Keller Williams Cayman Islands

Moving & Shipping

Getting your belongings (and pets) to the Cayman Islands

Shipping Options

There are three main ways to ship your belongings to the Cayman Islands. The right option depends on the volume of items, your budget, and timeline. New arrivals have a window to ship personal effects with reduced or waived duty.

Full Container (FCL)

Best for families shipping an entire household. A 20ft or 40ft container shipped door-to-door. Takes 2–4 weeks from the US East Coast.

Best for: Full household moves

Shared Container (LCL)

Your items share container space with other shipments. More affordable for smaller loads. Typically takes 3–6 weeks.

Best for: Partial moves, select items

Air Freight

Fastest option for essential items. More expensive per pound but arrives in days. Good for electronics, documents, and immediate needs.

Best for: Urgent or small shipments

Import Duty

Import duty in the Cayman Islands is typically 22–27% on most goods. However, new residents relocating to Cayman may be eligible for reduced duty on personal effects and household goods if shipped within a specific timeframe of arrival.

You will need to provide a detailed inventory of all items being shipped. The customs clearance process requires your work permit or residency documentation, a packing list, and the bill of lading from your shipping company.

Duty rates and exemptions can change. Consult with your shipping company or a customs broker for current requirements.

Bringing Pets

You can bring pets to the Cayman Islands, but the process requires advance planning. Key requirements include:

  • Import permit from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture
  • Up-to-date vaccination records (rabies required)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip identification
  • Some dog breeds face restrictions — check the prohibited list
  • Cats and dogs from certain countries may require quarantine

Planning Your Move?

Our agents can recommend trusted shipping companies and customs brokers who specialize in relocations to the Cayman Islands.

Talk to Our Team