Bermuda travel guide
About Bermuda
Bermuda is probably best known for two things: lurid, knee-length shorts and the fabled Bermuda Triangle, a stretch of sea where boats and planes are said to have mysteriously disappeared. However, these lazy stereotypes serve only to distract from what is an exceptionally beautiful destination.
Comprised of around 180 islets, Bermuda looks like your archetypal Caribbean retreat with its fine sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and swaying palms. But it’s nothing of the sort. In fact this lonely archipelago floats 1,030km (640 miles) off the coast of South Carolina, adrift in the Atlantic Ocean, far from anywhere in particular.
A British Overseas Territory, Bermuda has embraced many traditions from the motherland: from sophisticated gents playing cricket to refined ladies supping afternoon tea. There are even red phone boxes.
Discovered by the Spanish in 1505, Bermuda fell into British hands a century later and has remained part of the much-diminished empire ever since. The legendary writer, Mark Twain, popularised the islands in the late 19th century. “You go to heaven if you want – I’d rather stay here instead,” he cooed. John Lennon was another fan of the archipelago, which was the muse behind his song, Borrowed Time.
For some time Bermuda has been considered a destination for the, shall we say, more mature traveller. And while its scenic golf courses, colonial hotels and genteel vibe do suit elderly travellers, the archipelago has started to attract a younger crowd in recent years. They come for the excellent scuba diving, the cycling and other adventure activities, or just to explore the beauty of the archipelago from the back of a motorbike.
And beautiful it is. Bermuda’s coastline is blessed with pink sandy beaches and crystalline waters, while inland visitors will find an abundance of subtropical plants and flowers, interspersed with quaint pastel cottages. There are certainly worse places to disappear.
Key facts
53 sq km (20 sq miles).
65,331 (UN estimate 2016).
1,324.5 per sq km.
Hamilton.
Parliamentary, self-governing British Overseas Territory.
HM King Charles III since 2022, represented locally by Governor Rena Lalgie since 2020.
Premier Edward David Burt since July 2017.
Travel Advice
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Bermuda government will support you if you need help.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
- women travellers
- disabled travellers
- LGBT+ travellers
- solo and independent travel
- volunteering and adventure travel
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Bermuda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Government of Bermuda London Office.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bermuda.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Bermuda, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have space for entry and exit stamps.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit Bermuda without a visa for up to 180 days in any 12-month period. You must have a ticket for return or onward travel.
To stay longer or work, study, travel for business or other reasons, you must meet the Bermudian government’s entry requirements.
If you want to work in Bermuda, you must get a job offer and work permit before you enter the country. You must not look for work while visiting as a tourist.
Checks at border control
At Bermudian border control, you may need to show:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation
Arrival card
Visitors must complete a Bermuda arrival card. Once you’ve completed the card, download it to show immigration officials. You can also complete a paper copy when you arrive in Bermuda. You do not have to complete a card if you arrive on a cruise ship.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bermuda guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bermuda. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into Bermuda
You must declare cash, travellers cheques and other forms of payment if the value is more than 10,000 Bermuda dollars.
Medication
Make sure you carry any medication in the prescribed packaging and bring the prescription. See rules on prohibited and restricted goods.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Bermuda
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bermuda, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Bermuda has a moderate level of crime. There have been serious incidents, including the use of weapons. If you are a victim of crime, contact the Bermuda Police Service for support.
Protecting yourself and your belongings
Common crimes include:
- burglary
- mugging
- theft of unattended baggage and belongings, including from rental scooters
Take particular care after dark and avoid quieter, darker streets.
See the Bermuda Police Service’s safety tips for tourists.
Laws and cultural differences
Bermuda is a separate legal jurisdiction to the United Kingdom and has its own laws.
Public nudity
There are no nude or topless beaches, and it is illegal for anyone to be topless in public.
Illegal drugs penalties
Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for possessing or importing drugs include prison sentences of up to 25 years and heavy fines.
Alcohol laws
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public outside of licensed premises.
Weapons
It is illegal to possess or import weapons, including:
- air pistols
- catapults
- ammunition, including empty magazines
There are severe penalties for breaking weapons laws.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Bermuda.
Bermuda allows same-sex domestic partnerships. Following a change in the law, same-sex partners can no longer marry – marriages before 14 March 2022 remain valid.
Public attitudes are tolerant but conservative. Some people may not approve of same-sex couples showing affection in public.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Swimming safety
There are strong rip currents in many places across Bermuda. Most people in Bermuda do not swim in the sea until after Bermuda Day in late May.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Transport risks
Tourists are not allowed to drive cars in Bermuda. Buses, ferries and taxis are generally safe and efficient.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority has information on getting around Bermuda.
Road conditions
Roads are narrow and winding, and traffic may be heavy. Accidents between 50cc scooters and cars are common and have caused serious injuries and deaths. If you hire a scooter, be cautious.
Outside urban areas there are few footpaths and street lighting is limited. Take care while walking, especially at night.
The national speed limit is 35 kilometres per hour but is lower in some urban areas.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
The hurricane season in Bermuda normally runs from June to November. Monitor storms on the Bermuda Weather Service and US National Hurricane Center websites, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Bermuda’s Emergency Measures Organisation prepares the country for national emergencies.
Emergency broadcast station: FM 100.1 MHz
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Bermuda
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Bermuda, including dengue.
Medication
Most types of medication are readily available in Bermuda, including UK brands. Bring extra medication with you to Bermuda to prepare for unplanned and extended stays.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare in Bermuda
Bermuda has good, modern medical facilities with a fully equipped general hospital and numerous doctors and dentists. King Edward VII Memorial Hospital has a good accident and emergency department.
Medication and medical treatment in Bermuda are very expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation by air ambulance.
Cases that cannot be dealt with in Bermuda are usually referred to either Baltimore or Boston in the USA. Make sure your insurance covers medical expenses in the USA.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Bermuda government will support you if you need help.
Emergency services in Bermuda
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police, maritime rescue)
The Bermuda government has advice about what to do in an emergency.
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support in Bermuda
If you’re in Bermuda and you need emergency help, contact the Bermuda government.
You can also contact the British Governor’s Office in Hamilton.
