Cayman finally on UK green list for entry

| 24/06/2021 | 128 Comments
London’s Heathrow Airport

(CNS): The Cayman Islands has been added to the UK’s green list of countries, which means that inbound travellers to England from Cayman will no longer have to self-isolate or quarantine when they arrive under the COVID-19 rules. UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps revealed the update to the the red, amber and green (RAG) rating lists for countries on Thursday. The change comes after considerable efforts by local officials to move Cayman from amber to the green list.

“I am delighted that Cayman has been added to the green list,” said Governor Martyn Roper. “This is welcome recognition for Cayman’s outstanding response to the global pandemic. This means from 30 June travellers from Cayman going direct to England will not need to quarantine on arrival.” However, they will still need a negative PCR test 72 hours before travelling and take an additional test on day two after arrival.

“This move from amber to green comes as a result of a huge effort from the Ministry of Health, HSA and my office,” said the governor. “I was also grateful to the Premier for writing to the UK Minister. My office has continued to provide updated information to the UK Department of Transport on Cayman’s Covid situation. This includes information on local Covid policies, vaccine uptake and our genomic sequencing capacity which has strengthened our case. I believed we had set out a compelling case as to why Cayman should be green and this latest review has proved that.”

“This is indeed excellent and welcomed news,” said Premier Wayne Panton. “I once again thank the Governor and his office for their tireless assistance in getting us off the amber list and into the green category.”

He added, “This means that the UK has recognised our excellent record in relation to our management of COVID-19. I cannot thank the UK Government enough for providing us with free vaccine. I also thank the people in the Cayman Islands who have taken the opportunity to get vaccinated. I still urge anyone who has not taken the vaccine to do so in order to help keep our residents safe once we are able to reopen our border.”

The UK’s “traffic light” lists are kept under constant review and if the situation warrants it, changes can be made at any time ahead of the three-week review points. Those travelling to England with onward journeys to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will need to follow the rules put in place by those devolved administrations.

More details about the traffic light system in England are available here.


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Comments (128)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    So basically getting the green light is only good for UK people and middle finger to the rest of the world because we cannot prove your vaccine is legit. Here’s a little fact, we have been so lenient on the island that who knows if COVID 19 (have to stress the 19 because COVID has been around for years it’s called the flu). Back to my point, some of the front line workers have either encountered travelers without protective gear (firemen, nurses etc.) as there are times they have to handle cases and do not put on all the protective gear. Those folks are not going into quarantine they just go on with their lives and duties. Tell me that there is no risk there, but here we are living here in a bubble thinking we are protected…well your not. My other point is our vaccine cards we get why would another country take our word that they are legit it’s paper and written on plus most of them have been smudged as the stamp on some did not dry properly, and if you think you can’t copy them to make a replica well you are wrong easy to replicate. So, bottom line with green light and Government telling us only five days quarantine is only good for one set of folks versus those of us that are Caymanian and have families living in the US and Canada their vaccines are shit (same damn vaccines) but our government does not think so. I’ve concluded that this is just a poor excuse just not to open to tourist or anyone from North America! more and more I’m regretting voting the PACT in. Absolutely useless, thought they would have bigger balls and be guided by intelligence. We are now the island that was forgotten, great job Kenneth and Wayne. While all other places have opened and thriving (please do not tell me how some had to go back into lock down, understand why first) the rewards we sit here thinking this is to protect our people, well this one Bobo you got wrong. Anyways, not expecting much out of your next press briefing going to be the same garbage and a few of the followers will drink the coolaide. Open the damn island.

    • Anonymous says:

      The mistake you’re making is thinking this is PACT decision, the PPM would be doing nearly the same. It’s Dr Lee and his team running the show. Why are we letting him and then have a free unscrutinized pass?

      • Anonymous says:

        That is a good point but at the end of the day the Premier can trump Dr. Lee or the Governor can. However, I 100% agree with you that Dr. Lee needs to be the one who we scrutinize and blame too. It’s just very frustrating now to have family (all Caymanians) that cannot come home because they aren’t vaccinated by H.S.A. However, majority have been vaccinated by CVS the largest Pharmacy in the US!! I am sure their cards are 100% more legit than the silly ones we got here.

    • STX says:

      I don’t believe PACT will open the island until one or more of the following happen:

      1. The CIG budget numbers require budget cuts
      2. The population of CI starts marching outside of the Gov’t building and embarrass the elected officials – it will take days for them to get the message.
      3. The financial district gives notice that they are planning moves – people don’t want to work where they can’t freely come and go.
      4. The real estate sells and value start to slump.
      5. Construction projects being being delayed or possibly cancelled.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Meanwhile Caymanian here in Florida for the last month recovering from mental stress of covid. Last night was driving around great to see trains, traffic and buildings at night. A very welcoming change of scenery with Latin music and couples enjoying the night. Very nice

  3. Anonymous says:

    CDC card not excepted equals condo sales equals construction slump equals no tourist equal big hole in budget

  4. Enough is enough. says:

    Take the damn vaccine. You won’t get Covid and we can all get back to our lives. Jeez this is so simple, it mind blowing how an entire country can be held hostage by stupid people, and even stupider politicians.

  5. Anonymous says:

    To all Caymanians working or studying in North America. Our government thinks it is better that you do NOT get vaccinated. It’s science. If you do, we cannot trust your documents (or you). So try to stay safe. If and when you get home, we will provide world class vaccination services. Oh yes. Just hope the world doesn’t reciprocate upon your return, because the world has no way of verifying ours.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Some of the posts below are such nonsense. When will people realize that we cannot stay closed forever and it’s inevitable that covid will be spread in the community at some point? Covid is not going to magically disappear but the vaccines we have been so lucky to get so early here prevent against serious illness and death. Why are we bothering to lobby the uk government to go on green list when we can’t go anywhere? The green list should be coinciding from June 30 with a reciprocal arrangement for vaccinated travelers coming directly to and from the uk to cayman, and at least 3 times weekly ba flights starting in July. It’s ridiculous that uk expats for example haven’t been able to visit family in the uk and get away from
    Here for a much needed break, when we have all had a double Pfizer jab and clearly pose no risk. Covid is going nowhere – let’s stop being such an embarrassment of a country and have a government that can for once show itself capable of making reasonable well educated decisions like we see with European and us governments where things are opening up due to the success of vaccination programmes.

    • Anonymous says:

      people realize that we cannot stay closed forever and it’s inevitable that covid will be spread in the community at some point?

      Then whats the point of telling people to get vaccinated for herd immunity if covid “will eventually” spread through the community here in the Cayman Islands?

      I’m suppose to think of health tomorrow right?

      What’s the long term side effect of these vaccines?

      Vaccination success? Why the breakthrough cases?

      It seems you’re more than qualified to respond to these questions given you’re statement above.

      I’m be waiting for you to address my questions.

      • Jotnar says:

        Not the OP, but in answer to your questions:

        1. Because when it does spread a) it wont infect as many people because the vaccine reduces the transmission rate, reducing the chances of even the unvaccinated catching it b) it reduces the severity of the symptoms experienced by those who do catch it, and by extension the pressure on the health system

        2. Yes. Are you sick today?

        3. To be fair, no one knows. We do know a lot about short term risks and effects, and they are way less than the short term effects of catching Covid if you are not vaccinated and a high risk category. And we also know about the long term effects of Covid. You are worrying about theoretical long term effects in the face of known short and long term effects of Covid, including death?

        4. The vaccine doesn’t guarantee you wont catch it. However, it has been shown to massively reduce the chances of you catching it, and the severity of the symptoms if you do.

        Don’t take my word for it — plenty of advice on all the above issues from major international health organizations.

  7. DB says:

    Governor, Minister of Health and Premier don’t break your arm patting yourselves on the back. The entire region was put on the green list.

  8. Anonymous says:

    ‪I can’t help but think of we are really in an end of days extinction event pandemic, how did Dom take the time to test his eyes and Matt the time to seduce his new bit of stuff? It’s hardly suggestive of mega panic time, is it? Starting to think we’re being played…‬

  9. Elvis says:

    Awesome….now watch

    • Anonymous says:

      Watch what? Resuming life, good or bad?

    • Anonymous says:

      Watch what? All the flights are full. Need about 4 times the number.

      • Anonymous says:

        Hey numbnuts, The flights are continually SOLD OUT. IF KX would put more flights on, they too would be full!!
        And BTW, there are plenty of ‘tourists’ here. Just because you own property and come visit does NOT make you a resident.
        Loads of Learjets taking off and landing ALL THE TIME! They ARE here.

  10. Anonymous says:

    If Cayman is so concerned that vaccines aren’t working, they shouldn’t be wanting to go anywhere.

    If it’s safe to travel, it’s safe for others to travel here.

    These politicians are pushing pushing pushing vaccines (all while changing the goal!) but obviously don’t plan to ever trust the vaccines.

    We’re in a mess with pretending to follow science but then not actually following it.

    Newsflash…..vaccines work!!!! They greatly greatly greatly reduce any possibility of catching/spreading it and if, it is caught, little to no symptoms for fully vaccinated people.

    • Anonymous says:

      The Delta variant is concerning as in Israel, 50% of new cases are in those that are fully vaccinated. The good news however is the fully vaccinated that do get infected have been asymptomatic.

      https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.com/israel-50-of-delta-variant-cases-vaccinated-severe-2021-6%3famp

      • Anonymous says:

        Lockdown for Israel then. Bless they be safe.

      • Anonymous says:

        OP here. I dont understand the dislikes. The information is correct. Fully vaccinated are still being infected by the Delta variant. The vaccine does work and I fully advocate people who have not got their shots to do so at their earliest convenience. The data is clear that fully vaccinated people who are PCR positive of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are at low risk of developing symptoms associated with Covid-19.

        • The silence is deafening says:

          I agree with mostly everything you say.

          Now what is our end goal for Covid 19?

          Isn’t it Herd immunity?

          Does the vaccine mitigate symptoms or inoculate those with the jab?

          Which is it?

          Isn’t the pro-vaxxer slogan to reach that herd immunity?

          So let me ask again so this doesn’t fall on deaf ears.

          Is the vaccine made to mitigate symptoms or is it made to inoculate(immunity) those granted with the anti bodies developed over time after injection?

          No one? Thought so, nothing but crickets.

    • Anonymous says:

      Its not just about the vaccine. We do not have active COVID-19 spread or infections in our community – not in one island! So if you are travelling from another country where there is community infections and the vaccine does not protect you 100% against COVID-19 or the variants, then you should not be allowed to come here without quarantining. Cayman have enough trust in the vaccine, to allow persons from other countries to isolate/quarantine for only 5 days. Ignorance to facts and information is sad and troubling.

      • Anonymous says:

        Agree it’s not about the vaccine, it’s more about IQ, religious indoctrination and QAnon BS. But I guess you knew that already?

  11. Anonymous says:

    Since we are now on the green list, please can BA put on more flights to UK. At the moment vaccinated Cayman travelers desperate to see loved ones in the UK have to travel via Jamaica/US due to no available direct flights. This in itself creates a health and safety issue because people are being forced to go to an ‘Amber’ list country just when everyone is playing their part by being responsible, keeping safe and getting the vaccine as and when requested.

    • Anonymous says:

      If you arriving from an amber country don’t you have to quarantine?

      • Jotnar says:

        Exactly their point. If it’s the only way to get there you have no choice – you then have to quarantine – and the UK takes the risk that you may become infected in transit- because there are no direct flights, even though BA were prepared to put more on, because Dr Lee said no.

    • Anonymous says:

      It is travellers!

    • Anonymous says:

      You enhancing problem then if that what you been doing! Nobody is being ‘forced’. And no, ‘have’ to. Many around the world have sat and waited.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Now can we please get some competition for the dreadful, price gouging BA on this route like Virgin or similar?

    • Anonymous says:

      Very few Brits want to holiday in Cayman. They can go somewhere just as nice for a fraction of the price. Even your Holiday Inn is $300 per night!

      • Anonymous says:

        Lol, not talking about you lot coming here. These people are talking about going there! And not everything is about hOliDay! People from here actually travel for business, school, health and family reasons.

        Why is it that people think they are the ONLY ones that want/need to travel?? Lol

  13. Anonymous says:

    Cayman is only on the green watchlist and not the full green list. This means that they can put cayman onto the amber list at a moment’s notice. This happened when they removed Portugal from the green list to amber immediately requiring travelers to undergo added restrictions.

  14. Anonymous says:

    CIG’s Vaccination Certificate is basically equivalent to a vaccination appointment card. It is not recognized by EU countries as it does not comply with EU standards. I doubt that UK will even recognize it.

    Hon Premier and Hon Health Minister can you please fix this! Can we have Vaccination Certificates that meet global standards.

    • Anonymous says:

      the pure incomptence of cig is staggering…..
      16 months into this mess and they have started nothing on digital vaccine certificates…..we just have a silly bit of paper that will not be acepted anywhere…

      • Anonymous says:

        How is it staggering? Look at the incompetence elected. If one gets jabbed in the U.S. they can be trusted for 10 days, but not 5 days. What’s the scientific basis for 10 days or 5 days? There is none. Based on CIG thinking, persons who get jabbed in the US should automatically do the 15 days. CIG can’t even figure that out. Based on science it should be ZERO days. In the absence of reason and science, there is ignorance and fear. Our good Dr. has personal issues on a witness stand, yet we tune in to every word he says. I’m so ashamed to be Caymanian. Can’t it be seen what is being done to our children who cannot get exposure abroad? Remember the typical rule here when they go for jobs? They don’t have international exposure! Or those who can’t easily return home despite following all international protocols. The vast majority of Cayman has been vaccinated. That means, ignoring the scaremongers, that the vast majority of Caymanians are SAFE. The others may never catch covid. If they do, the majority won’t feel any effects. The minority of those may feel ill. The extreme minority of those, if have an underlying illness, may pass. That is LIFE.

      • Anonymous says:

        The silly bit of paper is all everyone has. Cayman is not behind anyone else.

        • Anonymous says:

          Wrong. UK and most of western Europe has vaccination status on websites now. You just have to log in to your own data to find it. No need for scraps of paper since March.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yet they want to say the US card isn’t acceptable in Cayman!

      • Anonymous says:

        What US card. It is illegal in tRump states

        • Anonymous says:

          Does it exist in Democratic states?

        • Anonymous says:

          The CDC vaccination card is widely accepted everywhere except Cayman.

        • Anonymous says:

          The vaccine card is not illegal in Trump states. CDC cards are issued everywhere.

          State issued and validated vaccine passports as a form of verified vaccine confirmation are, however, being prohibited in a bunch of Republican states so as (they say) to prevent 2 tiers of citizens.

    • Anonymous says:

      We have a Health Minister and an Honourable Premier? Who knew?

    • Anonymous says:

      The UK sent the vaccine, why would it not be accepted in UK as Cayman is a British Overseas Territory?

  15. Tundi says:

    Means absolutely nothing when you have to quarantine here for 5-7 days.

    • Anonymous says:

      Quite happy to come back and quarantine at home for 5-7 days!

      • Anonymous says:

        Unfortunately while this remains the requirement travel time are apparently understaffed to monitor so we are limited to the number of flights we have.

      • Sick and tired of the Bull says:

        I have to quarantine for a minimum of 13, not 10. First day doesn’t count. Last day doesn’t count. Test is on actually day 12; and up to 72 hours (3 days) to get results and all clear. Why? Because the US vaccine is not recognized. Jeez. Way to go PACT.

  16. Anonymous says:

    My child’s vaccination is easily verifiable. The bottom line is our Government doesn’t want to do the work required to verify Caymanian students attending US universities. They would rather pander to the Jamaican Anti vac idiots, then actually help their own. Enjoy your 4 years, they will be your last.

    • Anonymous says:

      Could you make any less sense? How do you expect CIG to verify US administered vaccines when those fools are banning the institution of any verifiable proof?

      • Anonymous says:

        Um, I can send her medical records. Do you really think a board certified physician would risk their medical license so my kid could quarantine for a week less? I can have her record notarized. I can swear an affidavit. I can provide numerous pathways to insure her vaccination is legitimate. But we are not even allowed to be considered. Why? Because we are not rich. Our family, like many Caymanians, are the children, and grandchildren of Seafarers. Our ties are to the Gulf, not the UK. We don’t have the financial clout of the CIS crowd.

        • Anonymous says:

          CDC cards and the Americans have the money not the UK. They soon find out what condo sales will do.

    • Anonymous says:

      How? By which authorithy?

      • Anonymous says:

        They can certainly use methods to confirm. In addition to my CDC vaccination card, I have emails, from the provider, confirming my vaccine appointments.

        • Anonymous says:

          Because we don’t make appointments by email here, many assume there is no paper trail. The fear and ignorance here is overwhelming.

          • Anonymous says:

            And we all know how many people here make appointments & then don’t turn up. Especially if it’s raining!

  17. Anonymous says:

    Too bad the UK isn’t on Cayman’s green list. Delta inbound.

  18. Annoyed says:

    In the meantime time my Caymanian child will not be able to come home for Christmas because our obtuse government will not recognize her US vaccination administered at her primary physicians office, but will reduce quarantine for UK students from a region where the variant is rampant. There is no end to the idiocy.

    • Anonymous says:

      I’m very sorry to hear. Unfortunately, I’m in the minority. While your child is safe and Covid free, that reality is simply impossible for most on the island to imagine. The seven deadly sins are: Pride, Sloth, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Wrath and Envy. At least we don’t suffer from Envy.

    • Anonymous says:

      Because us system is unverifiable just like their education.

    • Anonymous says:

      Your issue should be with the US government for not providing a standard verifiable proof of vaccination. That is hardly CIG’s fault.

    • Anonymous says:

      Surely your child can come home for Christmas – it’s just that you and they will have to do 14 days quarantine ?

      • Anonymous says:

        I’m not the original poster, but my kids only get 2 weeks off from school in the US at any time of year other than the summer, and if their entire break would have to be spent in quarantine because CIG will not recognize their US-administered vaccine, then it’s essentially impossible/impractical to return home. It’s madness.

        I’m going on the basis that this is only a temporary provision, lots of people will complain, a workaround will be found (antibody testing? affidavit?) because CIG has to find some way to restart the economy and get tourists (never mind Caymanians) back, and reason will prevail.

  19. Anonymous says:

    time to reciprocate.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why? We are Covid free. The UK is not.

      • Anonymous says:

        Yet 120,000 will attend the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The world has moved on, Cayman needs to put on it’s big girl panties.

        • Anonymous says:

          From NPR today: An increase of coronavirus infections around the world is forcing some governments to reimplement lockdown measures to control the spread of the virus. From Australia to Israel and around Europe, health officials announced new restrictions ahead of the weekend as they report clusters of outbreaks and try to mitigate further transmissions. These decisions come as the more transmissible delta variant of the coronavirus becomes the dominant strain in several countries.

          Now, why should I listen to an anonymous duffus who is fixated on sporting events as proof that “the world has moved on” from COVID-19?

        • Island Dreams says:

          So true, I have been in the UK throughout this whole COVID nonsense. And of course, I have family and friends on Island queuing me into the happenings there

          Of the two locations, Cayman seems to have lost all perspective of the future, economy, and freedom. It seems to me, the very thing that has offered comfort has also isolated the island from the reality of this whole mess, and the rest of the world. The scare meter is off the charts.

          Caymanians to this day are still screaming stay away to global investors, families, and friends. I guess this is the new Caymankind.

          I fear for the island’s(locals) future and the huge displacement when next year’s inflation rates climb into the stratosphere.

          You all better put some moves into place because things are about to get really bad for the rock!

      • Anonymous says:

        “We are Covid free” – not for long – hope you are ready for it – get yourself vaccinated

        • Anonymous says:

          My town in the US is covid free, too. Has been for quite awhile. Big whoop.I still live my life and am not in a paranoid state of hysteria. I got myself vaccinated and feel safe to travel and work around others.

      • Anonymous says:

        Because we are all vaccinated. Or should be.

        • Anonymous says:

          You are 100% correct. The vaccine given to us by England work. As the Queen and other world leaders have shown us. Enough of our non-science, fear based government and thankfully minority of people. Open up to vaccinated people.

      • Anonymous says:

        Hence no reason to get vaccinated.

      • Anonymous says:

        Don’t be so naive to think that Covid will never come to Cayman. It most definitely will, but if you are vaccinated you will be protected from serious illness and death.
        Get used to it people, no vaccinations then no chance of tourism and certain deaths.
        Get vaccinated, NOW.

  20. Say it like it is. says:

    Whilst we are all congratulating the Governor and Premier for their sterling efforts,(forgive the pun) it should also be noted that Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, BVI, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos were also added to the green list at the same time.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Later we will
    See if its really free, U K never gives anything for free, it may not be for money but it will be for something,

  22. Anonymous says:

    They’re moving the whole region to the green list. We didn’t do anything special that the Governor and Premier are congratulating themselves about. They may have done all they did but it made no difference: we were put on the amber list last time for political reasons, and now we are coming off of it with the rest of our region. It’s no special feather in our cap.

  23. Get Real Caymanian says:

    I sincerely hope CIG will reciprocate by letting travellers from UK dont have to either isolate or quarintine, once they have a negative test prior to travelling or double vaccinated. Stop playing hardballs, it ‘s time to get real. Governor Roper , I hope you prioritize this, as I want to return home asap.

  24. Anonymous says:

    It only took a few more Covid cases to make it. The record was too clean before…

  25. Anonymous says:

    Makes no difference to us though as the border is still closed. Open up a 3 time weekly British airways flight from July so we can finally get off this rock, take a holiday in Europe and quarantine for 5 days when back if necessary. Vaccinated people only obviously. Same for uk vaccinated travelers. Why are we lobbying to be on the green list when the airport is shut and we only have sold out extortionately prices fortnightly ba flights scheduled?

    • Anonymous says:

      Far too sensible and reasonable.

    • Anonymous says:

      The flights are only for essential travel not holiday makers or hasn’t that gotten through your thick skull as yet,,

    • Anonymous says:

      So we can get COVID and lock down again…makes total sense. By the way dumb f*** you can leave “the rock” at any time. Book your flight and go bozo.

      • Anonymous says:

        Hey genius, do you realize the initial lockdown was based on false projections? Remember 800 we’re going to die. Plus, there is a major development. You may have heard of it. It’s called a vaccine. Your sixteen months behind the times. I would never stoop to telling you to leave the rock, but my advice is that you get out from under it. Have a great day.

    • Anonymous says:

      Who cares about European holidays!

    • Anonymous says:

      Just go and ppppppllllleeeeeaaaassssee don’t come back….

  26. Anonymous says:

    The only minor problem is all the flights are fully booked.

  27. Anonymous says:

    Caymanians never posed any risk to the UK. I sense a deal here given that only vaccinated visitors with a UK NHS record will be allowed to do the reduced 5 day quarantine. The Americans are kicking off about this on social media now.

    • Anonymous says:

      The Americans can kick-off about it once the US and UK finally stop their p*ssing contest and allow UK residents to enter the US to be on the Green List. Then if nothing changes in Cayman they can kick-off.

  28. Anonymous says:

    “Free vaccine” – actually funded by UK tax payers.

    • Anonymous says:

      They print currency, no taxpayers paid for anything, not even the interest on the money they created from nothing

    • Anonymous says:

      Yup and it’s been given to UK citizens in the Cayman Islands and its residents, many of whom paid or pay UK taxes. I know I paid for my vaccine during 4 years of studying paying 20% VAT on everything.

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh you numbnuts

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