The Cayman Islands will require additional travel consent documentation for some minors entering the country from 13 July.
Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) said its new Assisted Traveller Consent Form must be completed for minors travelling unaccompanied, with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian, or in other circumstances where additional parental or guardian consent may be required.
According to CBC, the form will help officers verify travel arrangements and confirm that the appropriate consent has been granted before making a landing decision.
The agency said the measure is intended to strengthen child protection safeguards at the border and support efforts to prevent human trafficking and exploitation.
Home affairs minister Nickolas DaCosta said in a press release on 9 July, the requirement forms part of wider efforts to strengthen border controls while protecting children travelling to and from Cayman.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to preventing human trafficking and child exploitation, supporting families, and ensuring our border security measures continue to evolve with international best practices,” he said.
The form will provide CBC officers with information needed to assess whether parental or guardian consent has been properly granted.
Ezron Anderson, assistant director responsible for passport control, said the additional information will support officers in identifying potential safeguarding concerns and verifying travel arrangements.
“By ensuring that our officers have the information necessary to verify parental or guardian consent, we are better positioned to identify potential safeguarding concerns, prevent the unlawful movement of minors, and facilitate safe, secure, and legitimate travel through our ports of entry,” Anderson said.
Parents and guardians of affected travellers are being encouraged to complete the form before travel and ensure all required supporting documents are available for inspection on arrival.
CBC said travellers who arrive without the necessary documentation could face delays while officers verify travel arrangements and consent requirements.
CBC director Marlon Bodden said the requirement was intended to support the protection of children while maintaining legitimate travel through Cayman’s ports of entry.
“This initiative also provides reassurance to parents and guardians that the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service’s frontline officers remain committed to our shared responsibility of protecting children while facilitating legitimate travel,” he said.
The form will be available through the CBC website. Guidance on eligibility, supporting documentation requirements and frequently asked questions will also be published ahead of implementation.
CBC is encouraging parents, guardians, schools, sports organisations, youth groups, travel agencies and others involved in arranging travel for minors to review the new requirements before they take effect.
