Where exactly is Bermuda?
Contrary to popular belief, Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean
group of islands, but is a group of small islands (over 170) in
the Atlantic Ocean, just over nine hundred kilometers (570 miles)
east of the nearest point of land in North Carolina, which is located
on the eastern seaboard of the United States. The total land area
of Bermuda is only 55.6 square kilometers (21 square miles)!
Tell me a little about Bermuda's
Government and population.
Bermuda is a Dependent Territory of the United Kingdom, represented
in Bermuda by a Governor, but retains complete autonomy in its day-to-day
running of domestic affairs. Bermuda's governmental system is based
on the British - Westminster model. In November 1998, an historic
shift of power took place, and the Progressive Labor Party now governs,
with the Honorable Jennifer Smith as Bermuda's first elected female
Premier. The Premier will be the Guest of Honor at the Opening Ceremonies
in January.
Bermuda's
population is about 61,000, a figure which does not include the
number of tourists who might be here at any one time.
What are the visa requirements
on entry into Bermuda?
Citizens of other countries must have a current passport when entering
Bermuda, and all visitors must have a return or onward plane ticket
from Bermuda. In addition, Nationals of the following countries
require Bermuda entry visas:
Albania |
Jordan |
Slovakia |
Algeria |
Kampuchia
(Cambodia) |
Slovenia |
Armenia |
Kazakhstan |
Soviet
Union (former) |
Azerbaijan |
Kirgistan |
Sri
Lanka |
Belarus |
Lebanon |
Syria |
Bosnia-Hercegovnia |
Libya |
Tajikistan |
Bulgaria |
Macedonia |
Tunisia |
China
(People's
Republic of) * |
Moldova |
Turkmenistan |
Croatia |
Mongolia |
Ukraine |
Cuba |
Morocco |
Uzbekistan |
Czechoslovakia
(fomer) ** |
Nigeria |
Vietnam |
Georgia |
North
Korea |
Yugoslavia
(former) |
Haiti |
Pakistan |
Yugoslavia
(Serbian |
Iran |
Romania |
Federal
Republic of) |
Iraq |
Russian
Federation |
|
* Holders
of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passports or British
National
(Overseas) passports do NOT require visas
for Bermuda
** Nationals of Slovakia travelling
on Czechoslovakian passports need visas.
Citizens of the Czech Republic do NOT need
visas for Bermuda
EXCEPTIONS |
Visa
controlled Nationals who |
a. |
have
the right to reside in the U.S. (Alien Registration Card), Canada
(Landed Immigration Status), or the U.K. (no limit on stay in
the U.K.); and |
b. |
are
in possession of proof of such status and a valid passport |
do
NOT require Bermuda entry visas. |
Can I bring medical prescriptions
into Bermuda?
Prescription drugs and medications should be declared to Customs
on entry into Bermuda. Drugs in general (including marijuana) are
strictly forbidden and the attempted importation of drugs (or weapons)
is subject to a heavy fine or jail or both.
Can I drink the water in
Bermuda?
Yes, Bermuda's drinking water is safe to drink.
Should I have medical insurance
when coming to Bermuda?
Yes. Visitors requiring medical treatment must pay in advance and
a surcharge is added for non-residents. Be sure to keep your receipts
for subsequent insurance claims. Bermuda has one hospital with well-trained
staff and modern equipment; its Emergency Room is a 24 hour facility.
What language is spoken
in Bermuda?
English is the first language of Bermuda, although there is also
a strong Portuguese linguistic tradition. Most Bermudians with whom
you will be dealing on a daily basis, however, speak English.
Bermudians
are a friendly and hospitable people and will always greet you in
a cheery manner; in addition to the universally expected "Please"
and "Thank you", they will expect the same "Good
morning, how are you today?" as a preliminary courtesy to all
interpersonal transactions.
What is the currency of
Bermuda?
Bermuda has its own currency, which is linked to the American dollar,
so U.S. currency is also acceptable here. All major credit cards
are accepted in most places on the Island.
Will I be able to use my
electrical appliances in Bermuda?
Local electrical outlets carry 110 volts, 60-cycle alternating current,
the same as North America. Visitors from the U.K. and Europe will
require adaptors for their appliances.
What will the weather be
like in January?
Bermuda is a semi-tropical island with three seasons - Spring, Summer
and Winter. January is one of our Winter months, but even then there
are warm days; the average daily termperature in January is 68 degrees
F, 20 degrees C. The highest temperature ever recorded in Bermuda
was 95 degrees F, and the lowest was 41 degrees F.
What advice can you give
me on clothing?
Summer clothes can be worn for the greater part of the year; however,
warm clothes and cardigans will also be needed in January.
There
are several formal evenings during the January Bridge events, so
it is advisable to bring something appropriate for these evenings.
Bermuda
has fairly strict dress codes - bathing costumes may not be worn
in public places other than the beach etc., and men may not go bare-chest
in public, except at the beach etc. Many restaurants also require
jacket and tie for dinner.
What should I know about
local transportation?
Visitors may not hire cars in Bermuda, but the public transportation
system is very efficient. Regular buses and ferries will transport
you all over the Island, and the taxi system is friendly and efficient.
If
you are feeling adventurous, you may hire a 50 cc livery auxiliary
cycle; you do not need a driving license for these, but you must
be at least 16 years of age.
The
speed limit on Bermuda's roads is 35 kilometers an hour (20 mph),
except in St George's and in the grounds of the airport, where the
speed limit is 25 kilometers an hour (15 mph)!
Bermudians
drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Where is the Southampton
Princess located on the Island?
The Southampton Princess is located in the Parish of Southampton,
which is towards the west end of the Island. From the Southampton
Princess, it takes about 20 minutes by car, bus or bike to reach
Hamilton, the capital city; regular ferries can get you there in
15 minutes. From the airport, the Southampton Princess is approximately
45 minutes by car.
What can I do if I don't
want to play or watch bridge?
Although Bermuda was only discovered in 1609, its small group of
islands has a rich historical tradition, so sightseeing is extremely
popular. Bermuda has more golf courses per square kilometer than
any other place in the world and some of them are very fine, so
bring your golf clubs if this is your sport! Tennis is also popular,
as are all water sports (but mind the temperature!), and walking
the old railway trails. And then, of course, there's shopping
.
and more shopping!
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