Bermuda

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 for police
• Dial 911 for ambulance 

Crime

• Bermuda has a low to moderate crime rate. Crime statistics are available from the Bermuda Police Service.
• Valuables left unattended in public areas, in unsecured hotel rooms, or on rental motorbikes are vulnerable to theft.
• Criminals have been known to target visitors on motorbikes and at popular tourist attractions.
• Purse snatchings by thieves riding motorbikes, as well as robberies have occurred.
• Assaults have occurred on back streets in Hamilton, particularly at night after the bars close.
• Be careful when walking after dark or visiting remote places on the island. There is some risk of robbery and assault.
• Organized crime and illegal drug activity may occur in Bermuda. 

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.   

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911.

• Review our information for Victims of crime. 

The U.S. consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. consulate and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. consulate and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world.

• Follow these safe practices:
• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drones are regulated in Bermuda. Visit the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority for more information.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Beach Safety

Swimming areas at some popular beaches around Bermuda can be dangerous.

• Rip currents may be common and dangerous.
• Swimming in the ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
• Wind, waves, the change of the tide, the slope of the beach, and other factors can cause strong currents and difficult swimming conditions to be present in the water even on the calmest days.
• U.S. citizens have drowned in Bermuda due to these conditions.
• Only swim when there is a lifeguard present and always remain in sight of them.
• For the locations, dates, and operating hours of lifeguard services in Bermuda, or to review daily hazard warnings, please check the official Government of Bermuda Lifeguard Service portal and review the Bermuda Weather Service before heading into the ocean.
• Do not dive into water of unknown depth.
• Do not swim alone, especially at isolated beaches.
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol while swimming. For more information, please visit Beach and Ocean Safety | American Red Cross.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Bermuda seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Drugs

• Bermuda custom officials routinely board visiting cruise ships with drug-sniffing dogs. They arrest anyone found to have illegal drugs in their cabin.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bermuda are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or big fines.
• Having a prescription for marijuana or any other drug currently illegal in Bermuda will not protect you from arrest.

Guns and ammunition

• If you bring any gun, firearm, ammunition, or firearm component to Bermuda, you may be arrested and sentenced to a long prison sentence.
• The Bermuda Police Service has information about importing or owning a gun in Bermuda. Typically, all privately owned firearms must be secured at Bermuda Police Headquarters.
• Pepper sprays and stun guns are considered dangerous weapons in Bermuda and are illegal. 

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. consulate immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Bermuda. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with  accessibility needs

• The law in Bermuda does not prohibit discrimination against people with physical disabilities.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in lodging and general infrastructure.
• Accessibility is common in some public transportation, like public ferries and buses.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bermuda Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Bermuda. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Bermuda.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Hamilton.

• Adequate medical care is available for routine procedures, but it may be extremely expensive.
• Bermuda has 1 hospital. The hospital performs general surgery and has an emergency room and intensive care unit.
• Serious or complex medical programs will likely require medical evacuation to the United States.
• The U.S. consulate maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• If you are taking prescription medication, you must inform Bermuda customs officials at the point of entry.
• Medicines must be in labeled containers.
• U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Bermuda. It will be necessary to visit a Bermuda doctor and have a new prescription written if you need to have it filled in Bermuda.
• Many common medications are available locally upon presentation of a prescription from a Bermuda doctor.
• Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Bermuda.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Bermuda to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Bermuda with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Bermudan courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Bermuda via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Bermuda.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• Visit our Medicine and Health page for general health information

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Car accidents may occur at night on narrow roads.
• Traffic accidents involving motorbikes are common in Bermuda. U.S. government employees working in Bermuda are recommended not to rent motorbikes due to safety risks.
• If you rent a scooter or electric minicar, be very careful. Road conditions and local driving practices may be different than in the United States. You may have a greater chance of accidents and injuries.

Traffic laws 

• Driving on the island is on the left, British style.
• Non-residents are not allowed to own, rent, or drive most cars and 4-wheeled vehicles. There are a limited number of 2 passenger electric minicars that non-residents may rent.
• Non-residents must rely on taxis, buses, or rental scooters.
• The speed limit is 15 mph in Hamilton and 21 mph on the rest of the island.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis in Bermuda are the primary, reliable, and metered way to travel.

• Uber and Lyft do not operate on the island.
• Regulated local alternatives and apps such as Hitch, Journi, and Ride Bermuda are available. Local companies may not accept credit cards.

Public and commercial transportation

There is a regular, island-wide public bus and ferry service.

• Daily and weekly passes are available at the central bus terminal, Visitors Service Bureau, or ferry terminal in Hamilton.
• Review bus schedules and ferry schedules.
• Visit the website of Bermuda’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Bermuda’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Bermuda should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Hurricanes and tropical storms

Hurricanes are Bermuda's biggest weather risk.

• They may occur June through November.
• The island lies in the Atlantic hurricane belt and can experience direct hits or near-misses from major hurricanes, bringing destructive winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall.
• Smaller storms can bring heavy rainfall, lightning, strong winds, and occasionally waterspouts.
• While typically brief, storms can cause localized flooding and power outages.

Winter storms and Nor'easters

• December through March storms can bring strong winds, rough seas, heavy rain, and cooler temperatures.
• These systems can cause coastal erosion and dangerous marine conditions.

Drought conditions

• Droughts may occur at any time but are more common during drier months, April to June.
• Extended dry periods can strain water resources.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates