Unaccompanied minors or children travelling with someone who is not their parent or legal guardian will have to carry a consent form from 13 July onwards to show that their travel arrangements are legitimate.
The Assisted Traveller Consent Form is a new measure introduced by Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service designed to increase the protection of minors travelling to Cayman.
Consent form requirement
The form will provide CBC officers with information about their travel arrangements and confirmation that appropriate consent has been granted before allowing entrance to the country.
A statement from CBC said, “The introduction of the form reflects CBC’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding children, preventing human trafficking and exploitation, and ensuring compliance with international best practices in border security and child protection.”
Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs Nickolas DaCosta said, “The introduction of the Assisted Traveller Consent Form is a practical step towards strengthening our borders while providing greater safeguards for vulnerable minors travelling to and from the Cayman Islands.
“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.”
Safeguarding children
“The introduction of the Assisted Traveller Consent Form represents an important enhancement to our border security and child protection framework,” said Ezron Anderson, assistant director responsible for passport control at CBC. “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.”
Parents and guardians of minors travelling unaccompanied or with adults who are not their parent or legal guardian are encouraged to complete the form prior to travel and ensure that all required supporting documentation is available for inspection by CBC Officers upon arrival. Failure to provide the necessary documentation may result in delays while officers verify travel arrangements and consent requirements.
The Assisted Traveller Consent Form will take effect on Monday, 13 July, and will be available on the CBC website at gov.ky/web/cbc. Guidance on eligibility, supporting documentation requirements, and frequently asked questions will also be published.
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