This past year has changed us in many respects—the way we work, attend school, dine out, shop and how we think about travel. Let’s look at families: Whereas before a U.S.-based family tended to go on a 1-week getaway, now months-long getaways are not completely out of the norm. This means savoring the destination, rather than passing through it. Work- and school-cations have emerged as new trends, with some destinations taking it one step further. Aruba, for example, offers the One Happy Workation program, which allows Americans to stay up to three months in Aruba on their U.S. passport with no special visa required.
Another island putting the focus on work/schoolcations is the Cayman Islands, offering a Global Citizens Concierge Program. As Rosa Harris, director of tourism for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, says, this program is “the perfect opportunity for families and digital nomads to live, work and study in the Cayman Islands for up to two years. This way, families can explore the Cayman Islands as their home-away-from-home and make memories to last a lifetime in the safety afforded by our destination.”
The Cayman Islands remains closed to international/leisure travel for the time being. But with the destination’s Global Citizens Concierge Program, allowing eligible applicants to relocate their partners and children to live in the Cayman Islands for up to two years. Once approved, the GCCP is able to assist families in booking accommodations on-island and enrolling children in private education or home school programs.
Criteria for the program includes:
Proof of Employment and/or Income
- Applicants must provide a letter showing proof of employment with an entity outside of the Cayman Islands stating position, length of employment and annual salary on company letterhead
- Applicant must make a minimum income of $100,000 annually, if applying as an individual
- Applicant must make a minimum income of $150,000 annually, if applying with an accompanying spouse/civil partner
- Applicant must make a minimum income of $180,000 annually, if applying with an accompanying spouse/civil partner and/or dependent(s)
- Applicant must make a minimum income of S$180,000 annually, if applying with an accompanying dependent(s)
All in-bound travelers are required to:
- Effective Jan. 14, 2021, undergo pre-arrival PCR testing if aged 10 years or older
- Undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival (day 0) in Cayman and again on day 15; and
- Remain in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days, after which a PCR test will be required on day 15 where a negative test result and sign off by the Medical Officer of Health is required for the quarantine period to cease. Allow 24-72 hours for off-boarding process, this includes a negative test result and return of monitoring equipment
“Following the global health crisis,” notes Harris, “travel will certainly look and feel different—but we can assure all travelers the Cayman Islands will remain the perfect backdrop for those yearning to make unforgettable memories in the sunshine, safety and serenity of Cayman. After a year of social distancing and remote learning, we’re eager to welcome families, who have come to expect a heightened standard of safety and security, back to Cayman and give them to the opportunity to unwind and reconnect the Cayman way.”
For more information on the Global Citizens Concierge Program, go to visitcaymanislands.com.
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