International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning that is required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary and are subject to change.
Whatever your reasons for relocating to the Cayman Islands--employment, family or a change of scenery--you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs.
Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Cayman Islands from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to the Cayman Islands, you'll have to pass through customs. To be granted access to the country, you're going to need to provide several documents to customs officials. As with all important documents, these should be kept safe throughout the duration of your relocation in a place where they can be easily accessed. This ensures their safety and allows your relocation to go as smoothly as possible once you arrive at customs.
The required documents include, but may not be limited to:
- Passport
- Customs Declaration Form
- Copy of work permit or residence papers (necessary for goods to be imported duty free)
- Shipment invoices
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Moving to the Cayman Islands from outside the country means that you'll likely be bringing a shipment of goods with you. Most countries have regulations when it comes to importing a large shipment of household goods, so become acquainted with the regulations that enforced by Cayman Islands customs officials:
- Customers will be charged a 20 percent customs duty on the cost, insurance and freight value (CIF), as well as port charges and airport taxes.
- Importers must enter all goods with customs within seven days of arrival in the Cayman Islands, whether the items are dutiable or not.
- All household goods must be described in detail on the shipment invoices and inventory, to enable them to be clearly identified upon arrival at customs for tariffs purposes.
- Country of origin must be specified on the shipment of all goods upon importation in order to be granted entry into the country.
- In the case of restricted items (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.) the quantity of the item should be noted clearly on all invoices.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from being imported into Cayman Islands through customs and may be seized by customs and border authorities upon arrival:
- All controlled substances and illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Pornographic materials and any obscene publications or articles
- Any goods or items that depict or make reference to marijuana, either the drug or the plant itself
- All counterfeit money, including coins or notes
- All turtle products, including turtles, turtle meat or any other form of turtle
- All spear guns, Hawaiian slings and all parts required to assemble such weapons
- Gas or any kind of fuel
- All explosives and incendiary devices
- Any goods or items that are prohibited by law in the Cayman Islands - prohibited items are subject to change in accordance with the Governor in Cabinet
RESTRICTED ITEMS
While prohibited items may not be imported into the country under any circumstance, restricted items are limited to certain quantities or may require additional duties, taxes or fees before they can be cleared by customs officials:
- Alcohol is permitted to be imported duty free, as long as the person is over 18 years of age and the shipment fits the following criteria:
- No more than 1 liter of spirits
- Up to 4 liters of wine
- Or 1 case of beer
- Cigarettes are permitted to be imported duty free, as long as the person is over 18 years of age and the shipment fits the following criteria:
- Up to 200 cigarettes
- Or 100 cigarillos
- Or 25 cigars
- Or 250 grams of tobacco
- A Certificate of Wholesomeness is required to import any meat or meat products
- Plants and plant products may be imported if they are accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate
- Guns, gun powder, bulletproof vests and any other weapons or firearms are prohibited unless an Import Permit is provided, along with a license signed by the Commissioner of Police
- Manually operated weapons such as knives, bows, pellet guns, catapults and crossbows, unless an Import Permit is provided, along with a license signed by the Commissioner of Police
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Some countries have strict regulations regarding how cars can be transported into the country and which cars are allowed to be imported. Here are the motor vehicle regulations for Cayman Islands:
- All vehicles must be accompanied by the appropriate paperwork, including title, registration and insurance information.
- Vehicles entering the Cayman Islands through customs will be subject to a duty of 29.5-42 percent, depending on the value of the vehicle being imported.
- Customers will also have to pay a one-time fee for future car disposal (Environmental Disposal Fee; ranging from $250-$1,250)
- The title of the vehicle for all used cars being shipped to the Cayman Islands must be stamped by US Customs for a 72-hour clearing period prior to the date of shipping
- No personal effects may be placed inside the car during shipping
- All vehicles must be delivered to the Port Authority before being cleared by customs
- All vehicles are subject to a $50 port charge by the Port Authority upon arriving in the Cayman Islands
- Customers must obtain car insurance and have proof of insurance before getting the car registered with the DVDL in the Cayman Islands
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Bringing your pets with you on your overseas move is a necessity for many; after all, they are a part of the family. Before you move, check out the regulations for shipping your pet overseas and what you need to obtain to safely allow your pet into your new country:
- All dogs and cats must be at least 10 months of age before they are allowed entry onto the island
- Dogs and cats will also require proof of a vaccination against rabies
- An official health certificate is required for the importation of any birds, fish, reptiles or other animals
- An Import Permit must be obtained from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture prior to importing any live animals
To help you prepare for your move, we've provided you with a few links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: