In response to recent events, new FAA, airport, and airline procedures have been implemented to ensure passenger safety. Travelers are asked to allow extra time to get to and through airports, carry trip documents, and exercise patience. Here is a list of new requirements, guidelines, and suggestions that explain how these new security measures may affect you:

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.

All travellers 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:

For US and Canadian visitors, a passport is preferred. However, you can use one of the following: Original Birth Certificate with a raised seal issued by a competent municipal authority, or certified copy—either one, along with photo ID (NOTE: Neither Bermuda nor US Immigration Authorities accept a notarised copy of a birth certificate, hospital birth record, baptismal certificate, or similar non-government document as proof of citizenship.); US Alien Registration Card (Green Card); US Naturalization Certificate; or a Canadian Certificate of Citizenship. Citizens of other countries require a passport, and possibly a visa.

Requirements for Children:

1. Children travelling 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) authorising the child to be accompanied by the respective adult for the trip.
2. Parents of adopted children should be particularly careful that they carry with them the proper documents for their adopted children, especially if the children are 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 finalised.
3. 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.

The atmosphere of Bermuda is one of British reserve and dignified informality. Therefore, there are certain “customs of dress” which you will want to know.

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 and hair curlers 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 lunchtime, but many restaurants and nightclubs in and out of hotels require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings. It is best to check on dress requirements when making dinner/nightclub reservations as some places do have casual evenings periodically.

Legal tender in Bermuda is the Bermuda dollar (BD$), which is divided into 100 cents. The Bermuda dollar is pegged to the US dollar on an equal (one-to-one) basis. This means that US currency is accepted at shops, restaurants, and hotels at equal (face) value. Other foreign currencies are not accepted but may be exchanged at local banks at rates that are set daily.

The following methods of payment are available island-wide:

Accepted island-wide (see previous paragraph).

Personal cheques drawn on US banks may be used for purchases at over 200 establishments on the island. These include hotels, gas stations, liquor stores, restaurants, and retail shops. US cheques may be cashed at some hotels or local banks by arrangement. The Bermuda Financial Network will cash US cheques for a fee at its Hamilton location.

133 Front Street
Hamilton
Bermuda
Tel: 441-292-1799

Open Monday–Saturday, 8:30 am–5:30 pm.

MasterCard®, VISA®, and American Express® are accepted at virtually every store, restaurant and hotel. VISA® and MasterCard® may be used for cash advances at all local bank branches. In addition, the Bank of Bermuda and the Bank of Butterfield provide ATMs located island-wide for Mastercard, VISA, Cirrus® and Plus® cash advances, most of which are available 24 hours a day.

Visitors who need assistance with American Express should call the Bermuda Financial Network at 441-292-1799.

Accepted island-wide.

Visitors can rely on this fast, safe, and convenient way to send or receive money worldwide. There are two Western Union locations on the Island:

Corner of King and Front Street
4th Floor
Hamilton
Tel: 441-292-1799

Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:30 pm.

For Saturday or 24-hour emergency service, call 441-292-1799.

21 Reid Street
1st Floor
Hamilton
Tel: 441-296-6969

Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm.
Saturday, 8:30 am–4:00 pm.

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

Air Passengers $25, collected in advance along with the ticket. Those in direct transit and children under 2 years are exempt.

Ship Passengers $60, collected in advance by the steam ship company. Children under 2 years are exempt.

There are no drive-yourself cars for hire, but visitors can get about easily by taxi, bus, ferry, motor scooter, and by horse and carriage.

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

Hay Fever Bermuda’s climate is relatively favourable to hay fever sufferers. Ragweed is non-existent, and pollens of other weeds are quickly blown out to sea.

Electricity 110 volts, 60 cycles AC.

Baby Sitters Enquire in advance from the management of your visitor accommodation for sitters and special services.

Hotel Check-out Time is generally 12 noon.

Hotel Check-in Time is generally 3 pm.

Beaches During May through October, lifeguards are stationed at Horseshoe Bay, John Smith’s Bay, Clearwater Beach, and Turtle Bay, daily, 10 am–6 pm. All other public beaches are unattended.

Standard Time in Bermuda is Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours.

Daylight Savings Time in effect from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.

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