Marrying and Sponsoring a Cayman Islands Citizen
Listen to this articleMarriage to a Cayman Island Citizen
Every country has laws that apply to its citizens marrying a person from a different country. Getting married to a Cayman Islands citizen to bring them to Canada to live eventually is a process with many steps.
You must demonstrate to Cayman Islands officials that you are not currently married to anyone else – either you have never been married or all divorces are finalized – that your identity is proven, and that you have never committed any crimes in the Cayman Islands. This is done by providing various documents, including an Affidavit of Single Status, to the Cayman Islands government either in the Cayman Islands or via a UK embassy.
If you want to bring your Cayman Islands spouse or partner to live in Canada, you must then file a sponsorship application for them to become a permanent resident. If they would like to visit you in Canada while their application is in process, they must also apply for a visitor visa. For more information, please see our family sponsorship page and our visitor visa page.
Cayman Islands Marriage Basic Requirements
In order to marry a citizen of Cayman Islands, you must demonstrate to the Cayman Islands government that you are eligible to do so. This includes:
- Proof of country of birth
- Proof of single status
- Proof of age requirement
Cayman Islands Marriage Ceremony
The marriage ceremony to a Cayman Islands citizen can legally take place in Cayman Islands, Canada, or any other country as long as both parties have the necessary visas to enter this country legally. This marriage can then be recognized when applying for a permanent residence or a visitor visa for your Cayman Islands spouse. To learn more about cereomny customs, see below.
Family Members
If your Cayman Islands spouse has dependent children, this does not affect the Cayman Islands Marriage document application.
If you have dependent children, they have no effect on the application to marry a Cayman Islands citizen.
Calling the Cayman Islands from Canada
The Cayman Islands are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), as is Canada, so calling there is like making a normal long distance call within Canada:
Dial 1 – area code – local number. The area code is 345.
Calling Canada from the Cayman Islands
Because both Canada and the Caymans are in the NANP, calling Canada is like making a normal long distance call.
List of Area Codes in Canada
| Province | Code | Province | Code |
| Alberta | 403 / 587 (southern Alberta)
587 / 780 (central and northern Alberta) |
Nunavut | 867 |
| BC | 236 / 250 / 778 (majority of BC)
236 / 604 / 778 (Metro Vancouver) |
Ontario | 226 / 519 (southwestern Ontario)
249 / 705 (northeastern Ontario) 289 / 365 / 905 (Greater Toronto Area) 343 / 613 (eastern Ontario) 416 / 647 (Toronto) 807 (northwestern Ontario) |
| Manitoba | 204 / 431 | PEI | 782 / 902 |
| New Brunswick | 506 | Quebec | 418 / 581 (eastern Quebec)
438 / 514 (Montreal) 450 / 579 (Greater Montreal) 819 / 873 (remainder of Quebec) |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 709 | Saskatchewan | 306 / 639 |
| Northwest Territories | 867 | Yukon | 867 |
| Nova Scotia | 782 / 902 |
Time Difference
The Cayman Islands are on Eastern Standard Time but do not participate in Daylight Saving.
| Canadian Time Zone | # of Hours Caymans are Ahead or Behind | # of Hours during DST |
| Pacific (BC, Yukon) | Caymans are 3 hours ahead | Caymans are 2 hours ahead |
| Mountain (Alberta, western Nunvaut, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan) | Caymans are 2 hours ahead | Caymans are 1 hour ahead |
| Saskatchewan | Caymans are 1 hour ahead | Caymans are 1 hour ahead |
| Central (Manitoba, Northwest Territories, central Nunavut, northwestern Ontario) | Caymans are 1 hour ahead | Same Time |
| Eastern (most of Ontario, most of Quebec) | Same Time | Caymans are 1 hour behind |
| Atlantic (Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, eastern Quebec) | Caymans are 1 hour behind | Caymans are 2 hours behind |
| Newfoundland | Caymans are 90 minutes behind | Caymans are 2.5 hours behind |
Emergency Information for Canadians in the Cayman Islands
The Government of Canada’s Travel Alerts for the Cayman Islands
Sponsoring Your Cayman Islands Spouse to Canada
The sponsorship process can be complicated and lengthy. To learn more, click the button below:
Want to learn more about marrying in the Cayman Islands? Let us know!
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Cayman Islands : Exercise normal security precautions
Last Updated: 1. RECENT UPDATESNatural disasters and climate – removed information on the tsunami threat2. ADVISORIESCayman Islands - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in the Cayman Islands.3. SECURITYCrimeThe crime rate is very low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occasionally occurs. Use your hotel safe to store your valuables, but be sure it is bolted to the wall or the floor.Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all timesCarry a photocopy of your passport's identification page with you at all timesDon't bring valuables to the beachDon't walk alone to deserted beaches or poorly lit areas after darkWomen's safetySexual assaults occur. Women travelling alone may also be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy. We also strongly advise that you file a report with the local police.Advice for women travellersSpiked foods and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.Recreational activities and excursionsEnsure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance and that sporting and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition. Ensure helmets and life jackets are available, if applicable. Avoid excursions that are not recommended by tour operators.CruisesThe port of Grand Cayman is a cruise-ship stop.Advice for Cruise TravellersDemonstrationsDemonstrations can occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can suddenly turn violent at any time. They may cause disruptions to services, to traffic and public transportation.Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking placeFollow the instructions of local authoritiesMonitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrationMass gatherings (large-scale events)Road safetyRoad conditions are poor in some areas.Public transportationBusesSafe public minibuses run on the main roads.Taxis and rental carsTaxis, mopeds, scooters and rental cars are widely available.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.Information about foreign domestic airlines4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules. Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid beyond the date of expected departure from the Cayman Islands.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelPassport with “X” gender identifierWhile the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.Other travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.Useful linksForeign Representatives in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: not required for stays up to six monthsWork permit: requiredStudent visa: requiredOther entry requirementsA return ticket and proof of sufficient funds is required to visit the Cayman Islands.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). Children and travelLearn more about travelling with children.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical facilities and services are generally good. There are several public and private hospitals and clinics on the islands. The main Hospitals are in Grand Cayman, the sister island Cayman Brac has a smaller hospital, and Little Cayman has a medical clinic. Therefore, the medical services are more limited on the Sister Islands. The Cayman Islands provide a wide range of ultra-modern medical services. Treatment is expensive, and cash payment may be required upfront. Make sure you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation if required. Severe cases requiring critical care may require medical evacuation to the United States for treatment. Be aware that medical evacuations can be extremely expensive.Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.Health and safety outside CanadaMedical tourismCanadian citizens have died or had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad. Before leaving for medical travel:make sure you have done your researchuse reputable health-care providers onlyReceiving medical care outside Canada6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. The Cayman Islands is a separate legal jurisdiction from the United Kingdom and has its own laws.Canada and the United Kingdom are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and British authorities. This process can take a long time and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.DrugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Do not carry parcels, gifts or luggage for other people across a border or through customs under any circumstances.Drugs, alcohol and travelInternational Child AbductionThe Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the United Kingdom.If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Cayman Islands, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Caymanian court.If you are in this situation:act as quickly as you cancontact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Conventionconsult a lawyer in Canada and in Cayman Islands to explore all the legal options for the return of your childreport the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response CentreIf your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.Useful linksList of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague ConventionInternational Child Abductions: A guide for affected parentsChildren and travelThe Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International LawCanadian embassies and consulates by destinationRequest emergency assistanceDrivingTraffic drives on the left.A visitor's driving permit is required to drive in the Cayman Islands. You can obtain a visitor's driving permit from a car rental agency or from an office of the Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing. You will need to present a valid Canadian passport, the immigration card that you received upon entry to the Cayman Islands and a valid Canadian driver's licence. There is an administration fee of CI$16.Visitor's driving permit - Department of Vehicle and Drivers' LicensingImports and exportsLocal customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, spear guns, medications, agricultural products, animals and animal products (including sea turtle products). Note that anything delivering a projectile is considered a firearm. If you travel with such items, you may be required to obtain special permits prior to arrival. Contact the British High Commission in Ottawa for specific information regarding customs requirements.MarriagesIf you are planning to marry in the Cayman Islands, ensure that you meet all requirements and have all necessary documents before leaving Canada.Marriage outside CanadaMoneyThe currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD; CI$). Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants.InvestmentsIf you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in the Cayman Islands, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Cayman Islands before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane seasonHurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane. You should carefully consider these risks when planning a trip during hurricane season.If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season despite the risks:be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your tripstay informed of the latest regional weather forecastscarry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operatorfollow the advice and instructions of local authoritiesUseful linksSevere storms outside CanadaLarge-scale emergencies outside CanadaActive storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane CenterEarthquakesThe Cayman Islands are located in an active seismic area. Earthquakes occur infrequently and most seismic events pass unnoticed. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Consulate of Canada in Seven Mile Beach1st Floor Landmark Square Postal Address: Telephone: (345) 949-9400 |
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High Commission of Canada in Kingston3 West Kings House Road Postal Address: Telephone: (876) 926-1500 |
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