Bermuda does not issue its own tourist entry visa. Since March 2014, visitors from most countries can enter without one. However, travellers from certain nations must hold a valid multiple re-entry visa (MRV) for the US, UK, or Canada before arriving, and all visitors arriving by air or private yacht must complete the free Bermuda Arrival Card. Understanding which category applies to you — and preparing the correct documents well in advance — is key to a smooth arrival on the island.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bermuda tourist visa | Not required for most nationalities (abolished March 2014) |
| Visa-free stay (US, UK, Canada passport holders) | Up to 180 days in any 12-month period (as of 2025) |
| MRV requirement (visa-controlled nationals) | Must hold a valid multi re-entry visa for the US, UK, or Canada; valid for 45+ days beyond departure |
| Bermuda Arrival Card | Free; required for all air and yacht arrivals (not cruise passengers) |
| Recommended MRV application timing | 1–2 months before travel date |
| Key official resource | Government of Bermuda – Entry Visas |
How and when should you apply for entry into Bermuda?
As of March 1, 2014, Bermuda no longer requires entry visas or visa waivers for tourists, business visitors, or work permit holders. This means that for the vast majority of travellers, there is no visa application form to submit to a Bermuda government body before your trip. What you do need depends entirely on your passport and how you are travelling to the island.
Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada can enter Bermuda without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 180 days in any 12-month period. All visitors arriving by air or yacht must complete the Bermuda Arrival Card before arrival. This card is free and takes only a couple of minutes to complete online — more on this below.
Travellers from other countries must hold a valid multiple re-entry visa for the US, UK, or Canada, since all flights to Bermuda transit through these gateways. This is the key distinction: Bermuda itself does not issue tourist visas, but if your nationality appears on Bermuda’s visa-controlled list, you must obtain a multiple re-entry visa (MRV) from one of those three gateway countries before you can board a flight to Bermuda.
Bermuda implemented the Immigration and Protection (Prohibition of Entry) Order 2025 on January 8, 2025, introducing significant changes to its immigration policies. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were removed from the list of countries whose nationals require entry visas, while Colombia was added. Because this list is updated regularly, always verify your current status on the official Government of Bermuda entry visas page before making travel plans.
The best time to apply for your MRV is one to two months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, it may be possible to process your visa on a faster service at the Embassy’s discretion. Do not leave the application to the last minute — embassy and consulate processing schedules can vary, and there is no guarantee of expedited service.
To stay longer than the permitted visitor period, or to work, study, or travel for business purposes, you must meet Bermuda’s entry requirements. If you want to work in Bermuda, you must get a job offer and work permit before you enter the country. You must not look for work while visiting as a tourist. During the pandemic, Bermuda introduced a digital nomad residency certificate, allowing remote workers to live and work on the island for up to a year. This programme ended in February 2025.
For business visitors specifically, note that rules tightened in late 2025. Under the Work Permit Policy 2025, which took effect on 1 November 2025, the maximum stay for a business visitor is 14 consecutive days per visit. The activities permitted on a business-visitor landing are narrowly defined, covering things like board and committee meetings, conferences, short training programmes, and site inspections, with no remuneration from a Bermuda-based employer.
Where should you apply for a visa for Bermuda?
Because Bermuda does not issue its own tourist visas, anyone who needs a multiple re-entry visa must apply for it through the embassy or consulate of the relevant gateway country — the US, UK, or Canada — in their home country. The process is similar in principle to applying for a Schengen visa through a European embassy: you are applying for authorisation from a third country rather than from Bermuda itself.
Travellers requiring visas must obtain a multiple re-entry visa (MRV) from one of Bermuda’s three gateways: the United Kingdom, the United States, or Canada. Which gateway you choose will generally depend on which country you are travelling through to reach Bermuda, as virtually all flights to the island connect via one of these three countries. You should apply for an MRV from the country you plan to transit through.
If you are based in or transiting through the United States: you will need to apply for a US non-immigrant visa (commonly a B-1/B-2 tourist or business visa) through the US Department of State. Applications are submitted through the US embassy or consulate in your home country. A US visa application typically requires completing the DS-160 online form and attending an in-person interview at the consulate.
If you are based in or transiting through the United Kingdom: nationals who require a visa to enter Bermuda must apply for a separate entry visa. This can be done at any British Embassy or High Commission Office. The UK visa application process is managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and applications are typically submitted online before attending a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your country of residence.
The Bermuda London Office (bdalondonoffice.co.uk) provides useful additional guidance for those applying via the UK route. Visa-controlled nationals who arrive at Bermuda’s borders needing visas to transit through another country will also require a visa to transit the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom on their return leg. This is referred to as a multiple re-entry visa, which permits more than one entry, ensuring travellers will not be stranded in Bermuda without the ability to leave.
For the Bermuda Arrival Card — which every air and yacht arrival must complete regardless of nationality — you apply directly through the official Government of Bermuda website. The required Bermuda Arrival Card is completely free and must only be completed through the official Government of Bermuda website. There are fraudulent websites charging for Bermuda Arrival Cards — do not pay any third-party website claiming to offer this service.
What documents do you need to enter Bermuda?
The documents you need fall into two groups: those required at Bermuda’s border on arrival, and those required when applying for an MRV from a gateway-country embassy if your nationality is on the visa-controlled list. Below is a summary of each.
Documents required at Bermuda’s border (all travellers)
- Valid passport: For US, UK, and Canadian citizens, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Bermuda. For all other nationalities requiring an MRV, the passport must be valid for 45 days after the expiration of your visitor stay or work permit. US Passport Cards are not permitted for use for travel to Bermuda by air.
- Bermuda Arrival Card: Visitors must complete a Bermuda Arrival Card. Once completed, download it to show immigration officials. You can also complete a paper copy when you arrive in Bermuda. You do not have to complete a card if you arrive on a cruise ship.
- Return or onward ticket: A return or onward ticket — or other proof of onward transportation to a country to which the passenger has the right of entry — is required for all visitors.
- Proof of accommodation: Proof of accommodation is also required upon arrival.
- Multiple Re-Entry Visa (if applicable): All travellers who require an 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’s stay and/or the work permit.
- Permanent residency documents (if applicable): If you are a permanent resident — not a citizen — of the US, UK, or Canada, you will need to show official proof of your residency status. Permanent residents of the UK or Canada must present a valid Permanent Residence Card, while US residents must provide either a Green Card or an original certificate of naturalization along with a government-issued photo ID.
- Name-change documentation: If you are travelling under a married name but your documents are in your maiden name, a certified marriage certificate is required.
Documents typically required when applying for an MRV (visa-controlled nationals)
Because the MRV is issued by the US, UK, or Canadian embassy in your country, the exact document requirements depend on which gateway country’s visa you are applying for. However, common requirements typically include a valid passport, a completed application form, a recent passport photograph, proof of travel itinerary, proof of accommodation in Bermuda, evidence of financial means, and a letter explaining the purpose of your visit.
Ensure all documents are translated into English by certified translators if they are originally in other languages. This applies both to MRV applications and to any supporting documents you carry to the Bermuda border. Bermuda’s official language is English, so translations into French or other languages are not required; certified English translations are what you need.
For the most up-to-date and authoritative list of requirements, consult the Government of Bermuda’s Department of Immigration. You can also call the Department directly on (441) 295-5151. For MRV requirements, refer to the official embassy websites of the US Department of State, UK Visas and Immigration, or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as applicable.
How long does the application process take?
The timeline for entering Bermuda varies significantly depending on whether you need an MRV or not. Here is a breakdown of what to expect at each stage.
Bermuda Arrival Card
Getting to Bermuda is even faster and easier when you fill out the free Bermuda Arrival Card prior to your arrival on the island. The form is simple to complete, takes less than two minutes to fill in, and gets you through customs faster. Once you complete your free arrival form, you will receive an email confirmation to present to border agents to help expedite processing upon arrival. There is no waiting period — the confirmation is issued immediately upon submission.
MRV processing times (visa-controlled nationals)
Processing times for multiple re-entry visas can vary. Since Bermuda does not issue this visa type, it cannot provide guidance on processing times. Processing is entirely in the hands of the US, UK, or Canadian authorities. As a general guide, US B-1/B-2 visa processing times can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the consulate and current demand. UK visa processing times similarly vary by application centre and visa category. Always check the relevant embassy website for current wait times before booking travel.
Given this variability, the best time to apply for your visa is one to two months before your travel date. However, if you are applying for a US, UK, or Canadian visa from a country where wait times are longer than average, you may need to plan even further ahead. Do not book non-refundable travel until your MRV has been approved.
Extensions of stay in Bermuda
If you need longer than the period stamped on arrival, an application to extend can be made to the Department of Immigration in Hamilton before your current permission expires. Supporting documents — proof of funds, accommodation, travel insurance, and an onward booking — are normally required, and approval is not automatic. Anyone planning to stay close to the 180-day ceiling, or to return frequently within the same 12 months, should track their cumulative days carefully.
- Check your nationality status: Confirm whether your country appears on Bermuda’s current visa-controlled list via the Government of Bermuda’s official immigration page.
- Apply for your MRV (if required): Submit your application to the appropriate US, UK, or Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country — ideally at least two months before travel.
- Complete the Bermuda Arrival Card: Visit the official Government of Bermuda website and complete the free digital form before or upon arrival. Download and save the confirmation email.
- Gather your border documents: Ensure you have your valid passport, the Arrival Card confirmation, your return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and your MRV (if applicable).
- Arrive at the Bermuda border: Present all documents to immigration officers on arrival at L.F. Wade International Airport or at the Port of St. George’s for yacht arrivals.
How much does it cost to apply, and are there other associated costs?
The cost of entering Bermuda depends on your situation. Here is a clear breakdown of the fees you may encounter.
Bermuda Arrival Card
The Bermuda Arrival Card is free to complete and submit online. There are no government fees associated with this form. Be aware that third-party websites may charge for submitting this form on your behalf — this is unnecessary, as the process takes under two minutes on the official government website.
Multiple Re-Entry Visa (MRV) fees
If your nationality requires an MRV, the cost depends entirely on which gateway country’s visa you apply for. Bermuda does not set or collect these fees.
| Gateway Country | Visa Type | Approximate Fee | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | B-1/B-2 Tourist/Business | USD $185 (non-refundable application fee) | US Department of State |
| United Kingdom | Standard Visitor Visa | Check UK Home Office fee tool for current figure | UK Visas and Immigration |
| Canada | Temporary Resident Visa | CAD $100 per person (as of 2025) | IRCC Canada |
Because visa fees are set by foreign governments and change periodically, always verify the current fee on the official government website of the relevant country before applying. MRV fees are almost always non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or refused.
Work permit fees (for those moving to Bermuda for employment)
If you are relocating to Bermuda to work, your employer is responsible for obtaining a work permit on your behalf. Prospective employers are responsible for securing work permits for their non-Bermudian employees. Work permit fees are paid by the employer and vary by permit type and duration. The Department of Immigration will only accept payment via bank transfers or online payments. For a full schedule of permit fees, visit the Government of Bermuda’s immigration fees page.
Other potential costs
- Repatriation deposit: In accordance with Section 130 of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, the Department of Immigration may request that the employer deposit a sum of money with the Chief Immigration Officer, to cover the repatriation of the work permit holder and their family. An administration fee of $245.00 will be charged to the employer should repatriation estimates by the Department of Immigration be necessary.
- Yacht arrival passenger tax: The customs boarding officer will collect a passenger tax of US $35 from each person on board a private yacht clearing into Bermuda at St. George’s.
- Document translation: If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you will need to pay for certified translations. Costs vary by language and provider.
- Travel insurance: While not always a formal visa requirement for short-term visitors, proof of travel insurance is commonly required for extensions of stay and is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bermuda?
For tourists and short-term business visitors, Bermuda itself does not require a separate entry visa from any country. That has been the position since March 1, 2014, when Bermuda abolished its old visa-controlled tourist visa. However, if your nationality is on Bermuda’s visa-controlled list, you must hold a valid multiple re-entry visa for the US, UK, or Canada before travel.
What is the Bermuda Arrival Card and is it really free?
The Bermuda Arrival Card is an electronic form that helps streamline the arrival process for visitors entering Bermuda. Travellers arriving by air or private yacht are required to complete the form before or upon arrival. The Bermuda Arrival Card is free to complete and submit online. Ignore any third-party site charging a fee for this service.
How long can I stay in Bermuda as a visitor?
As of August 1, 2020, the Bermuda Government increased the maximum length of stay for all tourist visitors to 180 days; at the end of this period, visitors are expected to depart Bermuda. A rolling 12-month rule replaced the older “calendar year” rule and came into effect in January 2024. Keep careful track of the total days you have spent in Bermuda within any 12-month window.
Can I extend my stay in Bermuda?
An application to extend your stay can be made to the Department of Immigration in Hamilton before your current permission expires. Supporting documents — including proof of funds, accommodation, travel insurance, and an onward booking — are normally required, and approval is not automatic. Contact the Department on (441) 295-5151 for guidance.
Do my documents need to be translated into English?
Ensure all documents are translated into English by certified translators if they are originally in other languages. Translations into any language other than English are not required by Bermudian immigration authorities. For MRV applications submitted to the US, UK, or Canadian embassy, follow the translation requirements specified by that country’s immigration authority.
Can I look for work while visiting Bermuda as a tourist?
If you want to work in Bermuda, you must get a job offer and a work permit before you enter the country. You must not look for work while visiting as a tourist. The Department of Immigration’s primary consideration in determining whether to grant a work permit is whether there is a suitably qualified Bermudian interested in the job and available to do it.
What happens if I arrive without the correct documents?
Bermuda Immigration and Bermuda Customs are very strict and some travellers without correct or sufficient documentation may be sent back to their country of origin. Travellers who arrive in Bermuda without an MRV, or whose MRV and passport validity is less than 45 days, will be refused entry into Bermuda. Always double-check your documents before departing.
Where can I find the most up-to-date entry requirements for Bermuda?
The authoritative source is the Government of Bermuda’s official immigration page. You can also contact the Department of Immigration directly by phone on (441) 295-5151. For travel advice specific to your passport, consult your own government’s foreign travel advisory — for example, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Bermuda page or the US Department of State travel portal. Because Bermuda updates its visa-controlled list regularly, it is important to check official sources close to your travel date.