Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 9/20/2006

Question
Hello,
I am a jamaican, a company in cayman is filing for a wrok permit for me.
Will I still required to obtained a visa and if so what are the requirements.
and how long will it take for visa procesing?
Joe

Answer
Joe,

Within the past year the government of the Cayman Islands has instituted a requirement for a travel visa for persons holding Jamaican passports.

A work permit is a type of visa, and is valid for travel into the Cayman Islands for the duration of the permit.  Your employer applies for the work permit on your behalf, and is required by law to pay for the work permit.

You will most certainly need valid proof of the granting of the work permit in order to board a flight to Cayman.  Your employer will receive a letter from the Immigration Board to verify the issuance of your work permit.  Typically, a faxed copy of this letter is adequate proof for purposes of travel.  You will receive the work permit visa stamp in your passport upon arrival in Cayman.

For other Jamaicans travelling to Cayman, a brief visa application and requisite fee should be submitted to the Cayman Islands Visa Office on Dominica Drive, New Kingston. Processing is usually rapid, and a visa may be granted the same day the application is made.

I hope this answers your question and that you enjoy working in the Cayman Islands.

Regards,

Drew