The Cayman Islands has several honorary consuls who can act on behalf of their nationals on-island, when called upon.

In the case of a mass evacuation due to a hurricane, some consular officers can arrange or request airlift capacity from Cayman and can issue paperwork to ease transit from the Islands if passports are lost or have expired.

Consular officers met last year to discuss areas of common concern relating to the safety and general welfare of nationals during hurricane season. At the 2009 meetings, consular officers coordinated procedures for assembly points at Owen Roberts International Airport in the event of a mass evacuation of the Islands.

The Cayman Islands Government urges all residents to ensure that their travel documents are in order in the run-up to hurricane season.

Copies should be made of important documents (passports, work permits, birth certificates and driving licences) and stored away from the originals.

In the event of a hurricane, original documents should be kept in waterproof containers.

Those with insufficient/expired documentation will find it extremely difficult to enter the United States either prior to or after a hurricane.

The Visa Waiver Programme only operates for commercial flights, so a US visa is essential for those who are not US nationals travelling to America on private or charter flights.

For information about how your honorary consul can assist you in the event of a major hurricane plus the most up-to-date and travel document advice, contact your representative.

Nationals of countries which do not have an honorary consul in Cayman should consider applying for a new passport if they intend to visit their home country during summer, or registering with their nearest consular mission. Further details can be found on their government’s web pages.