Cayman Islands Customs & Quarantine Prohibited Items

These are the items that the Cayman Islands Customs Department strictly prohibit from entering the country. You will face a fine or penalties if you attempt to bring these items.

• Firearms and Weapons

  All firearms and weapons are banned from entering the Cayman Islands, including ammunition, explosives, knives, bows, catapults, and other manually operated weapons. You would need a permit signed by the Commissioner of Police for use for sporting activities or cultural/historical reasons. This also includes tear gas devices or any gas cylinders.

• Drugs

  All illegal drugs and controlled substances are illegal in the Cayman Islands and therefore can not be brought into the country. This includes cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and ecstasy. Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control specify that any reference to ganja (marijuana) or the ganja plant is strictly prohibited.

• Endangered Species

  The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ban any items that are derived from endangered species such as Ivory, coral, fur or shells from endangered marine life from entering the Cayman Islands.

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

  Due to the risk of pests or diseases spreading, most fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, and leafy greens, are not allowed to be brought into the Cayman Islands. These are strict rules created by the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture.

• Meat and Dairy Products

  It is strictly prohibited to import fresh, frozen, or cured meats, as well as dairy products such as milk and cheese. This is to prevent any animal disease from affecting local agriculture and ecosystems.

• Rice and Sugar

  The import of rice and sugar from certain countries is strictly prohibited unless you have permission from the Cabinet.

• Controlled Substance Medication

  If your prescription medication is classed as a controlled substance in the Cayman Islands, you’ll need to declare it and bring the original prescription.

• Explosives and Fireworks

  Any type of explosive or firework is banned from entering the Cayman Islands to protect public safety. This includes sparklers and firecrackers and there are strict regulations behind this. The items will be seized and you may face a fine.

These are the items you can bring through customs without having to declare them. They are safe and don’t pose a threat to the Cayman Islands’ agriculture or ecosystems.

• Personal Effects

  You can bring personal items without declaring them including clothes, shoes, and toiletries. This also applies to personal electronics such as laptops, chargers and phones.

• Alcohol

  There are duty exemptions on alcohol you bring into the Cayman Islands, meaning you can bring up to 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine with you without declaring them.

• Tobacco

  You can also bring up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco with you. Any amount above this must be declared.

• Money

  If you are bringing more than USD 10,000 in cash with you then you’ll need to declare it at customs.

• Sport Equipment

  Most sporting equipment such as fishing gear and snorkeling equipment can be imported without declaration as long as the items are for personal use and are recreational items.

• Prescription Medications

  Small amounts of prescription medication are typically allowed without needing to be declared. You should carry the original prescription or a doctor’s note to verify the prescription. It’s important to check with the Cayman Islands Health Services and the Cayman Islands Customs Department if your medicine is classed as a controlled substance.