The Cayman Islands government is urging all residents to ensure that personal documents are updated and always kept secure, particularly with the 2010 hurricane season now upon us. 

Government advises that critical documents like passports, birth and marriage certificates, or naturalization and registration certificates be kept together in waterproof bags or containers. They should be stored securely in a place that is easily accessible during emergencies.

As part of readiness preparations for the current hurricane season, it is essential to ensure that the following is done:

*Passports and other travel documents are valid

*Holders of Cayman Islands passports should submit only copies of those documents for renewals. Actual passports should not be sent.

*Holders of UK passports which will expire within the next six months should not send them away for renewal unless each holder has a second passport that may be used in the event of an emergency.

*Residents should make copies of key documents, including passports, birth and marriage certificates, naturalization and registration certificates.

*Original documents and the copies should be stored securely, but in separate locations.

During emergency situations, particularly approaching hurricanes or tropical storms which may require travel or evacuation, original documents should be kept at hand, secured in waterproof bags or containers.

Also, those travelling to the United States, either before or immediately after a hurricane, must ensure that their travel documents are in order. This is essential because holders of Cayman or UK passports containing a US visitor’s visa may travel to the US on commercial, charter or air ambulance flights; but Cayman passport holders without a US visitor’s visa must first obtain waivers to travel to the US on commercial or air ambulance flights.

Holders of Cayman Islands passports should ensure that the passports are valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from the US.

Holders of UK passports without a US visitor’s visa but with an approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization may travel to the US on commercial flights only. 

The government advises that residents travelling to other countries should make appropriate plans beforehand and should also know and comply with the travel requirements of respective destinations.