Entering by boat: Cayman Islands
What to do to enter Cayman Islands by sea: the procedures, the papers to present and the ports where you can clear in.
Based on official sources, checked on 28 October 2026.
Before you arrive
- Online procedure: SailClear (accepté) ; avis de pré-arrivée du Port selon la taille — sailclear.com
The steps
- Before arrival: SailClear notice (recommended).
- On approach: call Port Security on VHF 16, fly the Q flag.
- Wait on board for Customs & Border Control; show the previous port clearance.
- On departure: notify Customs up to 24 h ahead and visit immigration in person.
Papers to have on board
- Passports for the whole crew
- Visas, if your nationality requires them
- Crew list
- Boat papers (registration certificate)
- Outward clearance from the previous country
Good to know
- Call the Port (Port Security) on VHF 16 before entering; Q flag mandatory (fine up to CI$1,000).
- Do not walk to the Customs office yourself: wait for the officers.
- Firearms, spear guns, Hawaiian slings and catapults are declared and surrendered on boarding.
- No port fees for yachts; out-of-hours clearance USD 72, public holidays USD 90.
- Between islands: Customs clearance; outbound immigration in person no more than 5 h before departure.
Ports of entry
The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.
Grand Cayman
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- gov.ky/en/web/cbc/trade/ocean-vessel
- caymanport.com/pre-arrivals/
- v2.noonsite.com/place/cayman-islands/view/clearance
- noonsite.com/news/caribbean-clearance-sailclear-announces-subscription-fee-for-service/
This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.