Do You Need A Passport To Go To Bermuda? (On A Plane or A Ship?)

Bermuda is a beautiful island destination worth visiting on your next vacation. This island is known for its pink sand beaches, created by pulverized coral and shells, and the historic town of St. George. So, do you need a passport to go to Bermuda?

Adults, children, and infants entering Bermuda by airplane must present a valid U.S. passport to enter the country. You must also present a valid U.S. passport to re-enter the United States. If you’re taking a cruise to Bermuda, a passport is recommended in case of emergencies. However, you don’t need one if the cruise begins and ends in the United States.

If your identification documents are in your maiden name, but you’re traveling under your married name, carry your marriage certificate.

As of March 2014, entry visas and visa waivers are no longer required for tourists or business visitors. Follow along as we explore everything you need to enter Bermuda and enjoy your vacation.

What Documents Do I Need To Fly To Bermuda?

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Before heading to Bermuda, you need to provide several documents to the country. All travelers must complete the Bermuda travel authorization process online within 48 hours of departure. You must also show a return or onward ticket, such as a roundtrip ticket or proof of onward transportation to another country.

All visitors 12 years and older are required to show proof of vaccination. Acceptable proof shows that you’ve received a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before your arrival. However, Bermuda officials do not require travelers to have booster shots.

Visitors 2 years old and younger must provide a negative COVID-19 pre-arrival test result. You Supervised antigen tests must be taken no more than two days before arrival. NAAT tests are acceptable no more than four days before arrival.

Can I Use A Birth Certificate In Place Of A Passport To Travel To Bermuda?

The short answer is no; you cannot use a birth certificate in place of a passport to travel to Bermuda. A birth certificate, driver’s license, or identification card will not grant you entry into Bermuda. You must have a passport to enter the island.

Bermuda accepts two different types of passports: passport books and passport cards. Both of these types of passports will show proof of citizenship and identity. However, if you’re traveling to Bermuda by air, you will need to carry a passport book.

Related Read: Do You Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico?

Current Travel Restrictions for Bermuda

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People are excited to travel again, whether by cruise ship or plane. No matter how you plan to travel to Bermuda, it’s always a good idea to know the current restrictions. Currently, Bermuda has several restrictions in place.

Bermuda requires proof of vaccination for travelers 12 years and older and a negative COVID-19 test for travelers under 2. Bermuda requires travelers to submit a Travel Authorization application where visitors can upload their negative pre-arrival test, vaccination, and travel information.

You can purchase applications for $40 up to a month before travel to permit early review of vaccine records.

Do You Need To Get A Vaccine To Go To Bermuda?

All visitors 12 years and older traveling to Bermuda must be vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated, you must apply for a medical exemption to enter Bermuda at least 10 days before arriving. Additionally, the Quarantine Authority needs to approve the exemption.

To get approval for Medical Exemption from Vaccination, you must have a medical contraindication to COVID-19 vaccines. The traveler must submit a letter from a licensed physician documenting the medical contraindication. There are strict guidelines for the letter, so be sure to visit the Government of Bermuda travel site.

Related Read: Do You Need a Passport To Go To St. Lucia?

Does A Child Need A Passport To Go To Bermuda?

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Adults, children, and infants entering Bermuda need a passport. There are several guidelines if the child is under the age of 16 and applying for a passport.

• Both parents must accompany applicants under 16 years old applying for a passport.
• The applicant must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• The parents of the applicant must provide parental identification. If one parent cannot attend, they must fill out a Parental Permission form and get it notarized. You can find this form here.
• You also need to complete a DS-11 form and pay the $115 application fee.
• Applicants must submit one U.S. passport photo.
• Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a 5-year passport.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Bermuda By Cruise Ship?

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Citizens from all countries except for the U.S. must have passports on cruise ships. U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to go to Bermuda by cruise ship if the cruise originates and terminates in the United States. However, valid U.S. passports are strongly recommended when you go on a cruise for many reasons.

Illness and arrests are the most common occurrences when you would need a passport on a cruise ship. For example, in these situations, you might need to return to the U.S. by plane instead of on the cruise.

If this happens, you will need a passport for air travel. Keep in mind that passport cards are not valid for air travel, only passport books. Therefore, while you don't have to have a passport to cruise to Bermuda, it's wise to bring one anyway.

Related Read: Best Time to Visit the Caribbean

Do You Need A REAL ID To Go To Bermuda?

REAL IDs are essentially driver’s licenses with additional technology. You cannot use a REAL ID for international air travel to Bermuda. Americans visiting Bermuda by cruise ship can travel using a REAL ID, but it is not a requirement.

While a passport isn’t required to visit Bermuda by cruise ship, it is always a wise recommendation in an emergency. For U.S. citizens traveling to Bermuda, a valid passport book should have at least one blank page for an entry stamp.

You can use a passport card or REAL ID to enter Bermuda on a closed-loop cruise. A closed-loop cruise means it’s a round-trip to the same U.S. port.

Do You Need A Visa To Go To Bermuda?

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Short stay travelers from the U.S. do not need a visa to enter Bermuda. A short stay is considered a vacation of 90 days or less. Passports must be valid for the entire duration of your visit, but it’s recommended to have six months of passport validity.

If you plan to extend your stay beyond three months, there are additional requirements:

• You must attend an appointment with the Immigration Department in Bermuda to apply for a Visitor Extension.
• The Visitor Extension will grant you an additional 90 days in Bermuda, 180 days total on the island.
• You must submit an application before the appointment that states your expiration date.
• You will need to present the application form, a signed declaration of the host or sponsor, or hotel.
• Acquire a valid passport or other travel document, such as a passport card or REAL ID, to enter Bermuda. This document has to be valid for 45 days past the departure date.
• Evidence of a return flight is required.
• You must present an updated travel application or ESTA.
• You’ll need to provide financial evidence that you can pay for the extension fee.

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Aruba

What Islands Can You Go To Without A Passport?

If you forgot to renew your passport or didn’t apply for one in time, your vacation doesn’t have to be ruined. As a U.S. citizen, there are several locations you can go to without a passport. Whether you’re looking to stay local or prefer a short flight, there are options for those who want to stay in the states.

In the Caribbean, you can visit St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. San Juan and Culebra, Puerto Rico, are other common areas to visit without a passport. If you want to stick to the United States, check out Key West, Miami, or Anna Maria Island in Florida.

Don’t forget about the West Coast - California is home to Santa Catalina Island. A little bit further west is Oahu, Kauai, and Maui, Hawaii, always a great location when trying to stay in the United States. Guam and American Samoa are two places known for lush, tropical beaches that aren’t overrun with tourists.

Wrapping Up Your Bermuda Vacation Documents

If your vacation plans take you to Bermuda, plan ahead to avoid stress and delays. You don’t want unexpected problems to stop you from putting your toes in the pink sand beaches. If you’re traveling by plane, you will need a passport; if you’re traveling by cruise ship, you won’t.

Don’t forget about the required documents when traveling to Bermuda. All travelers must complete the Bermuda travel authorization process online within 48 hours of departing for Bermuda. You also need to provide a roundtrip ticket or proof of onward transportation to another country.

Bermuda has COVID-19 vaccination requirements, as well, so be aware of those. All visitors 12 and older must show proof of vaccination, and visitors under 2 need a negative COVID-19 test.

It is best to visit the Bermuda travel website before traveling to make sure you have what you need. Also, give yourself enough time to start the process early. There are several requirements that are due weeks or months before arrival.