Bermuda

Britain's oldest colony, Bermuda, is a land of pink, sandy beaches, clear turquoise seas and picturesque old colonial towns. It is hard now to imagine that sailors knew it as Devil's Island, but the combination of shallow waters and coral reefs caused many shipwrecks in the past, which contibuted to the legend of the 'Bermuda Triangle', which stretches from Bermuda to Florida and Puerto Rico. Today, however, the reefs provide a wonderful playground for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

Bermuda is an archipelago comprised of approximately 200 coral islands and islets located 650 miles (1,045km) off the east coast of America in the Atlantic Ocean. The bulk of the country consists of the seven main islands linked to each other by causeways and bridges and stretches just 20 miles (32km) from tip to tail.

Most visitors to the islands are American citizens who think of it fondly as very English in character. British visitors, on the other hand, seem to feel that it has a strongly American flavour. In truth, Bermuda has a distinct atmosphere that draws its influences from American and British traditions merged with local island culture. Business attire might constitute a jacket and tie with Bermuda shorts, while bikinis are banned further than 25 feet (7.5m) away from the water!

With its mixture of colonial style and its close proximity to America, Bermuda has become a centre of high finance as well as one of the world's most coveted holiday destinations. Generous tax advantages and satellite communications have induced a stream of major corporations to set up offices on the island, and have helped the country become one of the richest, per capita, in the world.

Because of its natural beauty and close proximity to Florida, Bermuda is a very popular destination for both cruise ships and yachts. Over 200,000 people visit the islands from cruise ships every year.

Climate

Bermuda weather features a very mild climate with few extremes of hot or cold. Temperatures in winter average 68°F (20°C) and 86°F (30°C) in mid-summer. The most popular time to visit is between April and October when the sea temperatures are favourable for swimming. Some facilities are limited in the winter months but room rates are much cheaper over this period. If however one is primarily interested in playing tennis or golf, this is the time to come. Short but heavy showers can occur during any time of the year so it is advisable to bring suitable clothing.

Money

The Bermudan Dollar (BMD) is divided into 100 cents, and is tied to the US Dollar (US$1=BD$1). US currency is accepted almost everywhere and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours vary, though most are open weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm. Visa, MasterCard and American Express, and travellers cheques are widely accepted and ATMs are extensively available. To avoid additional charges, it is best to carry travellers cheques in US dollars. Visitors are advised to exchange all their Bermudan Dollars before leaving, as it is impossible to exchange once outside the country.

Passport Visa

All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket and any documents required for further travel. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Entry Requirements

• United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. No visa is necessary for stays of up to six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).
• UK nationals require a passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to of six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).
• Canadian nationals require a passport, or if the stay does not exceed six months a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate can be used. A visa is not required; immigration officials will decide on the length of visa exempt stay (up to six months) depending on reason for travel.
• A passport is required for Australian nationals, but a visa is not required for stays of up to six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).
• South African nationals require both a visa and a valid passport for entry to Bermuda.
• Irish nationals must have a passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).
• New Zealanders require a passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays up to six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).

Health

There are no specific health risks for visitors to Bermuda and medical care is of a high standard. Health insurance is recommended, as medical treatment is expensive. Food and water are considered safe for consumption.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of the United Kingdom, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 202 588 6500.
• British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 613 237 1530.
• British High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Bermuda): +61 (0)2 6270 6666.
• British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Bermuda): +27 (0)12 421 7500.
• British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Bermuda): +353 (0)1 205 3700.
• British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Bermuda): +64 (0)4 924 2888.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Consulate, Hamilton: +1 441 295 1342.
• Canadian Consulate General, New York City, United States (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 212 596 1628.
• Australian High Commission Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 613 236 0841.
• Honorary Consul for Ireland, Hamilton: +1 441 295 6574.