Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Cayman Islands
About
| While the Cayman Island trio currently attract streams of holidaymakers to their sparkling waters and sweeping beaches, it is unlikely that the British, or anyone else for that matter, would have found these Caribbean delights quite so desirable when they were first discovered. The turquoise waters of Grand Cayman's West Bay are backed by the long, sandy Seven Mile Beach, and, while this is the main tourist centre and highly developed, this glorious stretch of coast retains its idyllic charms. Boatswain's Beach in West Bay is a commercial turtle farm where visitors can watch sea turtles at various stages of their development. There's also an artificial predator reef, a snorkelling lagoon, an aviary, and a cultural centre. |
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| Capital: | George Town (GCM) |
| Currency: | Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) |
| Language: | English |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 345 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to go: | June to October |
| Best For: | Island relaxation |
| Plugs: | 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) two-pin plugs are standard. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. Public displays of affection between homosexual couples should be avoided. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Topless bathing is prohibited. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into the Cayman Islands by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco • 1L of spirits or 4L of wine or 1 case of beer (up to 8L) |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited imports include illegal drugs, obscene publications or articles, any goods or items depicting or referring to marijuana, counterfeit money, gambling devices, turtles, turtle meat and turtle products, firearms and ammunition (unless licensed by the Commissioner of Police), bows, pellet guns and catapults, and spear guns. Restricted imports include plants, fruit, vegetables and meat, which require an import permit. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Lobster, conch or conch meat (unless in transit), and turtles, turtle meat and turtle products. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 27; Mar 5; Apr 18, 21; May 5, 19; Jun 23; Jul 7; Nov 10; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 26; Feb 18; Apr 3, 6; May 4, 18; Jun 22; Jul 6; Nov 9; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
SA passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Valid passport. This should be valid beyond the date of the return ticket
- Return air tickets
- Proof of sufficient funds
Immigration Cayman Islands: Cayman Islands entry information www.immigration.gov.ky
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
