The United States is seeing the highest levels of irregular Cuban migration since the 1980 Mariel Boatlift with migrants crossing the U.S southern land border instead of arriving by sea. The Washington Post[1], stated that in March of 2022 some 32,000 Cubans were taken into custody along the USA - Mexico border. Many of these migrants arrived at the US/Mexico border via other Central American countries such as Honduras and Nicaragua.
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that another vessel with migrants arrived today in Cayman Brac. The vessel was spotted around 3:45pm today with twelve (12) migrants on board, 9 males and 3 females.
Read more: Another Twelve Migrants Arrive in Cayman Brac Today
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that six (6) male migrants and one (1) female migrant arrived on a vessel this morning around 10:45am in Cayman Brac.
The Customs and Border Control Detention Centre is now at capacity and in accordance with the Mass Migration Contingency Plan (MMCP), the Elliott Conolly Civic Centre in Gun Bay East End is being temporarily used to house 23 migrants.
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that seven (7) male migrants arrived on a vessel this morning around 8:15am in Cayman Brac.
The Ministry of Border Control and Labour advises the public of an advertisement promoting work in the Cayman Islands is not affiliated with Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) or Customs & Border Control (CBC). The Ministry of Labour and advises persons to apply at their own risk.
Chief Officer for the Ministry of Border Control & Labour Wesley Howell states “We have had no conversations with the entity entitled Employees Corporation of Jamaica and cannot guarantee work permits will be approved as stated in the flyer. When persons apply for jobs outside of their country, they should do their due diligence and research the company and the position advertised to ensure they are not being taken advantage.”
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that the eight (8) migrants that departed Cayman Brac yesterday, 2 May 2022, arrived in East End at approximately 6:00am this morning. The migrants have stated that they are out of fuel and will not continue their journey.
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that another 20 migrants have arrived in Cayman Brac around 10:45pm on 1, May 2022. Twelve (12) of the migrants have disembarked the vessel and have stated that they will not continue the journey.
With the recent increase in the number of migrants arriving on the shores of Cayman Brac, the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) is taking a proactive measure and recently hosted a multiagency Mass Migration Committee meeting to discuss the Cayman Islands Mass Migration Contingency Plan.
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that 11 migrants have arrived in Grand Cayman today, 28 April. The vessel arrived with 7 males and 4 females. The migrants are severely dehydrated and 2 require medical assistance which is being rendered by Health Services Authority on the scene.
Further information will be provided at a later date.
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) is particularly concerned about the increasing importation of the illicit drug Fentanyl to the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) has welcomed 32 new Caymanian officers into its ranks following a recent successful recruitment drive.
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that at approximately 11:00am on Wednesday, 9 March 2022, three male migrants arrived in Grand Cayman aboard an unseaworthy vessel.
Read more: Seaborne Migrants Arrive in Grand Cayman & Cayman Brac
Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) would like to advise the public that on Friday, 28th January between 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, the Customs Online Systems (COLS) will be down to allow for the system to be redirected to the Cayman Islands Government (CIG) eServices sign-in page.
Read more: Customs Online System (COLS) Streamlined with CIG eServices
Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) advises the public that 6 male migrants arrived in Cayman Brac on 16 January 2022 at approximately 6:30pm. The migrants were placed in isolation and processed in accordance with COVID-19 processing protocols and one positive result was found.
Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that a vessel with 3 migrants arrived in Cayman Brac this morning.
Cabinet has approved the waiver of import duty on essential products for children, women and adults with medical conditions, including diabetic supplies. The waiver became effective on Tuesday, 23 November 2021.
Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms that a vessel with 5 migrants arrived in East End this afternoon.
Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) has launched the Automated Border Control (ABC) kiosks at Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA).
Read more: New CBC Automated Border Control Kiosks Offered for Arriving Passengers at ORIA
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) held a high visibility, joint agency risk based operation on Friday, 19 November at the George Town Port. The operation reflects CBC’s strategic and operational mandate whereby it concentrates on risks and carries out necessary procedures to assess areas of elevated risks.
Read more: Customs & Border Control Service Joint Risk Operation Complete
The Cayman Islands Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) would like to remind persons who are importing goods for the holiday season to ensure all supplier or sales invoices are provided to your appointed Agent before the goods arrive. This would help ensure a timely clearing and release of the goods.
The Ministry of Border Control & Labour announces the passing of the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment) Act, 2021 and the Customs and Border Control (Amendment) Act, 2021 in Parliament on 5 October. The Acts have now been assented to and will come into force today, 14th October 2021.
Read more: COVID-19 Vaccination Now Required For Certain Permit Holders
In accordance with the Prevention, Control and Suppression of COVID-19 (Travel and Boating) Regulations 2021, (SL 64 o 2021), effective immediately, all marine vessels travelling from Grand Cayman to the Sister Islands must receive a clearance letter from Customs & Border Control Service (CBC).
Read more: Marine Vessels Traveling To The Sister Islands Need CBC Clearance
The Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) is advising the public that following the sudden and tragic loss of one of its officers, the CBC Office at the Port Authority’s Cargo DistributionCenter on Portland Road will be closed to the public on Saturday, 25 September 2021. The office will reopen to the public on Monday, 27thSeptember 2021.
Read more: CBC Cargo Distribution Office at the Port Closed on Saturday
Two bills allowing the introduction of mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirements for work permit holders in the Cayman Islands are now published for public consultation.
Read more: Bills To Introduce Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations for Work Permit Applicants Published
Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) is currently investigating a situation whereby four Cuban national migrants are unable to be located.
The Customs & Border Control (CBC) Officers uncovered three (3) packets of marijuana and drugs in other forms concealed within imported goods.
Read more: Illegal Edibles And Marijuana Seized Upon Importation
The Customs & Border Control (CBC) Service has implemented a more streamline approach to the Appointment of Agent (AOA) process when importing goods using an Agent.
Read more: Process to Assign Cargo Agents Now More Convenient Using the CBC COLS System
On July 22, 2021 Customs & Border Control officers conducted a search of household goods being imported and found an illegal substance resembling marijuana. An investigation has been opened and remains active.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control & Labour, Hon. Mr. Christopher Saunders having the ministerial responsibilities for the Department and Labour & Pensions (DLP), Customs and Border Control (CBC) and Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC), Travel Cayman and Utility Regulation & Competition (OfReg) commenced customary tours to three of the Departments (DLP; CBC and WORC) on Friday, 14 May 2021.
Approximately four days of monitoring and intense negotiations the situation with the migrants onboard the MV Bulk Freedom has ended. The operation concluded without any serious injury to any of the migrants or the ship’s crew. It is also worthy to communicate that there were no reports of damage to property.
Read more: Multi Agency Law Enforcement Resolution Of Migrant Situation
The Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) confirms the situation with the Cuban migrants onboard the MV Bulk Freedom has been resolved.
The Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) acknowledges the situation with the migrants who are refusing to disembark the vessel, Bulk Freedom. CBC can confirm that there are ten adult males, two adult females and one infant female remaining on board.
The Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) has received notification from the Cayman Islands Coast Guard that a vessel in distress with multiple persons onboard was assisted by a passing vessel approximately 50 nautical miles west of Grand Cayman.
Following reports received from the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) on the night of 4th April 2021 in keeping with established protocols, it has been confirmed by the Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) that the electronic monitoring devices that monitored 10 migrants, all lost connection at sea, and as a result CBC has been unable to verify their current whereabouts.
Further to the previous Media Release dated 4th February, the Ministry of Employment and Border Control (MEBC) and the Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) recognise the legislative limitation within the Customs & Border Control Act, 2018, and its inconsistency with the principle of family unity under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.
Read more: CBC Statement on Exemption Granted to Spouse of Asylum-Recipient
Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) confirms that a vessel with migrants arrived in Cayman Brac this afternoon with a total of 6 persons, 4 males and 2 females.
The Ministry of Employment and Border Control (MEBC) and the Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) are aware and understand the “gap” in legislation as it relates to section 111 of the Customs & Border Control Law, 2018 and are looking at options to rectify this.
Read more: CBC Statement on Protesting at the Government Administration Building
On 22nd January 2021, Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) staff, led by Deputy Director Kevin Walton conducted the first awareness session for 2021. The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce requested CBC support in conducting this seminar.
Read more: CBC Conducts Awareness Session for Chamber of Commerce Members
This page covers information relating to inbound travel in regards to COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) would like to remind persons who are importing goods for the holiday season to ensure all supplier invoices or sales invoices are provided to the courier agent before the goods arrive. This would help ensure a timely clearing and release of the goods. Below are some useful tips to follow.
Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) confirms that on Sunday 6 December, 2020, a vessel with migrants was spotted off Little Cayman by a fisherman. The vessel appeared to have been powered by sail.
On Monday, 23rd November the Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) was made aware by the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) that the electronic monitoring devices that monitored 14 migrants living in rental properties, all lost connection, and as a result CBC has been unable to verify their whereabouts.
Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) will launch its new automated call flow system, which will include our ‘Customer Support Center (CSC)’. The objective is to enhance trade and facilitate travel, while improving the customer experience.
The Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) stated that on the 1st of September 2020 a shipment of assorted food items which had arrived from Canada was selected for inspection by a CBC officer.
On 13th July, Charles Sturt University Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) in Australia, and the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Services (CBC) began a new collaborative venture with the start of an 8-week course on Intelligence-Led Risk and Compliance Management.
Read more: CBC Officers Completed Risk and Compliance Management Course
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service launched a cross training programme in mid June allowing legacy custom officers and legacy immigration officers to be trained in the areas of Laws, Regulations, Policy & Procedures in their respective border areas at our airports known as Check Point 1 and Check Point 2. Check Point 1 is the first point of contact for the traveler where travel documents are shown and Check Point 2 relates to the area where officers review passenger baggage and conduct searches when necessary.
(Article by CNS): 9 September 2020
Delays, missing packages, undelivered medicines and mounting complaints about poor service by courier companies since COVID-19 struck are largely due to a lack of resources and poor preparation for the crisis over the last few months, customs has said. But importers themselves need to give the right information to agents and couriers, given the growth in imports and the fact that Christmas is coming, a senior official told CNS.
Customs & Border Control received a record-breaking amount of imported goods during the month of June, topping out at 18,000 individual imports. This was 5,000 more than the previous month placing a great strain on CBC resources as well as couriers and consolidated agents. As a result CBC has deployed additional officers to manage the increase.
Customs & Border Control (CBC) was informed by the Public Health Department that a CBC Officer has test positive for COVID-19.
Read more: CBC Confirms Officer Tested Positive for COVID-19
Customs & Border Control (CBC) is advising the public that the Extensions & Visa office on Elgin Avenue remains closed until further notice.
Read more: CBC Extension & Visa Counters Remain Closed Until Further Notice
The Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) would like to inform businesses and individuals, who wish to clear and collect their cargo that arrived by air before or during the COVID-19 public health emergency, to please contact 244-4959 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an exemption letter to complete their transaction.
Read more: Collection Of Air Cargo From Customs & Border Control
The Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) would like to inform the public that the fishing vessels that had cleared outbound prior to the imposition of the travel restrictions and curfew will be cleared inbound with the following stipulations :
Read more: Fishing Vessels Arriving to Cayman Required To Abide By CBC COVID-19 Measures
Customs & Border Control would like to clarify that from Friday, 20 to Sunday 22 March 2020, Caymanians, residents, essential personnel and persons with connections to the Cayman Islands arriving on flights from the United Kingdom will be permitted to enter the Cayman Islands subject to strict 14 day isolation protocols.
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands –The events of the last few days, with the confirmation of the first COVID 19 infected person, combined with his subsequent death and the impact on Health City Cayman Islands has understandably created much concern in our community
Read more: Message on Airport Closure from The Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP
The announcement that we have COVID 19 in the Cayman Islands will be of great concern to everyone. However, this was not unexpected and the Government has been putting plans in place to minimize the impact. I support the Government’s sensible measures to restrict public gatherings, close schools and to introduce travel restrictions.
· The Ministry of Health and the Public Health Department work to protect Caymanians and residents from coronavirus (COVID-19)
· Residents with travel plans to any countries with significant transmission should avoid travel