Tourists can stay for 90 days

FRIDAY, APRIL 13: Visitors will be able to stay in Bermuda for up to 90 days from May 1, government announced today.

National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief told the House of Assembly the extension from the previous 21-day limit was to further promote Bermuda to European guests.

He said: “This provision for initial longer stays will complement efforts to promote Bermuda to European guests who traditionally spend more time in their destinations of choice.

“Additionally, this extended stay will support the fractional housing product and efforts by hospitality providers to promote Bermuda as a genuine second-home to those who can afford to make it such.”

Visiting yachtsmen and their crews area already allowed to stay for up to 90 days.

Mr Perinchief said the extension to land-based visitors was a ‘logical one’.

The National Security Minister also revealed that a waiver of the requirement for a Bermuda Entry Visa will be implemented for visitors from Brazil, Russia, India and China from May 1.

He added: “This will operate on the same basis as extended to other countries. The traveller in possession of a visa for entry or transit to the US, UK or Canada will be afforded this privilege.

“With the implementation of this policy, visitors from the BRIC countries will more readily consider Bermuda as a travel destination and a business-friendly jurisdiction.

“The elimination of the process requiring a Bermuda Entry Visa from the British Embassy in the visitor’s home country will make Bermuda more attractive and sets us apart from competitors who may still require such an entry visa prior to arrival.”