COVID-19 Information
Last updated: 12/11/2020
The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Country-Specific Information:
- On December 10, the Government of Bermuda reported 340 cases of COVID-19, 228 recoveries, 101 active cases, and 2 hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has changed Bermuda’s country classification from ‘Alert Level 2: Moderate Risk’ to ‘No Travel Health Notice: COVID-19 Risk is Very Low.”
- The Department of State has also issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Bermuda. You can read the Travel Advisory
- On December 8, Bermuda’s Public Schools transitioned to remote learning until further notice.
- Effective December 8, all residents and visitors to Bermuda are required to wear a Traveler Wristband for the first 14 days of their stay. The Wristbands will remind travelers to be careful of their movements and follow the “First 14 Days” guidance in order to minimize COVID spread. Removal of the wristband is not permitted and can result in a fine of $500 and home quarantine with an electronic monitoring bracelet. Persons who do not wish to wear the Traveler Wristband will quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days.
- In response to a spike in COVID-19 cases, the Government of Bermuda announced the following restrictions effective December 8:
- Decreasing the number of permitted gatherings from 50 to 20 individuals.
- Grocery stores continue to operate normally, however, indoor bars and nightclubs are closed. Restaurants may offer both outdoor and indoor dining following specific health and safety requirements. Click here for a link to that guidance.
- For guidance on movie theaters, museums, gyms, and personal services businesses like barbershops and nail salons, click here.
- For guidance on gyms, exercise facilities, health clubs and dance studios, click here.
- All businesses are required to adhere to the Government of Bermuda’s safety guidelines such as all employees wearing face masks and enforcing social distancing.
- For more information and updates, please visit the Government of Bermuda’s COVID-19 website.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter?
- Yes.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?
- Yes.
- A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry for visitors. The requirements for a valid test can be found here.
- Residents do not require a negative COVID-19 test to enter Bermuda, but they must quarantine for 8 days after arrival and until they receive the results from their day 8 test.
- See the Government of Bermuda’s COVID-19 Information for Travelers for additional information on Bermuda’s entry requirements.
- Please note, Bermuda requires that all travelers apply for a Bermuda Travel Authorization.
- IMPORTANT: By applying for a Bermuda Travel Authorization, visitors and residents agree to comply with Bermuda’s quarantine and public health laws instructions at all times. If you test positive at any time you shall self-isolate for 14 days at your accommodation, at your cost. If you are a close contact of a positive person, you will self-quarantine for 14 days, at your cost. By completing the Travel Authorization, you agree to comply with Bermuda’s laws designed to protect residents and visitors from COVID-19 spread.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?
- Yes.
- Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry, including a non-contact temperature assessment.
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place?
- No.
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel?
- No.
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine?
- Yes.
- U.S. citizens (residents and visitors) are required to quarantine at home or in their accommodation until results from the arrival tests are ready.
- According to the Government of Bermuda, the turnaround time for the result of the arrival test is approximately 24 hours, though results may take longer depending on arrival time.
- If a resident, work permit holder or visitor becomes COVID-19 positive, is a close contact of a positive person, is symptomatic, or if a traveler is clinically diagnosed at any point, they will be subject to public-health (COVID-19) regulations and will be isolated at their accommodation for up to 14 days.
- Anyone who becomes COVID-19 positive, or whom health authorities believe could be positive, will be fitted with an Aqua electronic bracelet to assist with isolation/quarantine.
- As noted above, persons who do not wish to wear the Traveler Wristband will quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days.
COVID-19 Testing:
- The Government of Bermuda provides free COVID-19 testing for visitors and residents. The Ministry of Health has booked the required tests for all travelers (residents and visitors) arriving on the island. Travelers will receive an email with the date, time, and location of their test. If the time or location of your scheduled test does not suit you, please call the COVID helpline to reschedule at (441) 444 – 2498.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating?
- Yes.
- Commercial flight service to L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda resumed on July 1. Please visit their website for the latest information.
- Is public transportation operating?
- No.
- Public transportation is temporarily suspended.
- When traveling on public buses and ferries, all passengers must wear masks, sit three feet away from others, sanitize their hands upon entry, and follow capacity limitation rules. Visitors should only take public transportation if you need to. Leisurely rides are not recommended. For the latest public transportation schedules, please visit the Department of Transportation website.
- All travelers (residents and visitors) are considered quarantined between the airport and their accommodation and therefore should:
- Use taxis. When using taxis – all persons must wear a mask, sanitize their hands before entering the vehicle and sit in the back seat. Taxi drivers must also record contact details for the travelers in case contact tracing is required.
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- Another option is to organize for a local contact/household member to pick-up the traveler at the airport. This may be predominately residents and masks must be worn, hands sanitized, and keep as much of a distance as possible.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- On July 17, the Government of Bermuda approved an extension of Bermuda’s COVID-19 regulations, including a $25,000 fine and/or six months’ imprisonment for non-compliance of the requirement to quarantine while travelers wait for the results of the mandatory arrival COVID-19 test.
- On December 1, the Minister of Health announced a mandatory mask wearing mandate when individuals are in a public place and cannot maintain social distancing. The first offense will result in a $500 fine, followed by a $1,000 for a second offense.
Consular Operations:
- The Consular Section resumed U.S. passport, CRBA, and notarial services, including those requiring in-person appointments. For more information please visit the U.S. Consulate General’s website or email us at hamiltonconsulate@state.gov
- All U.S. Citizens currently in Bermuda should register with the Consulate by going to state.gov to receive our Alert messages.
- For information regarding current visa services being offered please visit the U.S. Consulate General’s website.
Local Resources:
- For more information and updates from the Government of Bermuda’s response and resources on COVID-19, please visit their website: https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus
- Inquiries about COVID-19 can be directed to the Bermuda Ministry of Health helpline at +1 (441) 444-2498
Bermuda’s Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page
