How to Apply for Bermuda Visa: A Detailed Application Guide

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event 29 November 2024
category Legal & Permit
how-to-apply-for-bermuda-visa-a-detailed-application-guide

Bermuda Passport. Source:  

 

Bermuda, a captivating destination with its stunning beaches, refreshing subtropical climate, and rich cultural and historical heritage, is a popular choice for travelers. However, before you can immerse yourself in this tropical paradise, you’ll need to meet their entry requirements. But worry not, we’ll guide you through the steps of obtaining a Bermuda visa, based on the latest government policies.

Types of Bermuda Visas

The Bermuda government offers various visa types to cater to different needs, whether you're a tourist, a worker, or a student. Here's a quick overview of the types of visas you might need:

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa, also known as a visitor visa, allows visitors to have short-term stays in Bermuda for various purposes, including tourism, business (such as business meetings or seminars), or visiting family and friends.

However, visitors planning to stay in Bermuda for up to 180 days within a 12-month period are generally exempt from needing an entry permit. To enter Bermuda under this exemption, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

  • Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay and has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

  • You must have a confirmed ticket for your return journey or onward travel to another destination.

  • before your arrival.

  • Multi-re-entry permit to the UK, US, or Canada, depending on which country you'll be passing through to reach Bermuda.

 

Work Visa

To work in Bermuda, you must either be a Bermudian citizen, married to a Bermudian, or hold a Permanent Resident’s Certificate (PRC). If you don't meet these criteria, you'll need a valid work permit.

Important to note: Only an employer can apply for a work permit on your behalf. You cannot simply visit Bermuda as a tourist and then seek employment. Once your work permit application is approved, you can enter the country to start your job.

The primary factor in determining work permit approval is whether a qualified Bermudian, spouse of a Bermudian, or PRC holder is available for the position. If no suitable local candidate is found, an employer may then apply for a work permit for a foreign worker.

offers various work permit categories to accommodate different employment scenarios:

This permit is for organizations that need to hire foreign nationals. Before applying, the employer must demonstrate that no suitable Bermudian, spouse of a Bermudian, or PRC holder was available for the position. Standard Work Permits can be issued for periods of one (1) to five (5) years.

A Periodic Work Permit is suitable for individuals who will be making multiple short-term visits to Bermuda, with each visit lasting no longer than 30 days. Employers using this permit are not required to advertise the position.

This permit is for positions that last up to six months. It's commonly used by non-profit organizations, charities, and religious institutions.

Newly established exempted companies in Bermuda can automatically receive work permit approval for their first six (6) months of operation.

The Global Entrepreneur Work Permit may be issued for a one-year period to work and reside in Bermuda in respect to an exempted company or . The work activities may include business planning, seeking appropriate Government or regulatory approval(s), meeting compliance or financial requirements or raising capital.

This permit is for individuals who are already employed by a global company and are being transferred to the Bermuda office. It eliminates the need for advertising the position. Global Work Permits can be issued for one to five years.

This permit is specifically for new fintech companies in Bermuda. It allows for automatic approval of up to five (5) work permits for the first six (6) months of operation. These permits can be issued for one to five years. The fees for Fintech Business Work Permits are the same as the fees for Global Work Permits.

For more information on obtaining a Bermuda work permit, please visit .

NOTE: Be sure to check the specific that require work permits, as additional requirements may apply to certain professions.

 

Student Visa

To study at Bermuda College, you'll need to obtain an International Student Entry Permit. This permit is specifically for full-time students.

Keep in mind that Bermuda is only accessible by air through the US, UK, or Canada. If you're not a citizen of one of these countries, you'll need a Multiple Re-Entry Visa (MRV) to transit through your chosen country. This visa allows you to enter and exit the transit country multiple times during your stay in Bermuda.

Here are some things to note:

  • Your passport will be held by the embassy or consulate throughout the visa application process, which typically takes 6-12 weeks.

  • As a student, you're allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, while classes are in session. However, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

  • You may also bring your spouse and children to Bermuda during your studies.

To be eligible for a Bermuda Student Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3-6 months.

  • You'll need a Multiple Re-Entry Visa (MRV) for the US, UK, or Canada, depending on your transit country. This visa is necessary for multiple entries and exits during your stay in Bermuda.

  • A formal letter of enrollment from a Bermuda College or university confirming your acceptance into a full-time program.

  • If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate your language proficiency.

  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel. This can be in the form of a scholarship or personal funds.

  • Evidence of secured accommodation in Bermuda, such as a dormitory or rented apartment.

  • A confirmed ticket for your return journey or onward travel.

  • You must be in good health and have a clean criminal record.

For more detailed information and the latest updates, please visit the

 

Where to Apply for a Visa

It's important to note that Bermuda itself doesn't issue entry visas. Your eligibility to enter Bermuda depends on the immigration rules of your home country and the transit country.

If you're not a citizen or permanent resident of the US, UK, or Canada, you may need to apply for a Multiple Re-entry Visa (MRV) to ensure smooth travel to and from Bermuda.

Online Application

For online visa applications, please visit the official website of your chosen transit country:

Offline Application

To apply for an MRV, contact the relevant embassy, high commission, or consulate of the US, UK, or Canada in your home country, or consult a travel agent.

 

How to Apply for a Bermuda Visa

Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for a Bermuda visa:

  1. Determine the Type of Visa

Choose the visa type that matches your purpose (as mentioned above), such as a tourist visa if you plan to visit Bermuda for leisure or recreation, a work visa if you intend to work in Bermuda, or a student visa if you are going to pursue education at one of the institutions in the country.

  1. Check if You Need a Multi-Reentry Visa (MRV)

The Bermuda government has recently updated its visa policies based on the Immigration Minister's Order in accordance with Section 26 of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, which requires certain categories of travelers to have a Multi-Reentry Visa (MRV).

The MRV is a type of visa that allows the holder to enter and exit Bermuda multiple times during the visa's validity, offering flexibility for travelers who need to travel more than once, unlike a single-entry visa, which only allows one entry.

If you are from certain countries, such as the UK, the US, or Canada, make sure to check whether you need a Multi-Reentry Visa (MRV) before traveling to Bermuda.

Travelers Who Required MRV

Certain categories of travelers are required to have an MRV to enter Bermuda, including:

    • Tourists: Visitors coming to Bermuda for tourism or vacation.

    • Standard Work Permit Holders: Those holding a standard work permit with a visa requirement listed on their permit, including spouses and dependents.

    • Short-Term and Periodic Work Permit Holders: Workers with a limited or non-permanent work permit.

Travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 45 days beyond their end stay in Bermuda. Additionally, US passport cards are not accepted for air travel to Bermuda.

Travelers Who Do Not Require MRV

Certain categories of travelers are exempt from the MRV requirement, including:

    • Standard Work Permit Holders whose permits do not require a visa.

    • Permanent Resident Certificate Holders or Bermuda Resident Certificate Holders.

    • Spouses and Dependents of Bermuda Citizens who are coming to settle in Bermuda, with official proof of their relationship as a spouse or family member of a Bermuda citizen.

  1. Preparing the Required Documents

Some documents that are typically required for the visa application include:

    • A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity).

    • Visa application form.

    • Passport-size photo.

    • Proof of financial means (bank statements, etc.).

    • Round-trip tickets.

    • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).

Note: Visa requirements and procedures may change. Always consult the official website of your chosen country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

  1. Paying the Visa Application Fee

The visa application fee may vary depending on the type of visa being applied for, such as a tourist visa, work visa, or student visa, as well as the duration of the visa. A longer validity visa or certain types of visas, such as a multi-entry visa or a special-purpose visa, may require a higher fee compared to a single-entry visa that is valid for a shorter period.

  1. Interview/Document Review

During the visa application process, you may be asked to attend an interview or submit additional documents, such as proof of financial means or a sponsorship letter, to verify the eligibility and compliance of your application with the set requirements.

  1. Waiting for Visa Approval

After completing the previous steps, you will need to wait for the visa approval process. This usually takes a few days to several weeks.

  1. Time to Travel to Bermuda

Once the visa is approved, you can travel to Bermuda and should ensure that you have all the necessary documents during your trip.

 

Conclusion

With the new visa policy in place, travelers wishing to visit Bermuda must prepare their documents carefully, especially in regard to the Multi-Reentry Visa (MRV). Ensure that you meet all the requirements set by the Bermuda government for a smooth and hassle-free journey. Travelers who fail to meet the MRV requirement or have a passport that is valid for less than 45 days beyond their end stay will be denied entry into Bermuda.

 

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes and may change based on the latest policies issued by the Bermuda Government. We are not responsible for any errors or policy changes that may occur after the publication of this information. Always check the official Bermuda government website or contact the nearest Bermuda embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements and application procedures.

 

References: 

 

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