Do I need a customs form for Bermuda?

Yes. Every traveler arriving in Bermuda completes a Customs Traveller Declaration, whether you arrive by air or cruise ship. You declare goods you are bringing in above your duty-free allowance (BMD $200 of acquired goods or gifts, plus alcohol and tobacco limits) and any cash of $10,000 or more. If you have nothing over the allowance, you still complete the declaration but pay no duty. This is separate from immigration, which is a passport stamp.

Do I need a Bermuda Travel Authorisation (BTA)?

No. The Bermuda Travel Authorisation was a COVID-era requirement that was discontinued on 1 March 2023. There is no longer any online arrival form, health declaration or pre-travel authorisation to buy for Bermuda. Ignore any site charging a fee for a "Bermuda Travel Authorisation" or arrival form — the requirement no longer exists.

Do I need a visa to visit Bermuda?

Most travelers don't. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries do not need a visa for tourism in Bermuda and are admitted for a stay determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival (most visitors up to 90 days). Bermuda maintains its own immigration rules while recognizing many of the UK's visa exemptions and requirements. If your nationality is not visa-exempt, you must obtain the appropriate visa or document before you travel.

Do I need to fill out an immigration form for Bermuda?

No separate online or paper immigration arrival form is required. You present your passport to an immigration officer at L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) or your cruise port, answer a few questions about your stay, and receive an entry stamp. The only document everyone completes is the Customs Traveller Declaration, which is about goods, not immigration.

Can I complete the documentation on arrival?

Yes. Because there is no advance arrival form, everything happens on arrival. The Customs Traveller Declaration is completed when you land — many travelers fill it in on the aircraft or at the customs hall. The only things to prepare in advance are your supporting documents: a valid passport, proof of onward travel and your accommodation details.

Do I need a passport to visit Bermuda?

Yes. All visitors, including US citizens arriving by air, need a valid passport to enter Bermuda. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. Because many flights to Bermuda connect through the United States, US transit and re-entry rules (including any passport-validity expectations of the airline) may also apply to your journey, so build in a comfortable validity margin.

Is Bermuda in the Caribbean?

No — this is one of the most common misconceptions. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly 650 miles (1,050 km) off the coast of North Carolina. It is not part of the Caribbean and has a subtropical, rather than tropical, climate. That distance is why Bermuda is reached mostly by direct flights from the US East Coast and Canada, or by cruise ship.

What is the Bermuda duty-free allowance?

The stable figure is the personal goods allowance: up to BMD $200 worth of acquired goods or gifts per person, duty-free. There is also an accompanied alcohol and tobacco allowance for adults 18 and over, but the exact alcohol limits change from time to time — see the current Customs Traveller Declaration or the H.M. Customs website (customs.gov.bm) for the latest figures before you pack. Amounts over the allowance are dutiable, and Bermuda's duty rates are relatively high.

What do I have to declare at Bermuda customs?

Declare any goods over your duty-free allowance, all commercial goods or items for resale, gifts above the personal limit, and cash or monetary instruments of $10,000 or more. You must also declare restricted items such as plants, fresh produce, meats and certain medications. When in doubt, declare it on your Customs Traveller Declaration — failing to declare can lead to penalties and seizure.

Can I rent a car in Bermuda?

No. Bermuda does not allow visitors to rent cars — there are no traditional car-rental agencies for tourists, and even residents are limited to one car per household. Visitors get around by taxi, public bus, ferry, scooter or moped, pedal bike, or by renting a two-seat electric minicar (such as the Twizy-style 'Current' vehicles). This is one of Bermuda's most important and surprising rules to plan around.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel without a rental car?

Because you cannot rent a car, the easiest arrival is a pre-booked private transfer or a taxi from L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA). Taxis are metered and plentiful, and many hotels offer shuttles. The public bus does not serve the airport directly in a convenient way for luggage, so most arriving visitors take a taxi or a private transfer to Hamilton, the South Shore or St. George's.

How much cash can I bring into Bermuda?

There is no limit on the amount of currency you may bring, but you must declare cash or monetary instruments worth BMD/USD $10,000 or more on your Customs Traveller Declaration when entering or leaving. Failing to declare amounts at or above the threshold can lead to seizure and penalties.

What currency does Bermuda use?

Bermuda uses the Bermudian Dollar (BMD), which is pegged one-to-one with the US Dollar. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere on the island and you will often receive change in a mix of both. There is no need to exchange US dollars before you travel.

Do cruise passengers need to complete a customs declaration?

Yes. Cruise passengers arriving in Bermuda complete a Customs Traveller Declaration just like air arrivals, and immigration is handled through the cruise terminal. Ships dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard (King's Wharf), Hamilton, or St. George's. If you go ashore and buy goods, the same duty-free allowances apply on the day you re-board or finally clear customs.

Do children and infants need their own passport and declaration?

Every traveler, including children and infants, needs their own valid passport to enter Bermuda. A family can usually complete one Customs Traveller Declaration per household, but each person's belongings count toward the allowances. Minors travelling without one or both parents may be asked for a letter of consent or supporting documents.

Can I bring my prescription medication into Bermuda?

Carry prescription medication in its original, labelled packaging and bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially for controlled substances or large quantities. Some medications that are over-the-counter elsewhere may be controlled in Bermuda, so check with H.M. Customs if you are unsure, and declare anything you are uncertain about.

What items are prohibited or restricted in Bermuda?

Prohibited and restricted items include illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia (Bermuda enforces drug laws strictly), firearms and ammunition, spear guns, certain knives, and items covered by CITES. Plants, seeds, fresh produce and meats are restricted to protect Bermuda's environment and may need a permit or be refused. Always declare anything organic or questionable.

Do I need proof of onward travel and accommodation?

Yes — immigration officers can ask to see a return or onward ticket and confirmation of where you are staying. Bermuda is an expensive island with limited accommodation, so visitors are generally expected to have somewhere booked. Have your flight details and hotel or guesthouse confirmation easy to reach at the immigration desk.

Is there a departure tax when leaving Bermuda?

Air departure taxes and passenger fees are normally included in your airfare, so you usually do not pay anything separately at the airport. Cruise passengers' fees are likewise built into the cruise fare. Confirm with your airline if you are unsure, but most visitors never pay a separate departure charge.

What is the best time to visit Bermuda?

Bermuda's high season runs roughly April to October, with the warmest sea and weather from May to October — peak beach season. November to March is cooler and quieter, with some hotels, restaurants and ferries on reduced schedules. The official Atlantic hurricane season is June to November; Bermuda rarely experiences a direct major hurricane, but passing tropical systems can occasionally affect flights and ferry schedules, so travel insurance is worth considering in those months.

What time zone is Bermuda in?

Bermuda is on Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4) and observes daylight saving time, which keeps it one hour ahead of US Eastern Time for most of the year. When it is noon in New York, it is 1:00 pm in Bermuda.

Do I need travel insurance or proof of funds for Bermuda?

Travel insurance is not a formal entry requirement, but it is strongly recommended given Bermuda's high cost of medical care for visitors. Immigration may ask, in general terms, that you can support yourself during your stay; carrying a card and being able to show your accommodation is booked is usually enough.

Can I drive a scooter or moped as a visitor?

Yes. Visitors aged 16 and over can rent and ride a scooter or moped, or a small electric minicar, without a special licence — a valid driver's licence is not even required for the smallest cycles, but helmets are mandatory by law. Ride cautiously: Bermuda drives on the left, roads are narrow and winding, and scooter accidents are a leading cause of visitor injury.

Is Bermuda part of the United Kingdom or the EU?

Bermuda is a self-governing British Overseas Territory. It is not part of the United Kingdom itself and is not in the European Union, so EU entry rules and the Schengen area do not apply. It runs its own immigration and customs, broadly aligned with the UK visa list, which is why British and many other nationals enter visa-free.

How do most visitors get around Bermuda?

Because rental cars are banned for visitors, the island runs on an excellent public transport network: the pink-and-blue public buses, the fast and scenic Sea Express ferries from Hamilton, metered taxis, and rented scooters, e-bikes or two-seat electric minicars. A combined bus-and-ferry transport pass is the cheapest way to explore if you are comfortable with public transport.

Do I clear US immigration when flying home from Bermuda?

If you are flying to the United States, yes. L.F. Wade International (BDA) has a US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility, so US-bound passengers clear US immigration and customs in Bermuda before departure and arrive at their US airport as a domestic flight. Allow extra time at the airport on the way home. Pre-clearance does not affect your arrival into Bermuda — it only applies when you leave for the US.

Is there Uber in Bermuda?

No. Uber, Lyft and similar ride-hailing apps do not operate in Bermuda. On-demand transport means regulated metered taxis, which you can find at L.F. Wade (BDA), in Hamilton, at hotels, or by phone dispatch — or a pre-booked private transfer. There are no app-based rides and no rental cars for visitors.

Can I drink the tap water in Bermuda?

Generally yes. Most Bermuda tap water comes from rainwater collected on the island's distinctive white stepped roofs and stored in tanks, and it is widely used for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. Quality is good, though it can taste slightly different from what you are used to; bottled water is also readily available if you prefer.

What power outlet and plug type does Bermuda use?

Bermuda uses the same electricity as the United States and Canada: 120 volts, 60 Hz, with Type A and Type B plugs (the flat two- and three-pin sockets). US and Canadian travelers need no adapter or converter. Visitors from the UK, EU and elsewhere should bring a US-style plug adapter and check that their devices support 120V.

Bermuda · British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic

Bermuda Entry Requirements, Customs & Travel Guide

Pink-sand beaches, pastel cottages and a coastline of cobalt water, all just a two-hour flight from the US East Coast. Bermuda feels tropical, but it sits alone in the North Atlantic, 650 miles off North Carolina, not in the Caribbean at all. Arrival is straightforward: most visitors enter visa-free with a passport stamp, and the dreaded pre-travel form is gone, the Bermuda Travel Authorisation ended in March 2023. What does still apply is a Customs Traveller Declaration for everyone, a duty-free allowance worth watching, and one rule that catches almost every first-timer: visitors cannot rent a car. Here is exactly what you need for 2026, and what you can safely ignore.

Capital: Hamilton
Main airport: L.F. Wade International (BDA)
Currency: Bermudian Dollar (BMD = USD)
Language: English
Time zone: Atlantic (UTC-4, observes DST)
Best time: May to Oct (warmest)
Power: 120V · Type A & B (US-style)
Entry form: Customs declaration · no online form

Planning your Bermuda trip?No rental cars on the island, so lock in your L.F. Wade (BDA) airport pickup before you fly.

Bermuda Airport Transfers Request a Quote

A note on accuracy. This guide is based on information published by the Government of Bermuda, H.M. Customs, the Department of Immigration, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the airport operator. Entry requirements and customs regulations may change, so always confirm the latest requirements using the official resources below before you travel.

Do I need a customs or arrival form for Bermuda?

Two things travelers ask first: is there an online form, and is there a customs form? The short answers are no online arrival form and yes, a customs declaration for everyone. The Bermuda Travel Authorisation that existed during the pandemic was scrapped on 1 March 2023, so there is nothing to file or pay for in advance. On arrival, every traveler completes a Customs Traveller Declaration, and immigration is handled with a passport stamp.

1
Immigration: a passport stamp, not a form
Present your passport to an immigration officer at L.F. Wade (BDA) or your cruise port. They confirm your visa-free status, may ask about onward travel and accommodation, and stamp your authorized stay. There is nothing to fill out online beforehand.
2
Customs: a declaration for every arrival
Everyone completes a Customs Traveller Declaration. Declare goods over the duty-free allowance (BMD $200 of acquired goods, plus alcohol and tobacco limits) and any cash of $10,000 or more. Nothing over the allowance means no duty, but you still complete the form.
3
Visa-required nationalities: sort it out first
If your nationality is not on Bermuda's visa-exempt list (broadly aligned with the UK), apply for the appropriate visa or document before you travel. Do not rely on arranging anything on arrival.

Entry requirements

Have these ready before you reach immigration at L.F. Wade (BDA):

A valid passportYour passport must be valid for your stay in Bermuda. Because many flights transit through the United States, airlines may require additional passport validity beyond Bermuda's minimum requirement.
Proof of onward travelA return or onward ticket out of Bermuda. Immigration can ask to see it, and airlines may check it at check-in.
Accommodation detailsYour hotel, guesthouse or rental confirmation. Visitors are generally expected to have somewhere booked.
A visa, only if requiredMost nationalities are visa-free. If yours is not (per Bermuda's UK-aligned visa list), obtain the correct visa or document before you fly.

Do I need a visa for Bermuda? Visa-free limits and length of stay

Bermuda maintains its own immigration rules while recognizing many of the UK's visa exemptions and requirements. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries enter visa-free for tourism. Admission and the length of stay are determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival, so confirm your nationality's status before traveling.

Who you are	Visa status (tourism)	Typical stay
USA & Canada	Visa free (passport stamp)	Up to 90 days
United Kingdom	Visa free (passport stamp)	Up to 90 days
EU / EEA	Visa free (passport stamp)	Up to 90 days
Australia & New Zealand	Visa free (passport stamp)	Up to 90 days
Other UK-list visa-exempt nationals	Visa free (passport stamp)	Up to 90 days
Visa-required nationalities	Visa / document in advance	As granted

How long can I stay in Bermuda?

Most visitors are admitted for up to 90 days, but the exact period is determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival. The date is written or stamped in your passport, so check it before you leave the desk. Need longer? Apply to the Department of Immigration for an extension before your permitted time runs out.

Can tourists rent a car in Bermuda?

Of every Bermuda travel rule, this is the one first-timers don't see coming. Visitors cannot rent a car in Bermuda. There are no tourist car-rental agencies, and even residents are limited to roughly one car per household, a deliberate policy to keep the small island's narrow roads from gridlock.

Instead you have excellent options: metered taxis, the pink-and-blue public buses, the fast and scenic Sea Express ferries, rented scooters or mopeds (helmets mandatory, age 16+), pedal and e-bikes, and small two-seat electric minicars. Plan your arrival around a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer from the airport, then mix buses and ferries once you're settled.

How do I complete the Bermuda Customs Traveller Declaration?

Every arriving traveler completes this declaration. It is short, and most people fill it in on the plane or in the customs hall. Here is what it asks and how to get it right:

1
Your details and trip
Name, passport details, where you are staying and how long. Customs instructions explain when families travelling together may submit a single declaration.
2
Goods you are bringing in
List acquired goods, gifts and any commercial items. The stable allowance is up to BMD $200 of other goods per person, plus an accompanied alcohol and tobacco allowance for adults 18+ — check the current Customs Traveller Declaration or customs.gov.bm for the latest alcohol limits.
3
Restricted and prohibited items
Declare plants, fresh produce, meats, large quantities of medication and anything you are unsure about. When in doubt, declare it.
4

Customs & duty-free allowances

For personal, non-commercial use. Allowances are per person (alcohol and tobacco for adults 18+) and amounts over the limit are dutiable. When in doubt, declare.

Category	What to know
Alcohol	Adults 18+ get an accompanied allowance, but the exact limits change — see the current Customs Traveller Declaration or customs.gov.bm for the latest figures
Tobacco	A personal tobacco allowance for adults 18+ (e.g. cigarettes/cigars); over the limit is dutiable
Acquired goods & gifts	Up to about BMD $200 of other goods per person, duty-free; amounts above are taxed at Bermuda's (high) duty rates
Personal effects	Your clothing, camera, laptop and phone pass as personal baggage, free of duty
Cash & monetary instruments	Declare $10,000 or more (cash or instruments) on arrival and departure

Allowances are per person and not transferable between travelers. Confirm exact alcohol, tobacco and goods limits with H.M. Customs (customs.gov.bm) before relying on them.

Prohibited & restricted items

Violations can mean seizure, fines or prosecution. When in doubt, declare. A few of these surprise visitors:

ProhibitedIllegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia, firearms and ammunition, spear guns, certain knives and offensive weapons. Bermuda enforces drug and weapons laws strictly, with severe penalties.
Agriculture & foodFresh produce, plants, seeds and meats are restricted to protect Bermuda's fragile island environment; undeclared food can be confiscated. Declare anything organic.
Permit or permission requiredItems covered by CITES (certain plants, animals and their products), and goods for resale or commercial use, need permits or formal declaration.

At L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), arrival

All flights land at L.F. Wade International (BDA) in St. George's parish, about 30–40 minutes from Hamilton and the South Shore depending on traffic. After landing:

Most arriving travelers complete the Customs Traveller Declaration on paper — many fill it in on the aircraft or at the customs hall, so keep a pen handy. Bermuda has been modernising its border processing, so an electronic declaration option may appear over time; until then, treat the paper form as standard.

1 · ImmigrationPresent your passport. Answer brief questions on your stay; have onward travel and accommodation ready. The officer stamps your authorized stay.
2 · Baggage claimCollect your checked luggage in the arrivals hall.
3 · CustomsHand in your completed Customs Traveller Declaration; go through the relevant channel and pay any duty on goods over your allowance.

Get a local driver waiting

With no rental cars on the island, your airport pickup matters. Book a local Bermuda driver to Hamilton, the South Shore or St. George's before you fly, metered fares, meet and greet, no guesswork.

Bermuda Airport Transfers Request a Quote

Arriving by cruise ship

Bermuda is one of the Atlantic's great cruise destinations, with sailings mostly from the US East Coast. Ships berth at three points, and cruise passengers complete the same Customs Traveller Declaration as air arrivals.

Cruise port	What to know
Royal Naval Dockyard (King's Wharf)	The largest port, on the West End; takes the biggest ships. Ferries and buses link it to Hamilton and beyond
Hamilton	Central berth in the capital, walkable to shops, restaurants and ferries
St. George's	Historic UNESCO town on the East End, near the airport; smaller ships

From any port, the Sea Express ferries and public buses make it easy to explore without a car. Pre-booked shore excursions and private drivers can meet you right at the pier.

Money matters in Bermuda

Bermuda uses the Bermudian Dollar (BMD), pegged one-to-one with the US Dollar. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and you will often get change in a mix of both, so there is no need to exchange money before you travel.

Feature	Details
Currency	BMD (Bermudian Dollar); 1 BMD = 1 USD, and US dollars are accepted everywhere
Entry fees	Nothing for visa-free travelers; no arrival form or authorisation fee to pay
Cards & ATMs	Widely accepted; ATMs in Hamilton and tourist areas dispense BMD (and often USD)
Tipping	A service charge (often ~15-17%) is commonly added to bills; check before adding more
Departure tax	Normally included in your airfare or cruise fare; rarely a separate charge
Currency declaration	Declare cash of $10,000 or more on arrival and departure
Cost of living	Bermuda is expensive; budget more than you would for the Caribbean
Electricity	120V, Type A & B plugs; UK/EU travelers need an adapter
Driving	On the left, but visitors cannot rent cars; scooters, taxis, buses and ferries only

Best time to visit Bermuda

Subtropical, not tropical. Summers are warm and humid; winters are mild but too cool for the beach, and the sea takes time to warm up.

Season	Months	What to expect
High / summer	May to Oct	Warmest weather and sea, beach season; busiest and most expensive (hurricane season Jun–Nov)
Shoulder	Apr & Nov	Pleasant, fewer crowds, lower prices; sea may be cool early/late
Low / winter	Dec to Mar	Mild but cool, quieter, some hotels and ferries on reduced schedules

Top things to do in Bermuda

Pink-sand beaches, a UNESCO old town, sea caves and shipwreck snorkeling, all on an island you can cross in under an hour by ferry. Here's where to start.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Bermuda's signature pink-sand beach on the South Shore, with sheltered coves, snorkeling and a beach café. Busy in summer, magical at golden hour.

Historic colonial streets of the Town of St. George, Bermuda

Town of St. George (UNESCO)

The oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobbled lanes, St. Peter's Church and colonial squares.

Royal Naval Dockyard

A former British naval fortress on the West End, now home to the National Museum, shops, the Snorkel Park, and the main cruise terminal at King's Wharf.

Where to stay, best areas in Bermuda

The island is small, but where you base yourself shapes your trip, especially without a car. Choose by ferry and bus access:

Harbourfront hotels in the City of Hamilton, Bermuda

Central

Hamilton & Pembroke

Walkable to restaurants, shops and the ferry hub. Best for first-timers, dining and getting around by ferry.

South Shore resort above a pink-sand beach in Bermuda

Beaches

South Shore (Southampton & Warwick)

The pink-sand beaches, resorts and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Best for beach lovers and classic resort stays.

Official Bermuda resources

This is an independent travel guide by CustomsBreeze. Confirm current requirements with the official sources below before you travel:

gov.bmGovernment of Bermuda (immigration, visas & length of stay)
customs.gov.bmH.M. Customs (the Traveller Declaration, duty-free & the $10,000 rule)

West End

Sandys & the Dockyard

Near the cruise port, watersports and ferries to Hamilton. Best for cruisers, watersports and West End beaches.

Bermuda Entry Requirements, Customs & Travel Guide

Do I need a customs or arrival form for Bermuda?

Entry requirements