TRAVEL TIPS
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Bermuda General Information

Travel Documents

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. Click here for a list of countries from which Bermuda entry visas are required.

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.


Clothing

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 in the evenings. It is best to check on dress requirements when making dinner/nightclub reservations as some places do have casual evenings periodically.


General Transportation

Taxis
Bermuda taxi drivers are known to be informative and friendly. In fact, many see themselves as unofficial ambassadors for our Island. All taxis are metered and rates are set by our Government. In addition, many of our taxi drivers are also excellent tour guides—please contact your hotel concierge to locate taxi companies that also offer tour services.

Buses
Buses are plentiful and service most areas of interest. A pole with a top that is pink (inbound to Hamilton) or blue (outbound from Hamilton) designates a bus stop. Bus passengers must have exact change in coin. Ask about bus tokens or books of bus tickets at your hotel or the bus terminal in Hamilton. Bus and ferry passengers are advised to take advantage of the very popular and convenient “Transportation Pass” available for one, three, and seven days of unlimited use on the buses and ferries (sold at the Central Terminal, the Visitors’ Service Bureau in Hamilton, and at authorised outlets).

Ferries
You’ve viewed the water from the island. Now try viewing the Island from the water. Take in the scenery as you get to your destination. You can purchase passes for each trip, in affordable 1, 3, or 7–day passes, or purchase a pass for the month.
New 2005 Summer Ferry Schedule is available at the Hamilton Ferry Terminal, 295-4506 or www.seasexpress.bm.

For more information on Buses & Ferries go to: www.gov.bm under Ministries - Tourism & Transport - Public Transportation Board & SeaExpress.

Scooters
When thinking of Bermuda, visitors often picture maneuvering winding streets and passing picturesque pink houses with the wind on their face and the whirring motor of a scooter under foot. A truly Bermudian way to get around, scooters are ideal for those who seek independent means of travel and enjoy the fun and freedom they provide. But please abide by Bermuda's road rules to assure your safety.
Remember: we drive on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limit is 35 kilometres per hour. Scooter drivers should note that gas stations are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, with several open until 11:00 pm or later. Children under 16 years may not drive motor scooters. All scooter drivers and passengers are required, by law, to wear safety helmets securely fastened at all times. Bicycles are also available.

Please note: Rental cars are NOT available in Bermuda.

Tips Smooth Passage through Bermuda Customs Control

On Arrival
On entering the Bermuda International Airport Arrivals Hall, follow the signs directing Visitors and Non-Residents to the Immigration Desks. Screens around the hall display reminders of which documents you need to present at the Immigration Desk.

Step 1: Immigration Desk
All documents should be completed, and signed where indicated, BEFORE you reach the Immigration Desk. Make sure you have the following in hand:
- Bermuda Immigration Passenger Forms – one for each adult and child (copies available onboard planes and at the airport/cruise terminals)
- A Bermuda Customs Declaration Form – one for each family (copies available onboard planes and at the airport/cruise terminals)
- Your Airline Tickets – as proof of return or onward flights
- A Valid Passport* – the preferred ID for Bermuda – one for each adult and child.
Before you leave this area, a coloured Customs Card will be given to you.

Step 2: Baggage Claim Area
Once through Immigration, proceed straight to the Baggage Claim area. Look for your Flight number above the carousels, or listen for announcements. When you have collected your luggage, proceed towards the exit. You will be greeted by a Customs Officer who will check your bags, take the coloured card, and send you through the Exit or on to the Customs Hall for a baggage check.

On Departure
Recommended check-in at the Bermuda International Airport is 2 hours before departure time - head straight to your airline's Check-in Counter. You will need your airline tickets, the completed departure portion 'Form B' of the 'Government of Bermuda Immigration Passenger Form' and passport/personal identification (for those passengers travelling to the U.S. a completed and signed United States Customs – Declaration Form, CF 6059B). After check-in, passengers visiting or returning to the U.S. may purchase items from the Duty Free Store. You may then proceed through U.S. Customs & Border Protection checks. (This unique privilege saves you time on arrival at your initial U.S. destination.) Airport Security checks follow, prior to boarding your flight.
(Passengers leaving for initial destinations outside the U.S. do not have U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance in Bermuda.)