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
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Bermuda’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
As Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, there’s no formal British diplomatic or consular representation. The local authorities deal with all requests for emergency assistance. See Crime and Entry Requirements.
The hurricane season in Bermuda normally runs from June to November. You should monitor progress of storms on the Bermuda weather service and National Hurricane Centre websites and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Natural Disasters.
Most visits to Bermuda are trouble-free, but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. See Crime.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bermuda, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism.
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Bermuda on the TravelHealthPro website.
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
International Travel
LF Wade International Airport is open for commercial flights. Visitors are required to complete a digital arrival form prior to arrival in Bermuda. Visit the Government of Bermuda website for more information.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Bermuda.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Accommodation
Resorts, hotels and cottages reopened at the beginning of July 2020. We recommend you check before you travel.
Public spaces and services
Face masks are required to be worn indoors when travelling by bus, ferry (excluding the outdoor decks), taxi, limousine or minibus. Face masks are also required to be worn indoors when working in or visiting health service providers, prisons and at the airport.
Businesses may prefer to continue to require face masks be worn by people entering their premises or accessing their services. If so, all customers must comply with the mask policy of the business.
For further information on coronavirus regulations, you should consult the Bermuda Government website.
Healthcare in Bermuda
Medication and medical treatment in Bermuda are very expensive. You should make sure you have travel insurance before travelling. Most types of medication are readily available in Bermuda including UK brands, but you should bring extra medication with you to Bermuda to prepare for unplanned and extended stays.
If you become seriously ill, you should visit A&E in King Edwards VII Memorial Hospital.
Practice physical distancing, good hygiene and mask wearing in all public spaces where there is close contact with others.
Monitor your health and take your temperature twice a day. If your temperature is over 100.4F or 38C, contact the public health team on covid19surv@gov.bm.
If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Bermuda, you should follow the guidance on the Bermuda Government website.
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Further information
If you need urgent assistance, see Emergency Assistance and Entry Requirements
Crime
Bermuda has a moderate crime rate driven in part by the drugs scene. Serious incidents, including use of weapons, do occur. Take precautions to safeguard yourself and your possessions. Common crimes include burglary, mugging, theft of unattended baggage and belongings, and theft of items from rental scooters.
The Bermuda Police Service website provides Tourist Safety Tips. Take particular care after dark.
Stick to well-lit parts of the island and avoid quieter, darker streets. There have been incidents of sexual assault. If you need help, contact the Bermuda Police Service in the first instance.
Road Travel
Tourists are not allowed to drive cars in Bermuda.
Buses, ferries and taxis are generally safe, frequent and efficient. You can’t hire a car in Bermuda, but 50cc scooters are readily available for public hire. A small number of 2-person minicars are offered as an alternative to motorcycles in some locations. Driving is on the left, as in the UK. Roads are narrow, winding and undulating, and traffic may be heavy. Road accidents involving scooters are relatively common, and have resulted in serious injury or even death. You should take care. The national speed limit is 35kmh (22mph) but is lower in some urban areas.
Outside the major urban areas there are few footpaths or street lighting. Take care when out walking, especially at night.
Emergency assistance
As Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory there is no British diplomatic or consular representation. The local authorities deal with all requests for emergency assistance.
In an emergency, dial 911 for a local emergency response.
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Ambulance, Fire, Police - 911
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Marine Rescue - 911
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Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO) - 955
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Maritime Operations Centre - (1441) 2971010
Find out more about emergency services for British nationals in Bermuda.
Hospital (Non-Emergency) medical assistance
For non-urgent medical assistance, contact.
- The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) on: (1441) 236 2345
National emergencies
In Bermuda, the Department of Emergency Measures Organisation (DEMO) are responsible for coordination of emergency notification, assistance and support.
For all non 911 emergencies, you can contact the DEMO on.
- Emergency Broadcast Station - FM 100.1 MHz
- Emergency Measures Organisation - (1441) 295 0011
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bermuda, attacks can’t be ruled out.
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. You should remain vigilant 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.
Bermuda is a separate legal jurisdiction to the United Kingdom and has its own laws.
Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession or importation can attract severe penalties.
The possession or importation of weapons (including air pistols and catapults) or ammunition (including empty magazines) is illegal. Those caught will be subject to severe penalties.
Bermuda, while welcoming, is a conservative place. There are no nude or topless beaches and it is an offence to appear in public topless. Drinking alcohol in public outside of licensed premises is not allowed.
LGBT+
Homosexuality became legal under Bermuda law in 1994. The Domestic Partnerships Act came into effect on 01 June 2018 which provided domestic partnerships for both same sex and opposite sex couples and removed the entitlement for same sex couples to marry. In line with the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022, same sex marriages that took place in Bermuda before 14 March 2022 remain valid.
Attitudes to homosexuality are tolerant but conservative and some people may not approve of public displays of affection between same-sex couples. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
This page has information on travelling to Bermuda.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Bermuda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Bermuda’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
All travellers
All visitors are required to complete a digital arrival form prior to arrival in Bermuda. Visit the Government of Bermuda website for more information.
You must wear face masks when travelling to the departure airport and practice social distancing at the departure airport.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Bermuda. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay from the date you arrive. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.
Visas
British passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Bermuda as a visitor, but you must book accommodation before you arrive. Visitors are usually granted entry for up to 90 days. For further enquiries about visas, visit the website of the nearest British Embassy or High Commission, or the Government of Bermuda website.
If you wish to extend your stay while in Bermuda, you must get permission from the Bermuda Department of Immigration before your initial 21 day stay ends. While an extension of stay is not automatic, extensions are normally granted.
Work permits
If you wish to work in Bermuda, you must secure a job before coming to the island. Your employer will then apply to the Department of Immigration for a work permit, and once this is received you may enter the country to work. You may not seek employment while visiting Bermuda.
For more information, contact Department of Immigration, Government Administration Building, Parliament Street, Hamilton. (Telephone: +1 441 295 5151) www.gov.bm.
Medication
Make sure you carry any medication in the prescribed packaging and bring the prescription. For further information see the website of HM Customs of Bermuda.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Healthcare
Bermuda has good modern medical facilities with a fully equipped general hospital and numerous doctors and dentists. King Edward Memorial Hospital has a good accident and emergency department.
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, as cases that can’t be dealt with in Bermuda are usually referred to either Baltimore or Boston in the USA. Make sure your insurance covers any additional medical expenses incurred in the USA.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
The hurricane season in Bermuda normally runs from June to November. You should monitor the progress of storms on the Bermuda Weather Service and National Hurricane Centre websites, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
See our tropical cyclones page for information and advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
