border security, community outreach, finance, and administration. In addition to regular policing, the RCIPS is responsible for border control, marine search-and-rescue, and criminal interdictions in territorial waters.
The Cayman Islands Coast Guard principally responds to maritime matters and works closely with the RCIPS in responding to transnational crime.
The emergency line in the Cayman Islands is 911.
Police Response
Police support is generally adequate for victims of crime. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is unaware of any confirmed cases of police corruption, bribery, or harassment. Victims of any type of crime should call emergency services to report the crime to the police or visit a police station. Each station is responsible for crimes that occur within its district.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in the Cayman Islands, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands follows the United Kingdom legal system and has a relatively strong rule of law, but has been considered a hub for white collar crime.
Cybersecurity
The Cayman Islands’ Digital Forensic Hub became the Cyber Crime and Digital Forensic Unit in 2022 and continues with its mission to effectively and robustly investigate crime through the use of cyber investigations and digital forensics. The Cayman Islands does not have a history of significant cyber attacks. However, the tax-haven status of the islands makes individual hacking a concern. Travelers are recommended to maintain control over their electronics, and to avoid using public networks while in the Cayman Islands.
Import/Export Restrictions
The possession or importation of weapons (including air pistols and catapults) or ammunition (including empty magazines) is illegal. Violators are subject to severe penalties. Even a single bullet inadvertently loose in a carry-on bag can lead to arrest. Authorities strictly forbid importing or possessing firearms. A Conceal Carry Permit, employment by a police agency, or service in U.S. Armed Forces does not allow you to bring a firearm or ammunition into the Cayman Islands. If you travel with firearms, firearm components and parts, and/or ammunition to the Cayman Islands, authorities will arrest and prosecute you, which will result in a substantial fine and/or incarceration.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
