With its famous pink-sand beaches, pastel-colored houses trimmed with bougainvillea, and a melange of British, African, Portuguese, and Caribbean cultures, balmy Bermuda is a favorite destination for sunny getaways year-round.
The island ticks all the boxes for a tropical escape. Bermuda’s eclectic, colorful heritage is reflected in its food, art, and music. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in the sun when you aren’t soaking up the stunning beaches.
Entry Requirements for Bermuda
Whether you’re arriving by cruise ship or plane, entering and leaving Bermuda is relatively straightforward. However, the paperwork necessary varies based on your nationality. Here’s a guide to Bermuda’s entry requirements, including information on visas and residency applications.
Some Nationalities Can Visit Bermuda Without a Visa
If you’re a British citizen, or a citizen of the US or Canada, you can visit Bermuda without a visa or permit, regardless of whether you are traveling for tourism or business. All that is required is a passport (valid for the duration of your stay) and tickets for return or onward travel.
However, travel tickets must show the Booking Reference Number, the destination, and your departure date and time. Additionally, a valid visa for the country you are traveling to next may be required. Note that credit-card-sized US passport cards are not accepted for air travel—you will need your actual paper passport.
Other Nationalities Need Proof to Enter the UK, US, or Canada
As of 2014, Bermuda no longer issues entry visas or visa waivers to visitors, regardless of nationality or purpose of their visit. If you’re a citizen of any other country besides the UK, Canada, or the US, you must present a valid passport, return or onward tickets, and proof that you have the right to re-enter either the US, UK, or Canada. This is crucial because you will need to pass through one of these countries to reach Bermuda.
Additional Paperwork for Permanent Residents
If you are a permanent resident of the US, UK, or Canada—rather than a citizen—you must provide proof of your right of abode in one of the three countries upon arrival. British and Canadian residents need to show a Permanent Resident Card, while US residents must present a Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) or an original certificate of US naturalization along with a government-issued photo ID.
Return or onward tickets and a passport valid for at least 45 days beyond your departure date from Bermuda are also necessary. If you are traveling under a married name, ensure that you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate if your identification is in your maiden name.
Arrival Card Requirement
From November 2022, all visitors to Bermuda, whether arriving by air or yacht, must fill out the Bermuda Arrival Card. This card is available digitally and can be completed in advance or as a hard copy at Immigration.
Tourist Stay Duration in Bermuda
The maximum length of stay for tourists has been extended to 180 days as of August 1, 2020. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this maximum duration, you will need to request an extension, providing valid travel documents, a letter from your host or sponsor, proof of onward travel, and payment of a fee.
Work Visa Options in Bermuda
Until recently, working in Bermuda required a work permit and a job offer from a Bermuda-based company. However, from August 1, 2020, Bermuda has been offering special residency certificates valid for up to a year to digital nomads and students from all nationalities wishing to work or study remotely from the island.
The online application fee is US$275, and applicants must be over 18 years old, possess valid health insurance, and have a clean criminal record. Evidence of employment or enrollment in a recognized study program, along with proof of a continuous source of income, is also required.
Alternatively, there are several different types of work visas available in Bermuda, each with its own restrictions and requirements.
