Bermuda

U.S. Consulate General Hamilton

16 Middle Road 
Devonshire DV 03 
Bermuda
Telephone: +(441) 295-1342
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(441) 335-3828
Fax: +(441) 295-1592
HamiltonConsulate@state.gov

Please visit the Consulate’s COVID-19 page for more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Bermuda.  

All persons traveling between the United States and Bermuda are required to present a passport to enter Bermuda or re-enter the United States. Travelers with questions concerning travel to Bermuda may contact the British Embassy in Washington, DC or any of the British Consulate General offices across the United States. Visit the British Embassy website for the most current visa information.

For immunization information please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site for Bermuda.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Bermuda.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Crime: By comparison to the United States, Bermuda has a low to moderate crime rate. Recent crime statistics are available at the official website of the Bermuda Police Service. Valuables left unattended in public areas, in unsecured hotel rooms, or on rental motorbikes are vulnerable to theft. Criminals have been known to target visitors on motorbikes and at popular tourist attractions, and purse snatchings, perpetrated by thieves riding motorbikes, and muggings have occurred in the past. The back streets of the City of Hamilton have been the setting for assaults, particularly at night after the bars close. 

Travelers should exercise caution when walking after dark or visiting out-of-the-way places on the island as they can be vulnerable to theft and assault, and because narrow and dark roadways can contribute to accidents.

Travelers should note the presence of gangs and illegal drug activity in Bermuda. There have been no reports of gang violence targeted towards visitors to Bermuda, although gang-related shooting incidents have occurred and continue to occur throughout the island.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Consulate for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police at 1 (441) 295-0011 and contact the U.S. Consulate at 1 (441) 295-1342.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Consulate for assistance.

Beach Safety: Swimming areas at some popular beaches around Bermuda can have dangerous rip currents, and swimming in the ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Wind, waves, the change of the tide, the slope of the beach, and other factors can cause strong currents and difficult swimming conditions to be present in the water even on the calmest days. U.S. citizens have drowned in Bermuda due to these conditions. Only swim when there is a lifeguard present and always remain in sight of them. Do not dive into water of unknown depth. Do not swim alone, especially at isolated beaches. Avoid the consumption of alcohol while swimming.  For more information, please visit Beach and Ocean Safety | American Red Cross. 

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regards to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. 

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws.  If you violate Bermuda’s laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Bermuda Customs routinely boards visiting cruise ships with drug sniffing dogs and will arrest persons found to have any illegal drugs in their cabin. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bermuda are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and/or heavy fines. Having a prescription for marijuana or any other drug currently illegal in Bermuda will not protect you from arrest or prosecution for possession of that illegal drug.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances: The Department of State warns United States citizens against taking any type of firearm, ammunition or component of a firearm into Bermuda. The Bermuda government strictly enforces its laws restricting the entry of weapons and ammunition. Entering Bermuda with a firearm, some bladed instruments, an ammunition magazine, or even a single round of ammunition is illegal, even if the weapon or ammunition is taken into the country unintentionally. Permission to import or own a gun in Bermuda must be sought in advance from the Bermuda Police Service. Any privately owned firearms must be secured at Bermuda Police Headquarters. Violations may result in arrest, convictions, and potentially long prison sentences. Pepper sprays and stun guns are considered dangerous weapons in Bermuda and are illegal. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Bermuda.  

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is available in the United States. Bermuda does not currently have legislation on access to transportation, communication, and public buildings for persons with disabilities. Very few hotels would be considered fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We recommend you always check with the hotel or property where you will be staying to see if their dimensions for rooms, doors, and bathrooms are ADA-compliant. Outside of the City of Hamilton, sidewalks are generally unavailable or not suitable for wheelchairs. Public ferries are handicap accessible, as are some of the public buses, but most bus stops are not. Handicap accessible taxis are available for hire in Bermuda.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. 

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Please visit the Consulate’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Bermuda. 

For emergency services in Bermuda, dial 911.

• Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Consulate maintains a list of doctors and hospitals.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general: Adequate medical care is available for routine procedures, though extremely expensive. The only hospital in Bermuda performs general surgery and has an emergency room and intensive care unit. Serious or complex medical programs will likely require medical evacuation to the United States. Most Bermudian health care providers including the local hospital do not accept overseas insurance and will expect payment at the time of service.

Pharmaceuticals: U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Bermuda.  It will be necessary to visit a Bermuda doctor and have a new prescription written if you need to have it filled in Bermuda.  Most common medications are available locally upon presentation of a prescription from a Bermuda doctor.  If you are taking prescription medication, you must inform Bermuda customs officials at the point of entry.  Medicines must be in labeled containers, and travelers should carry a copy of the written prescription and a letter from the physician or pharmacist confirming the reason the medicine is prescribed.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Bermuda.

Adventure Travel 

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Road Conditions and Safety:  Driving on the island is on the left, British-style, and the maximum speed limit is 15 mph in Hamilton and 21 mph on the rest of the island. Under Bermudian law, non-residents are not allowed to own, rent, or drive four-wheeled vehicles, except for a limited number of all electric rental mini cars that hold two passengers. Non-residents must rely on taxis, buses, or rental scooters.

Traffic Laws:  Traffic accidents involving motorbikes are common in Bermuda.  Any U.S. citizen visiting Bermuda who chooses to rent a motorbike or electric mini car should exercise extreme caution on the roadways as road conditions and local driving practices unfamiliar to U.S. drivers could increase the chances of mishap or injury. 

Public Transportation:  There is a regular, island-wide public bus and ferry service, and daily and weekly passes are available at the central bus terminal, or Visitors’ Service Bureau or ferry terminal in Hamilton. Bus schedules can be viewed here, and ferry schedules can be viewed here.

See our Road Safety page for more information.  

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Bermuda’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Bermuda’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Bermuda should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings. If you are a mariner and need assistance, you should contact the Master of your vessel.  You may also send an email to EB-A-TRA-OTP-MARITIME@STATE.GOV or contact the various mariner advocacy organizations.