If you’re from the USA, Canada, UK or Europe, you don’t require any kind of visa to enter the island of Bermuda. You’re all set to experience the laid-back nature of the island. However, the length of your stay may affect this.
Here are the visa requirements for Bermuda, fees and how to apply for your stay duration:
- Short Getaway: Visiting
- Extending Your Vacation on the Island
- Working in Bermuda Visa Requirements
- Living in This Spectacular Location
Short Getaway: Visiting
Visitors are always welcome on the friendly island of Bermuda. As mentioned, American, Canadian, UK andEuropean citizens don’t require a visa to enjoy a short stay at the secluded retreat.
Visitors will be granted entry for up to 180 days (three months) without a visa. Bermuda requires you have adequate unused pages in your passport when you travel. This allows for any necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.
All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Bermuda. However, we strongly recommend traveling with six months of validity on your passport at all times. VisaHQ can assist citizens from each of the countries mentioned above with a full range of expedited passport services, including new passport applications and passport renewal.
All that’s left is to start living like a local by visiting the best places on the island.
Extending Your Vacation on the Island
If you want to extend your stay on the island beyond three months or the period granted by immigration at your time of arrival, you’ll need an appointment with an Inspector of the Immigration Department at their head office in Hamilton, Bermuda, where you can apply for a Visitor Extension.
If you're seeking to extend your visit, you must submit an application before the expiration date of your stay, which is stamped in your passport and immigration arrival card.
The same process must be followed whether you’re a US, Canadian, UK or European citizen. When you’re set to meet immigration officials, be sure to have the following documents close by:
- The completed application form, including the signed declaration by the host/sponsor (if applicable).
- Your valid passport or another travel document which was used when visiting Bermuda. It must be valid for 45 days past the intended departure date.
- You must have evidence of a confirmed booking for your return flight.
- Your ESTA should be up to date.
- A valid visa for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Europe (if required).
- Signature and identification for your local host/sponsor. In cases where there’s no host, a written confirmation of accommodation by hotel or guest house must be provided instead.
- The Extension Fee must be paid in full.
Working in Bermuda Visa Requirements
For anybody wishing to move permanently to the island and who doesn’t have a Bermudian spouse resident in Bermuda, it’s necessary to secure a job on the island beforehand. The Government of Bermuda encourages the employment of their own citizens as a matter of course and some job categories are restricted to Bermudians only.
There are job opportunities in Bermuda — over 20% of the population comprises foreign expats from all over the world working in Bermuda on work permits. But these work permits and fees need to be appropriately finalized before coming to Bermuda.
Your employer would need to specify a period for the work permit and pay the relevant fees in full to the government. This period can be extended later if necessary (up to five years), but it doesn’t guarantee permanent residency.
It’s important to note your spouse won’t be able to work on the island from your permit and will have to go through the same process to acquire one. However, your family can stay with you as long as you work in Bermuda.
Whether it’s making memories over some Rum Swizzles by the sea, attending events or taking your family on a trip around the restaurants — you’re welcome to enjoy the island.
Living in This Spectacular Location
For overseas buyers looking to buy Bermuda real estate, they must obtain a licence from the Bermuda Government. The approval process takes four to nine months, so give yourself enough time for it to be approved.
Although international buyers can purchase real estate in Bermuda with a licence, it doesn't make you eligible to gain Bermudian citizenship or a permanent stay. Bermuda is very popular, so it’s no surprise properties on this idyllic location are sought after.
You can purchase a vacation condo and pay considerably less than you would for a single family home, as well as have access to world-class facilities someone else maintains for you. These real estate types are few and far between but are often in prime locations, like Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Learn About Moving to Bermuda: Visas, Vacations and More
You’ve worked hard and now you want to kick back and enjoy the beautiful island of Bermuda. It can be overwhelming to organise visas, accommodation and all the other essential parts that make the move successful — but it’s worth it for the rewarding experience when you can finally sit back and relax.
For more information regarding your move to Bermuda, find it all in our resource.
