Visa change could boost tourism

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15: Cruise ship passengers and yacht crews from visa-controlled countries will be allowed to disembark in Bermuda for free if they provide advance warning of their arrival.

The new procedures have been agreed by Government and shipping companies to help boost tourism and prevent Visa Controlled Nationals (VCN) from being confined to their boats or ships while on island.

Previously cruise passengers who were VCNs had to apply for a visa waiver and pay out $200 once they arrived in Bermuda.

While yacht crews from countries like Russia or South Africa would have to pay out $35 per head in customs tax.

The process of getting a waiver could take anything from two to eight hours once they had arrived on island.

And VCNs who arrived at the weekend would often not be allowed to leave their cruise ship or yacht at all because the Immigration Department, which issued the waiver, was shut.

Waivers

Government has now agreed to expand the visa waiver system to cruise passengers and yacht crews as well get rid of the fees, so long as shipping agents apply for the waivers well in advance.

A Ministry statement: “Consistent with the extension of the permitted stays by visiting yachtsmen and their crews, the Ministry of National Security has implemented a revised policy designed to further encourage yachting visitors.

“In consultation with local agents, the Ministry will now process visa waiver applications in advance for yachts’ crew members who require them; and with the early notice of crews’ impending arrival, the fees for the waiver will not be levied.”

Minister of National Security, Wayne Perinchief, said: “The economic benefit provided to Bermuda by visiting yachts and their crews is considerable and it is a form of tourism we must encourage.”

A similar programme will also been implemented for cruise ship passengers.

Minister Perinchief added: “ In this era of technology, there is no reason these processes cannot be streamlined. Advance passenger manifests and early notice from cruise ships will tell us which passengers are Visa Controlled Nationals and through a dedicated email address we will process the waivers while the vessel is sailing to Bermuda.

“Tourists can then arrive in Bermuda, disembark and enjoy our Island just as our US and Canadian guests do.”

The new procedures will be in place for the upcoming cruise ship season.

Local shipping agents welcomed the change.

Joe Simas, Vice-President of Marine Operations for Meyer, said: “I want to commend Ministry of National Security and Bermuda Immigration for revamping rules to make waiver policy much more accessible.

“Guest that are VCN can now arrive into Bermuda and get off ship, as long as application rules have been followed.

“These guests will now be able to go ashore and go to beaches, shopping, taxi tours, or just experience Bermuda. As per visiting motor yacht crew these new rules will entice yacht crew and owners to come to Bermuda and stay a little longer than normal.

“Meyer Shipping has made contact with cruise principals in US to advise them of new rules.

“Meyer Shipping will also be sending new procedures to the cruise ships calling Bermuda prior to their calls to Bermuda this upcoming cruise season. These new policies are a win-win for cruise lines, motor yachts, and Bermuda.”

Blair Simmons, Vice President of Bermuda Ship Agencies added: “This is definitely a positive move and one that we welcome.

“We would applaud the government for listening to the concerns of cruise lines and their guests.”