Last Updated: April 15, 2024
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers to Bermuda should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hamilton as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bermuda.
The crime emergency line in Bermuda is 911. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
The type of crime most likely to affect visitors and residents is opportunistic, non-life-threatening, property crime. Items such as cash, jewelry and small electronics are popular targets for theft. However, situational awareness and basic crime preventative measures will reduce the threat even further. The Bermuda Police Service is responsible for publishing crime statistics but has not done so since 2020. Official reports on crime are available online.
Crime: Areas of Concern
No areas in Bermuda are off limits to U.S. government personnel. However, avoid the area on the north side of Hamilton—defined by Court Street, Middletown, and the area north of Parsons Road to the North Shore—while alone or at night.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bermuda. There are no known instances of kidnapping or similar crimes recorded in Bermuda.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Drug Crime
There is a negligible quantity of illegal drugs grown/produced in Bermuda; the vast majority is imported from overseas. Drugs are commonly available from the illegal street market, and cannabis is the overwhelming drug of choice. Drug importation methods include smuggling on incoming cargo, freight, and human couriers, methods traffickers also use to export U.S. currency for overseas purchase of drugs. Drug dependency is a major driver of opportunistic property crime.
The Misuse of Drugs (Decriminalisation of Cannabis) Amendment Act 2017 changed the law so that a person cannot be subjected to criminal prosecution for possession of 7 grams or less of cannabis. The Bermuda parliament is currently considering a bill—the Cannabis Licensing Act 2020—that would establish a Cannabis Licensing Authority and significantly change the laws relating to this specific drug. However, at this time, it continues to be illegal for a person to consume, cultivate, traffic, or import cannabis in any quantity. Avoid possessing, purchasing, or using this or any other type of illegal drug.
Cocaine and Heroin (and their derivatives) are available, as are some other popular alternatives. Fentanyl has been detected in Bermuda, but there is no evidence of the use or production of methamphetamines.
Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.
Terrorism Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hamilton as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bermuda.
Terrorism: General Threat
There is no tangible evidence of the practice or support of terrorism in Bermuda.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hamilton as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Elections/Political Stability
The ruling Progressive Labor Party (PLP) called a snap election in 2020 to capitalize on high approval ratings generated by its management of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the voting turnout was a record low, the PLP won the election with a landslide (30 to 6 seat) victory during a peaceful election.
Prior to the preceding election in 2017, the then-opposition PLP led numerous demonstrations against the ruling (and now opposition) One Bermuda Alliance (OBA). In one demonstration, police deployed officers to force entry to the blocked Government Chambers, resulting in minor injuries to police and protestors.
Protest & Demonstration Activity
Protests in Bermuda are not uncommon, but they are almost always peaceful, with the 2017 example being the exception. Protests are usually motivated by political, labor, or, most recently, social concerns, such as two rallies in support of LGBTI+ rights and Black Lives Matter, each of which drew the crowds of between 7,000 to 8,000 people, making them largest local demonstrations ever held in Bermuda.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bermuda, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies
The Bermuda Police Service is highly trained, well-resourced, and free of major corruption issues. It has long enjoyed excellent relationships with U.S. law enforcement and federal agencies. While the police have primacy in most law enforcement activities, the government has several other agencies such as H.M. Customs, Immigration, Parks Department, and Transport Control, which retain certain enforcement powers related to their responsibilities.
The Royal Bermuda Regiment, a professional/volunteer military body, occasionally assist the police. In 2020, the government established a Bermudian Coast Guard within the Regiment responsible for the marine policing of inner coastal waters and vested with legal powers.
Police Response
Police are available to respond to calls for service at all hours. Although police officers are not routinely armed, there is always an armed capacity available for immediate deployment should the need arise. The response to an emergency call should never be more than ten minutes.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 211
Switchboard: 295-0011
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Bermuda’s roads and vehicles are generally in good repair, but driving conditions differ greatly from what a U.S. visitor may expect. Drivers use the left side of roads, which are often narrow and winding, and tend to be bordered by heavy vegetation or stone walls. Those unfamiliar with driving on the left are likely to find the roundabouts and regulations for yielding at junctions confusing and dangerous. the maximum speed limit is 15 mph in Hamilton and 21 mph on the rest of the island; local drivers sometimes drive or ride at speeds above what is safe. Vehicles often stop on the side of the road, blocking one lane of traffic. There is a high incidence of traffic collisions, often resulting in serious accidents and death.
Rental mopeds/scooters are available, and the required helmet is provided, but scooters provide the greatest road peril in Bermuda, and drivers without prior experience should avoid them. Small electric cars are available for rent and offer a safer alternative.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
There is an extensive public bus service and numerous taxis are available. Public transport is reliable, safe, and in wide use by U.S. government employees.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Aviation Concerns
There is no domestic aviation service within Bermuda. Bermuda has an international airport (BDA), which is well served from the UK, Canada, and various eastern U.S. gateways such as Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Miami, and New York, though service has been reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The major carriers to the island also fall under the jurisdiction of either the U.S. or the UK, and meet modern international safety standards.
Maritime Security
Bermuda has a very limited in-shore Coast Guard unit operated by the Royal Bermuda Regiment. Its biggest vessel is approximately 27 feet and has no offshore patrol capacity.
Bermuda has a relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard, whose assets from Boston and Virginia districts patrol its territorial waters and provide security and safety support to vessels traversing them.
Bermuda’s Rescue and Coordination Center (RCC) Bermuda Harbor Radio maintains strong relationships with the Coast Guard and other major international maritime entities.
Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns
The Human Rights Act, 1981 is national legislation that affords rights and opportunities without discrimination in specific social areas and based on specific grounds, including race, place of origin, color, ethnic or national origins; sex or sexual orientation; marital status; disability; family status, religion or beliefs or political opinions; criminal record; and age. There is also protection against harassment and sexual harassment in the protected areas. The Human Rights Commission administers the human rights legislation and policy in Bermuda.
Safety Concerns for Women Travelers
The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, Bermuda has a score of 1.0 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe). All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences by signing up with the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.
For more information on gender statistics in Bermuda, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.
Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.
Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers
Bermuda is tolerant of gay and lesbian travelers, but does not provide the same legal protections as the U.S. In 2013, Bermuda’s Parliament passed legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, which is inclusive of employment, the provision of goods and services, and all other areas under the “two words and a comma amendment.” Bermuda has not enacted any legislation to recognize transgender people, but gender identity discrimination is prohibited in the distribution of goods and services.
Bermuda courts first legalized same-sex marriage in May 2017; months later, the legislature overturned the court decision, making Bermuda in February 2018 the first territory to repeal gay marriage legislation. Bermuda’s Supreme Court again legalized same-sex marriage in June 2018.
Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.
Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities
Bermuda has no specific legislation protecting the rights of disabled persons beyond what is contained in the local Human Rights Acts. Very few hotels would be considered fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Always check with a hotel or property to see if their dimensions for rooms, doors, and bathrooms are acceptable. Outside of Hamilton, sidewalks are generally unavailable or not suitable for wheelchairs. Public ferries are handicap accessible, as are some public buses, but most bus stops are not. Handicap-accessible taxis are available for hire.
Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity
There are no specific safety concerns for these groups, which are protected under the Human Rights Act.
Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.
Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is no significant anti-U.S./Anti-Western sentiment in Bermuda.
In 2020, two small demonstrations occurred outside the U.S. Consulate protesting the U.S. president and his appointee as Consul General. These protests were also motivated by the murder of George Floyd and attracted crowds of about 60 and 30 people, respectively. Other than these isolated occurrences, there is no tangible anti-U.S. sentiment in Bermuda. Notably, once the Consul General arrived in Bermuda, the protests ceased.
Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency
There are no serious concerns about arbitrary detention or official harassment in Bermuda. Bermuda generally has minimal corruption.
Communication Issues
The press operates freely and benefits from the Public Access to Information Act, which allows it to access information which may otherwise be withheld from public disclosure.
Bermuda has excellent and widespread access to the internet served by at least five commercial-based Internet Service Providers (ISP). There is no significant legislation or concern about internet freedom. There are no known issues traveling with satellite phones.
Freedom of Speech is a protected human right in local legislation.
Health Concerns
Emergency Health Services
Bermuda has a well-staffed and equipped modern hospital catering to almost all needs, with a satellite medical service at the east of the island. An island-wide ambulance service is augmented by qualified Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service EMTs. Two charitable volunteer Medical/Ambulance services (St. Johns and the Red Cross) also assist, and there are numerous doctors and medical facilities throughout the island. Bermuda is associated with U.S. hospitals for referrals of serious cases; air ambulance services can transport emergency patients.
Bermuda’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) prepares for, coordinates, and manages emergency response, including for hurricanes, pandemics, and other disasters. The EMO provides up-to-date information and announcements about severe weather and disasters.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Consulate website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bermuda, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
There are no vaccination requirements for travel to Bermuda. As of May 2021, visitors who have not received a COVID vaccination prior to arriving on the island are subject to much more stringent quarantine procedures. Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to any international travel.
Check the Government of Bermuda health website for the latest updates.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Visitors traveling with prescribed drugs should carry the prescription note from their doctor permitting their possession of the medication, or it may be liable to seizure. This may also apply to medications available over the counter in the U.S., but prescription-controlled in Bermuda (e.g., Zyrtec).
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Only consume bottled water. Residents and businesses collect potable water from rainfall, storing it in tanks beneath houses for use. Most tourist and guest facilities have access to potable water fit for hygiene and food preparation.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
Bermuda’s location makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, particularly in the latter part of the hurricane season, from August through November. Bermuda’s infrastructure is designed to withstand storms of up to category 3 in strength, but expect serious or even catastrophic damage in stronger storms. The associated threat of flooding is also a major concern, with many parts of the island and major installations, such as electrical supply, located at or close to sea level.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Bermuda is connected globally to all forms of communication, so the same cybersecurity threats that apply globally apply in Bermuda. No specific targets in Bermuda particularly threatened.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
There are no location-specific counterintelligence concerns for the private sector in Bermuda.
Other Security Concerns
Landmines
This country has no known issues with landmines.
Import/Export Restrictions
The following goods are banned completely for import into Bermuda:
- Illegal drugs such as heroin, morphine, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, LSD and cannabis.
- Offensive weapons such as flick and gravity knives, butterfly knives, push daggers, belt-buckle knives, throwing stars, swordsticks, knuckledusters, blowpipes, spear guns, spring loaded batons and some martial arts equipment.
- Self-defense sprays containing noxious or inflammatory gas or liquids.
- Stun guns or incapacitating weapons that momentarily disable a person with an electric shock or directed energy.
- “Indecent or obscene materials,” including books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs, and software. This includes: material featuring children; material containing extreme violence or cruelty; and any other pornography that cannot be legally bought in Bermuda.
Other goods may be prohibited or subject to restrictions. Specific information should be obtained from official Bermudian government sources.
A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Photography
Photography restrictions are individually posted where imposed. The use of drones is restricted, including for photography purposes. Details are available on the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority website.
Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
ID Requirements
Non-Bermudian residents of Bermuda must produce their legal entitlement of residence when entering Bermuda. Other travelers must show passports and a valid Bermuda Travel Authorization (a COVID-related requirement) for entry into the country.
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
The airport is at the eastern end of the island and is connected to the main island by a low-lying causeway bridge, which is susceptible to damage in the event of a hurricane. If the bridge becomes impassible, it will prevent ready access to the airport and movement to and from the east of the island. This could negatively impact post-catastrophe travel and recovery efforts.
OSAC Country Chapters
There is no OSAC Chapter in Bermuda. Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Consulate: 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, DV 03, Bermuda. Tel: +441 295-1342; Consulate Duty Phone (24/7) +441-335-3228; Security Coordinator: +441-337-3433.
Trustworthy News Sources
There is one independent national newspaper (The Royal Gazette) and one independent television channel (Bermuda Broadcasting Company) offering a news service.
Other Helpful Info
