Going on a vacation involves a lot of planning and research, more so when you are going to another country. Bermuda is a premiere tourist destination so it is not very difficult to plan a trip there. However, it is always better to know certain requirements and customs rather than be taken by surprise.
Bermuda Visa and Immigration Laws
No matter from which country you originate, you would need a return or exit ticket in order to be allowed to enter Bermuda. The only way you can enter the country with a one-way ticket is if you have obtained prior permission from the Department of Immigration.
Starting January of 2007, all persons traveling from the US to Bermuda are required to have a passport, regardless of their nationality. Otherwise, they will be denied entry to Bermuda.
Residents of the US, Canada, the UK, and Hong Kong are not required to have a visa to enter Bermuda. To see the complete list of countries which require visas for entry, visit their Immigration website.
Customs
You are allowed to bring in a liter of wine and a liter of spirits, both duty free. Furthermore, you are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes, 0.5 grams of tobacco, and 50 cigars duty free as well. You are also allowed to bring in 20 pounds of meat, which is convenient if you are staying in a place wherein you can prepare your own food.
Dangers
Bermuda is relatively free of petty and violent crime. Snatchers and thieves are very rare in this part of the world. One thing you may want to be careful with is if you rent a bike as some youths sometimes take them off for joyrides. Most rentals are equipped with locks, however.
As for natural dangers, there are more of these in the ocean. Be careful of riptides, jellyfish (Portugese Man of War), and sharks. It is best to inquire from your hotel or local guide as to these matters.
Health
Expert medical attention is available widely in Bermuda. However, it does not come at a cheap price. As such, it would be wise to have a comprehensive medical insurance policy to cover you in case of an emergency. No special inoculations are required for entry.
Money
The Bermudan dollar is the official currency. However, as this is pegged to the US dollar on a one is to one basis, you can also use US dollars in Bermuda. This is quite convenient as you can basically exchange the dollar anywhere in the world. As for ATMs, there is a vast network of machines all throughout the place.
Time
Located in the Atlantic Time Zone, Bermuda is 4 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time and an hour ahead of the Eastern Standard Time.
Bermuda Tourist Information
Upon arrival in Bermuda, you may want to pay their Visitors Service Bureau a visit for all your information needs. They have offices at the airport, Front Street in Hamilton, King’s Square at St. George, and the Royal Naval Dockyard.