The Cayman Islands and Barbados are easing entry requirements for international visitors.

Currently, vaccinated travellers are required to apply for a travel certificate at least 72 hours prior to departing for the Cayman Islands, as well as show proof they have been fully jabbed.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and over who do not have *close ties to the Cayman Islands are not permitted entry, and those with close ties must quarantine for seven days.

However, from August 24 all Covid entry rules will be dropped, and all travellers will be able to enter the Cayman Islands without showing proof of vaccination, taking tests or filling in forms.

The Visit Cayman Islands website has been updated to reflect the changes.

“Effective August 24, 2022, all travellers – vaccinated and unvaccinated – are permitted to enter the Cayman Islands without the need of any additional documents or health-related steps due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Travellers are not required to apply for a travel declaration or travel request, present a negative Covid-19 test, show proof of vaccination, wear masks.”

Minister for tourism and transport Kenneth Bryan welcomed the news, and said “today is a great day in Cayman”.

“The new regulations are innkeeping with the current global environment, and I am in full support of and welcome the removal of travel restrictions,” he added.

Director of tourism for the Cayman Islands Rosa Harris said: “We are ready to open our doors to everyone who wishes to visit us and believe that the future of Cayman tourism is strong.”

Barbados has dropped its requirement for unvaccinated travellers to take a test or quarantine on arrival, and can enter by showing proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken between one and three days prior to arrival.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website states: “From August 20, unvaccinated arrivals are no longer required to quarantine or take a test on arrival.

“Once you have completed a health check and your documentation (pre-arrival test) has been validated, you will be free to move around Barbados unhindered.”

* People with close ties to the Cayman Islands are defined as those who own local properties or businesses on the islands, or are a spouse, civil partner, parent, step-parent, child, grandchild, step-child, or grandparent of a Caymanian or resident.