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Explore: Bermuda - Formalities

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Clearance

COVID-19: Entry protocols for yachts have been affected by the pandemic. See the Biosecurity section for details.

PRE ARRIVAL

See Bermuda Guidance Document for Visiting Pleasure Craft.

The SailClear advance web notification service for clearance is now operational here. Completing the online forms prior to checking in may save a lot of time at Customs. For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified.

Note: There are occasional problems with accessing the Sailclear website.

A Yacht Pre-Arrival Information Questionnaire needs to be completed online at http://www.marops.bm/of_visitingyacht.aspx, or downloaded and emailed to [email protected] or faxed to Bermuda Maritime Operations on fax no +1 441 297 1530.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

Advance Notification:

All yachts must contact Bermuda Harbour Radio prior to arrival on VHF Channel 16 giving an approximate time of arrival and any special requirements. The first contact should be attempted when 30 miles from the Island. The station is on call 24 hours on 2182 KHz, 4125 KHz, and VHF Channels 16 and 27.

A 24-hour radar/AIS watch is also kept and unidentified vessels are called up, especially if they approach too close to the reef. The radio station will direct a yacht where to berth and how to proceed for clearance.

General Process:

The designated yacht reporting centers are:

  • St. George’s Yacht Reporting Centre at 3 Ordnance Island, St. George’s; and
  • Hamilton Yacht Reporting Centre at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Marina, 76 Pitt’s Bay Road, Pembroke, for pleasure craft berthing there. A request to proceed direct to the marina must be made to the Customs Department by e-mail prior to arrival.

Most pleasure craft proceed to the Customs dock at St. George’s Harbour for clearance. The Q flag must be flown. 

Yachts entering between the hours of 24:00 and 08:00 will be directed by Bermuda Harbour Radio to anchor in Powder Hole, in the south-eastern section of St. George’s Harbour. Vessels must remain within this quarantine zone until 08:00 and are then required to proceed to the clearance facility for the completion of formalities.

Customs normally monitor VHF Channel 68.

Yachts stopping elsewhere will be escorted to St George’s and may be fined by Customs. After clearance yachts may then proceed to Hamilton or elsewhere in the archipelago.

A transit permit will need to be purchased if visiting Bermuda for a period of less than 5 days. The only instance this is not payable is if you are arriving in Bermuda solely by reason of distress or emergency. 

A cruising permit will need to be purchased if visiting for longer than 5 days and is valid up to 6 months. Apply and pay for the permit with Customs (or you can apply in advance through a local agent). See fees for details.

For more details on permits go here.

CLEARING OUT

If there are no crew changes, it is not necessary to take your yacht to the Customs dock on clearing out. Simply dinghy over to do the necessary paperwork. After clearing out you must leave within the hour!

Last updated:  October 2020

St. George Yacht Reporting Center

Immigration

Immigration Procedure:

All visitors must hold a valid, machine-readable passport (including US nationals).

Bermuda does not issue its own visas, however, the following requirements must be met:

  • All travelers who require a multi re-entry visa (MRV) must present this visa-type upon arrival in Bermuda;
  • The MRV for the UK, US or Canada must be valid for 45 days after the expiration of a visitor stay and/or of the work permit; and
  • All travelers must possess a passport that is valid for 45 days past the expiration of travel and/or of the work permit (Note: US Passport Cards are not permitted for use for travel to Bermuda by air).

Other Visa Information:

Nationals of the following countries require Bermuda Entry Visas:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, China (Peoples’ Republic of), Columbia, Congo (Brazaville), Congo (Kinsasha), Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus (northern part), Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea (Republic of), Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), Malawi, Moldova (Republic of), Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Authorities, Panama, Philippines,
Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia (Republic of), Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Soviet Union (former), Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkish Republic of N. Cyprus, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia (former Soc. Fed. Rep. of), Zimbabwe.

Visas to enter Bermuda may be obtained from the Visa Section of a British Embassy, the British High Commission or the British Consulate in the national’s country.  You may apply for a Visa waiver prior to your arrival in Bermuda via the Compliance Section, Bermuda Department of Immigration by including a copy of your Passport data to [email protected] or [email protected] More details are on the Government Website.

All bona fide visitors are allowed to remain in Bermuda for an initial period of 90 days. 

Visas are not required for stays up to 90 days for nationals of the USA, Britain, Australia, Canada and EU countries. 

For extensions of visits beyond that granted by the Immigration officials on arrival, an application form has to be submitted before the initial expiration date together with the following documents: 

  • The valid passport or other travel document on which the visitor was landed in Bermuda must be valid for 45 days past the intended departure date in accordance with the Visas and Visa Controlled Nationals Policy
  • Evidence of a return passage (for a destination to which the applicant has the right of entry)
  • Valid visa for the United States, Canada or United Kingdom (if required)
  • Signature and identification for local host/sponsor (i.e. driver’s licence, passport or voter’s registration card) Or In cases where there is no host, written confirmation of accommodations by hotel or guest house must be provided
  • Extension Fee

Full details are on the Government of Bermuda website.

Extensions for up to a further 90 days (for during the hurricane season for example) will also be permitted on application to the Department of Immigration in Hamilton (Tel. +1 441 295 5151). For extensions, crew members will not only need to provide proof of citizenship but also the means to repatriate themselves by air. They will also need to prove they are covered by health insurance and make a declaration that they will not seek or take up employment in Bermuda.

Persons who require visas to enter other countries they are sailing to after Bermuda must already have them. This applies particularly to yachts leaving Bermuda for the USA.

Incoming Crew and Guests:

When arriving by yacht and leaving by air, the crew must have written proof from the owner or captain of their means of departure. The responsibility to ensure that such crew leave the island rests with the captain.

In addition, all visitors arriving by air are required to show a return air ticket. To avoid this for crew members arriving or leaving by air on one-way tickets, the captain or owner of a yacht must write to the Chief Immigration Officer, Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, POB HM 1364, Hamilton HM-FX (Tel. 295-5151) well in advance giving:

  • The name, address and nationality of any crew member.
  • Details of the airline, flight number and date of arrival.
  • Fees for the landing permit. The latter will be sent to the captain and it permits the purchase of a one-way ticket (otherwise travel agents or airlines will not issue one). The permit must be shown on the entry. If time is short, the captain can telephone with the crew details. In such cases, the crew may have to buy a return ticket, but once the permit is issued, one can get a validation from the Chief Immigration Officer to allow a refund to be obtained.

Last updated:  October 2019

Customs

Arriving by Yacht:

The captain should have a copy of the pre-arrival form ready and the completed declaration of health form. 

The Customs boarding officer, who normally carries out clearance for all three departments, brings all documents required for clearance on board. The officer will also collect a passenger tax. 

Length of Stay: Yachts can stay up to six months, after which time Customs will impose a duty of 33.5 percent on the yacht’s value. However, under special circumstances, the Collector of Customs may grant limited extensions if, for example, the yacht required or was undergoing repairs, if there were weather delays, injured or sick crew members or, indeed, for any other reason that the Collector of Customs considered valid.

Other Items:

Firearms: All firearms and ammunition must be declared on arrival to the Customs officer, who will either impound them until departure or seal them on board. Firearms include spear guns, Verey pistols and flare guns.

Medicines: All medically prescribed drugs and medications must be declared on arrival.

Fruit and vegetables: Those which arrive from other countries are prohibited imports so must stay on the boat. See this document (page 13) for a list.

Last updated:  October 2020

Bermuda Customs

BioSecurity

With the continual change in protocols due to the pandemic, we outline the last-known situation below for yacht arrivals. Skippers should follow the recommended links in “resources” to confirm the latest protocols. Always check with your intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required. Please e-mail [email protected] if you find protocols have changed.

COVID-19: OPEN

Yachting Protocols:

  • There are new protocols for yacht arrivals effective 7 March, 2022. See https://www.gov.bm/are-you-mariner for full details.
  • Most importantly, travel authorisation (TA) MUST be completed prior to arrival in Bermuda (with the necessary certificates uploaded). Go to https://www.gov.bm/mariners-travel-authorisation.
  • All crew members must be fully vaccinated (aged 12 and over), have a negative Covid test (aged 2 and older) and apply for travel authorisation 1-3 days prior to arrival.
  • No further testing will be required on arrival in Bermuda.
  • Travel authorisation costs have been reduced to $40, which includes return testing if necessary.
  • Health Insurance is required to include cover for Covid-19 related illness.
  • Upon arrival in St George’s Harbor yachts should proceed either to the Customs Yacht Reporting Centre dock at Ordnance Island or they will be directed to anchor in Powder Hole on the southern side of St. George’s Harbour by Bermuda Radio.
  • During Customs clearance all crew will be evaluated by a Port Health Officer.
  • All crew will be required to fill in a Maritime Declaration of Health.
  • Important: If you arrive in Bermuda have not completed the TA prior to arrival, you will not be permitted to leave your boat.

Our thanks to Bermuda Maritime Operations Center for keeping Noonsite updated throughout the Pandemic.

Contacts: 

  • If mariners have specific questions which cannot be answered by following the above links the health Department hotline can be contacted by telephone on (441) 444-2498 or sending a message using the following link https://www.gov.bm/contact/40366/1156
  • Senior Customs Officer, Mrs. Carla Burgess, can be contacted at [email protected]
  • Bermuda Radio is on VHF 16 or 27.
  • Somers Supermarket in St. Georges ( (441) 297-1177 / [email protected]) deliver to the dinghy dock at St. Georges just opposite the Customs office.

Resources:

  • https://www.gov.bm/are-you-mariner
  • https://www.gov.bm/mariners-travel-authorisation
  • http://www.marops.bm/sailbda.aspx
  • www.gov.bm/healthinformation
  • Maritime Declaration of Health
  • Bermuda Tourism Authority – information for travelers

Reports:

  • Caribbean Bound 2020/21 – Yachting Protocols
  • Retreat from Paradise (December 28, 2020)

History: 

  • On 17 March, 2020, a travel ban was introduced for visitors coming from China, Iran, Italy and Korea.
  • On 18 March, the seaport closed. Yachts were still able to stop in Bermuda but a 14 day quarantine on arrival was imposed. 
  • On 20 March airports closed. 
  • On 04 April Bermuda went into lockdown [Bermuda Government ‘Shelter at Home’ Order] for 14 days and yachts were recommended to stay away.
  • During April, May and June yachts were asked to avoid Bermuda if at all possible, but if coming only to stay a max. of 72 hours.
  • At the start of September, 2020, protocols were introduced for visiting yachts where negative tests were accepted in place of quarantine, as well as the other current regulations in place today.

Related Businesses

  • Department of Health – Bermuda

    Address: PO Box HM 1195, Hamilton, Bermuda, HM EX

    Read More

Health

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. It is, however, insurance-based so adequate insurance cover is essential.

For details of the recommended vaccinations see the CDC website.

Last updated:  October 2019

Documents

Necessary Documents for Bermuda:

  • Passports for the skipper and all crew.
  • A Yacht Pre-Arrival Information Questionnaire, more details are in the Clearance section.

Note: 

  1. Foreign  Citizens not in possession of a passport may be refused entry.
  2. A driver’s license is not acceptable.
  3. A notarized copy of a hospital birth certificate or similar non-government document is not acceptable.
  4. A married woman traveling under their married name with identification documents in their maiden name should also carry their marriage certificate or a certified copy.

Other Documents:

During the hurricane season  (1 June to 30 November) any yachtsman requesting permission to stay in Bermuda beyond the permitted 90 days requires proof:

  1. of citizenship (passport)
  2. of the means for repatriation
  3. of health insurance
  4. in writing that he or she will not seek or take-up employment

Last updated:  October 2019

Fees

Immigration Fees: 

  • There is a passenger tax of $35 USD for each person on board.
  • The fee for an extended stay of up to 3 months costs $60 per person.
  • An extension for a further 3 months costs $120.

Customs Fees: 

Transit Permit (stay of less than 5 days): $5 per metre

Cruising Permit (valid up to 6 months): $6.50 per metre ($8.50  for superyachts)

No charges to clear out.

Last updated:  October 2020

Restrictions

Spearfishing:

No spearfishing is permitted within one mile of any shore. Outside the one-mile area, only Hawaiian sling-type devices may be used when freediving. Spearfishing with scuba gear is not permitted. Spearguns may not be used in Bermuda or imported at any time.

Black Water:

All yachts should be fitted with either holding tanks to contain sewage for discharge in waters outside the outer reef edge or have U.S. Coast Guard-approved marine sanitation devices aboard. However, wherever possible, onshore sanitation facilities should be utilized. The discharge overboard of sewage, or any other pollutant within the 12 mile Bermuda Territorial Limit, is an offense, and offenders will be prosecuted. Details are provided in this DENR brochure.

Last updated:  October 2019



Local Customs

Bermuda, while welcoming, is a conservative place and you should dress modestly. Bathing suits, revealing tops and short shorts should only be worn at the beach or pools.

There are no nude or topless beaches and it is an offense to appear in public topless or wearing a bathing suit top.

Drinking alcohol in public outside of licensed premises is not allowed.

Pets

Arrival:

All animals (this includes birds and fish) arriving in Bermuda are required  to have the following documents:

  • A copy of the Import Permit issued in advance by the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources or from any Bermuda tourist office.
  • The original health certificate (issued within the 10 days prior to animal’s arrival) which includes the identity, contact information, and signature of the issuing veterinarian.
  • A properly endorsed CITES document (for an animal of an endangered species).

Rabies Vaccine:

Rabies vaccination history is required, showing at least two rabies vaccinations, and that all rabies vaccinations have been given by a licensed veterinarian, and are in accord with all of these requirements. The animal :
• Upon attaining / after the age of three months, has received a rabies vaccination; AND
• Received a second rabies vaccine 6-12 months following the first rabies vaccination; AND
• There have been no significant lapses in vaccinations
• The most recent vaccination was given at least 30 days, and not more than 12 months prior to arrival.

NOTE; These requirements are not applicable to dogs or cats arriving directly from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or Jamaica

Microchip:

All pets imported to Bermuda should have been implanted with a microchip read by a standard microchip reader

For further information see Importing animals into Bermuda.

Last updated:  October 2019

Related Businesses

  • Bermuda Department of Environment Protection

    Address: PO Box HM 834, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda,

    Read More

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