BERMUDA -- WHAT TO BRING

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If you haven't traveled in a while, new regulations regarding entry into Bermuda are in place. Remember:

• United States government regulations require all U.S. citizens — adults and children — to have a valid passport for all international travel by air
•  Proof of a return or onward ticket
• The permitted length of stay is three months, for longer stays contact the Bermuda Immigration Office
•  Rules do not apply to cruise ship travel until 2009
•  Oral declarations of citizenship are no longer accepted for entry
•  For more on travel requirements go to the official Bermuda tourism website

For more information about travel to Bermuda from the United States, contact the U.S. State Department.

You can also register with the U.S. State Department when you travel, so that in case of an emergency you can be located or contacted.

Equipment

• If you bring your own equipment, customs may check your bags and an oral declaration of baggage contents is required
• Gloves, mask and fins, if you prefer your own to rentals
•  A 3 mm shorty is all you'll need most of the year, however in the colder months a 5 mm full suit might be necessary
• Most dive operators in Bermuda rent everything you need
• If you have special requirements, it's best to call ahead and verify that the dive operator can accommodate your needs.

What to Pack

Summer-casual wear is appropriate most of the year in Bermuda, however, the evenings can be cool enough for a jacket or sweater. With highs in the low 70s during the winter, appropriate clothing is recommended.  The same is true for evening boat rides. In general bring:

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Casual summer outfits
• Sweaters or jackets for cool evenings
• Sandals or open-toed shoes, hiking shoes or sneakers for outdoor activities
• A floppy hat to shield sensitive skin from the sun
• A jacket and/or sweater for air-conditioned buildings
• Jackets are required evening wear for most men at certain restaurants
• It's preferred that beachwear stay at the beach

Other tips:

There are no large discount stores like in the U.S. To avoid paying much more in Bermuda, stock up on:

• Allergy medication if you need it
• Camera film
• Books and magazines are much more expensive in Bermuda
• Golf balls and clubs, if you play
• If you smoke cigarettes, you are allowed one carton without import duty
• Liquor, one unopened one liter bottle per person without import duty - to avoid the U.S. $25 a bottle or higher price in Bermuda for imported spirits
• Electrical appliances are standard U.S. 110 to 115 volts
• Prescription pharmaceuticals

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