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Here you will find what you need to know about making your stay in Bermuda as pleasurable as possible—whether you’re planning a casual getaway, a special event or anything in between.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 53 sq km (20.59 sq miles). Population: 61,688 (official estimate 2000). Population Density: 1,163.9 per sq km. Capital: Hamilton. Population: 1100 (1991). Government: British Crown Colony since 1684. Gained internal autonomy in 1968. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Sir John Vereker since 2002. Head of Government: Prime Minister Alex Scott since 2003. Religion: Anglican, Episcopal, Roman Catholic and other Christian denominations.

Language: English is the official language. There is a small community of Portuguese speakers.

Electricity: 120 volts AC, 60Hz. American (flat) two-pin plugs are standard.

GEOGRAPHY: Bermuda consists of a chain of some 180 coral islands and islets lying 1046km (650 miles) off the coast of North Carolina, in the Atlantic Ocean. 10 of the islands are linked by bridges and causeways to form the principal mainland. There are no rivers or streams and the islands are entirely dependent on rainfall for fresh water. Coastlines are characterised by a succession of small bays with beaches of fine pale pink coral sand. The surrounding waters are a vivid blue-green. Inland there is an abundance of subtropical plants and flowers.

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GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

Hay Fever - Bermuda's climate is relatively favorable to hay fever sufferers. Rag-weed is non-existant, and pollens of other weeds are quickly blown out to sea.

Baby Sitters - Enquire in advance from your hotel or guest house management for sitters and other special services.

Hotel Occupancy Tax - All room rates, regardless of the meal plan chosen, will be subject to 7.25% Bermuda Government Tax, to be paid in Bermuda on check-out from your hotel.

Credit Cards - Credit Cards MasterCard, VISA and American Express are accepted at virtually every store, restaurant and hotel and VISA and MasterCard cards may be used for cash advances at all local bank branches. In addition, the Bank of Bermuda and the Butterfield Bank provide ATMs located islandwide for MasterCard, VISA, Cirrus and Plus cash advances, most of which are available 24-hours a day. Enquiries about American Express should be directed to the Bermuda Financial Network, tel (441)292 - 1799.
Travellers Cheques (US) Accepted island-wide.

Hotel Check Out Time - Generally is 12 noon.

Hotel Check In Time - Generally is 3:00 p.m.

Beaches - During summer months life guards will be stationed at Horseshoe Beach and John Smith's Bay during certain hours. All other public beaches are unattended. There are no nude or semi-nude beaches in Bermuda.

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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS BERMUDA

Return or Onward Ticket - A Return or Onward Ticket or other document of onward transportation to a country to which, at that time, the passenger has a right of entry, is required by all visitors.

Passports - Passports are the preferred document for entry into Bermuda and are required of all visitors from countries which require a passport for re-entry purposes or for entry through another country to which at that time the passenger has right of entry.

Proof of Citizenship and Identification - Proof of Citizenship and Identification (including photo ID). All travellers (this applies to adults and children travelling alone or with their parents - see Requirements for Children for additional notes on children travelling with an adult other than parent and/or in the process of adoption) must carry with them proof of citizenship and personal identification (including photo ID) relevant to return to their own country or for re-entry through another foreign country, as required by Bermuda Immigration authorities, in particular:

A. Visitors from the United States must present any one of the following items of identification (including photo ID) (please note passports are the preferred travel document for entry into Bermuda):
(1) US Passport (if expired should be of sufficiently recent vintage so that photograph resembles bearer);
(2) Birth certificate with a raised seal issued by a competent municipal authority, or certified copy; either one along with photo ID;
(3) US re-entry permit;
(4) US Naturalization Certificate;
(5) US Alien Registration Card.

B. Visitors from Canada must present any one of the following items of identification (please note passports are the preferred document for entry into Bermuda):
(1) Valid Canadian passport;
(2) Birth certificate or certified copy, either one along with photo ID;
(3) or, for people born outside of Canada, a Canadian Certificate of Citizenship or proof of their Landed Immigrant Status.

C. Visitors from the UK and Western Europe must present a valid passport of their country.

Married women whose identification documents are retained in their maiden name but who are travelling under their married name should also carry their marriage certificate or certified copy as further proof of identity.

Requirements for Children: (see also Proof of Citizenship and Identification above)
A. Children traveling with an adult other than their parents must be in possession of the travel documents specified above along with a letter from the parent(s) authorizing the child to be accompanied by the respective adult for the trip.
B. Parents of adopted children should be particularly careful that they carry with them the proper documents of different nationality from the parents. Parents in the process of adopting children are advised not to leave their country with the children until all the legalities and paperwork are finalized.
C. Children entering Bermuda for the purpose of adoption must be in possession of documents from the Bermuda Department of Immigration confirming their entry into Bermuda for adoption.

Remember, a valid passport is always the best document for any traveller to carry.

Length of Stay - Most bona fide visitors with a confirmed return ticket and place of accommodation will have no difficulties with Bermuda Immigration Control.

There is a special Secondary Immigration Control section at the airport to deal with any unusual circumstances of arriving passengers. Bermuda Immigration authorities may restrict the length of stay, for example, passengers arriving with an open return ticket will have a time limit imposed.

Application to extend the length of stay must be made in person at the Immigration Headquarters in Hamilton.

Passengers arriving without a return ticket or on a one way ticket into Bermuda will not be admitted unless prior Bermuda Immigration authorization has been given.

Persons wishing to enter Bermuda for the purpose of residence and/or employment, or for indefinite periods, will not be permitted to land unless they have prior authorization from Bermuda Immigration authorities.

Visas Click here for Visa Informations

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VISITORS SERVICE BUREAUS

Established to assist our guests at five convenient locations: Hamilton, Royal Naval Dockyard, St. George's and the Bermuda International Airport. Telephone: 295-1480. Made available are complimentary locally produced brochures, magazines and maps providing a variety of information on sightseeing, shopping and activities. Guide booklets, phamplets, friendly aid and advice are also available.

OPEN:
April through October.
Hamilton & St. George's: 9am-4pm, Mon.-Sat.
R.N. Dockyard: 9am-4pm, Mon.-Fri & 11am-3pm Sun.
November through March: Hours reduced slightly.

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TRANSPORTATION TO BERMUDA

Note: Your travel professional can obtain all the details on air and sea schedules from the original port of departure, connecting points and fare structures, and can make all your travel arrangements.

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BERMUDA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

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BERMUDA LAWS

Misuse of Drugs Act
Importation of, posession of, or dealing with unlawful drugs (including marajuana) is an offence. Anyone contravening this Act is liable to fines of up to $10,000 or 5 years' imprisonment or both. The Government of Bermuda is very concerned about the scourge of drugs and the negative impact it can have on its community. The laws in Bermuda pertaining to the importation of drugs are designed to protect the local people as well as the visitor. We urge visitors not to try to import into these islands any drugs, or an uncustomed goods for that matter, as such action could cause embarrassment at the Bermuda airport and ruin what should be the start of a very enjoyable holiday.

Note:
Under the Revenue Act customs officer may; if they have reasonable cause to suspect the importation of drugs, conduct personal body searches for drugs and other uncustomed goods. Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act every medically prescribed drug or medication must be voluntarily declared to a Customs Officer.

Firearms Act
The importation of any firearm, part of a firearm or ammunition into Bermuda is forbidden except under the authority of a licence granted by the Commissioner of Police. Such a permit will not ordinarily be granted except to visiting rifle club members attending a sports meeting in Bermuda.

Spearguns and a variety of weapons including verey pistols or signal guns are treated as firearms, but antique weapons 100 years old or more can be imported if the importer can show they are antique. It is a serious criminal offence to import firearms or ammunition into Bermuda without a licence, and anyone seeking to do so may be imprisoned or fined.

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COMMUNICATIONS

Bermuda provides state-of-the-art telephone, facsimile, internet, wireless and wireless roaming services. Direct dialling is possible to and
from the Island. Worldwide and international prepaid calling cards can be purchased locally. To call Bermuda, dial: 1 - 441- and the phone number. Airmail – daily. All mail received in the General Post Office, Hamilton, by 9:30 a.m. will be dispatched the same day. It may take several days to reach its destination. Letters to Bermuda containing accommodation confirmation or deposits should be sent by air with sufficient postage. Surface Mail is airlifted to and from Bermuda regularly. International Data Express available through the GPO, a 48-hour
express mail service delivering to most international destinations.

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CURRENCY

Legal tender is the Bermuda dollar, which trades equivalent to the US dollar. US currency is accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels at equal (face) value. Other foreign currencies are not accepted, except at local banks where they can be exchanged at rates that are set daily.
Cash (US) Accepted island-wide. Cheque Cashing Personal cheques drawn on US banks may be used for purchases at over 200 establishments on the Island. US cheques may be cashed at some hotels or local banks by arrangement. The Bermuda Financial Network will cash US$ cheques for a 3% fee at its Hamilton location, tel (441) 292-1799.

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TAXES AND GRATUITIES

Air Passengers - Air passengers are levied a $20 Passenger Tax, collected at the Bermuda Airport on departure. Children under 2 years old exempt.

Ship Passengers - Ship passengers are levied $60 collected in advance by cruise ship company. Those in direct tranist and children under 2 years old exempt.

All Room Rates - All room rates, regardless of meal plan, are subject to 7.25% Hotel Occupancy Tax.

Tipping - In cases where the gratuity is not included in the bill, 15% is the generally accepted amount for most services. A large number of hotels and guest houses add a percentage or set amount per person in lieu of tips to the accommodation bill.

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SHOPPING

Shopping is excellent and interesting in Bermuda. You’ll find a great variety of imported merchandise such as French perfumes, English
bone china, Swiss watches, Danish silver and jewellery, cameras, English doeskin, Irish linen, Scottish tweeds, Italian silks, cashmere sweaters, liquor and liqueurs, and dozens of other intriguing values. There are lots of Bermuda-made articles including handcrafts, pottery,cedar-ware, blown glass, fashions and paintings by local artists. Browsing through picturesque shops will bring surprises, good values and many souvenirs. Bathing suits, sports clothes and sun straws are other good buys and perhaps more fun to get while you’re in Bermuda.

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DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Bermuda offers a vibrant choice of entertainment, throughout most of the year. The English-style pubs offer entertainment; the nightclubs play the latest in recorded music; hotels and cottage colonies have cocktail lounges, bars and patios for a variety of parties and local entertainment.

Note: Entertainment abounds during the summer season in hotels, pubs, nightclubs and even outdoor evening concerts. However, from November to March it may be reduced somewhat. Some establishments that would normally impose a cover charge may not do so during
this time. Legal drinking age for consuming alcoholic beverages in Bermuda is 18 years.

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CLOTHING & ATTIRE

The atmosphere in Bermuda visitor accommodations, and indeed of Bermuda itself, is one of British reserve and dignified informality.
Therefore, there are certain ‘customs of dress’ which you will want to know. Dress Code As a rule of thumb, dress conservatively. Bathing suits, abbreviated tops and short shorts are not acceptable except at beaches and pools. There are no nude or semi-nude beaches. In public (including public areas of hotels) beach wear must be covered. Bare feet are not acceptable anywhere in public. It is an offence to ride cycles or appear in public without a shirt or just wearing a bathing suit top. Joggers may wear standard running shorts and shirts. Casual sportswear is acceptable in restaurants at lunch time but some restaurants and nightclubs in and out of hotels may request gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings. It is best to check on dress requirements when making reservations as some places do have casual evenings periodically. Warmer Months May to mid-November. Summer-weight sports clothes, swim suits, a raincoat or lightweight wind breaker. Evenings – casual elegant cottons: ladies, light dressy sweater or wrap and cocktail-type outfits; gentlemen, a sports jacket and tie. Cooler Months December to late March. Light woollens or fall-weight casuals, sweaters, raincoat and warmer jacket, wind breaker or coat, with swim suit for warmer days. Evenings – casual elegant lightweight woollens; ladies, dressier sweater or wrap and cocktail-type outfits; gentlemen, a suit or sports jacket and tie. Changes of Season Mid-November through December and late-March through April. Either Spring or Summer weather may occur and a combination of the two above suggestions should be ideal. Formal Dress not necessary except for specific personal needs. Tuxedos, morning suits, evening tails may be rented, but accessories must be purchased.

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SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Watersports: Bermuda’s most famous beaches lie along the island’s southern edge. Some of the most beautiful are at Chaplin, Horseshoe Bay, Stonehole and Warwick Long Bay. Snorkelling and scuba-diving are popular. Visibility underwater is often as much as 61m (200ft). Experienced scuba-divers can go below for a historic ‘tour’ of old wrecks, cannons and other remnants of past disasters on the reefs. All necessary equipment is easy to hire – visitors should note, however, that spear guns are not allowed. For sailing enthusiasts, the Blue Water Cruising Race – from Marion, Massachusetts, to Bermuda – takes place in June bi-annually, in odd-numbered years. The Newport to Bermuda Ocean Yacht Race is also held bi-annually, in even-numbered years; this world-famous June Blue Water Classic (fondly referred to as the ‘Thrash to the Onion Patch’) attracts scores of the finest racing craft afloat. The week-long festivities, which follow the arrival of the boats, are held at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. In August, the Non-Mariners Race is held. Sailboats and skippers are available for hire from ‘Sail Yourself’ charter agencies. Bermuda is one of the world’s finest fishing centres, especially for light-tackle fishing. Equipment may be rented for shore fishing and there are charter boats for reef and deep-sea fishing. For deep-sea aficionados, wahoo, amberjack, marlin and tuna abound. On the reefs, there are amberjack, great barracuda, grey snapper and yellowtail. Shore fishermen can test their skills on bonefish and pompano. The best fishing is from May to November, when trophies are awarded.

Golf: There are seven 18-hole courses, including the Mid-Ocean Club, which is world-renowned for its challenge and beauty, and Port Royal, situated in oceanside terrain. There is one 9-hole layout, Ocean View. For information on Amateur, Professional and Pro-Am tournaments, write to the Bermuda Golf Association, PO Box 433, Hamilton (tel: 238 1367; fax: 238 0938; e-mail: info@bermudagolf.org; website: www.bermudagolf.org).

Tennis: There are almost 100 courts on the island, with a variety of surfaces. Most of the larger Bermuda hotels have their own courts, many of them floodlit for night play. Tournaments are held all year round and several are open to visitors.

Cricket: The annual Cup Match, an island-wide, two-day public holiday (played since 1902 in July/August), is held once a year, when the St George’s and Somerset Cricket clubs vie for the Championship Cup.

Soccer: A hugely popular sport amongst Bermudians, who even have some of their nationals playing in UK football leagues. The season in Bermuda runs from the end of September through April and the matches themselves are usually played each weekend and on some weeknights on a variety of soccer fields. For further information, contact the Bermuda Football Association, PO Box HM 745, Hamilton, HM CX (tel: 295 2199; fax: 295 0773; e-mail: bfa@northrock.bm).

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BERMUDA TIME ZONE

Bermuda is in North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina (USA). Standard time is GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).

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