The Bermuda government says it ‘full recognises’ and respect the United States policy on visa requirements for foreign nationals seeking to travel to the North American country after the US embassy here said decisions regarding visa requirements for foreign nationals are made by the US government
‘The government welcomes and acknowledges the statement issued by the United States Consul General concerning visa-free travel for Bermudians. This unique privilege is highly valued and taken with the long-standing pre-clearance agreement speaks to the strong relationship between Bermuda and our nearest neighbour, the United States,’ a government spokesperson said in a statement, adding ‘the government of Bermuda remains committed to that relationship and to ensuring that it endures’. Earlier this week, in response to recent questions from the public regarding Bermudians’ visa-free travel to the United States and what might impact that status, the US Consulate said that citizens of Bermuda traveling to the United States ‘on valid, unexpired Bermudian passports generally do not require nonimmigrant visas as temporary visitors.
‘This exemption does not apply to individuals with ineligibilities under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act,’ the Consulate said, adding that visa-free travel for Bermudians to the United States is governed by current US policy, rather than a bilateral agreement with Bermuda or the United Kingdom.
‘Currently, only nationals of Canada and Bermuda enjoy this visa-free travel privilege. As circumstances evolve in Bermuda and countries around the world, US policy decisions on visa requirements can be revised,’ the US Consulate said, adding that Bermudians traveling to the United States on UK passports may apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or U.S. visa, as appropriate.
The Bermuda government spokesperson said that the Consulate has confirmed that Bermudians travelling on valid Bermudian passports generally continue to be admitted to the United States without a non-immigrant visa, subject to the usual eligibility requirements.
‘There has been no change to those arrangements.,’ the spokesperson said, noting that the Government’s earlier reference to a ‘bilateral arrangement’ is more reflective of the wider diplomatic relationship between the Unites States and Bermuda, which as an Overseas Territory involves the UK government’s responsibility for external affairs.
‘The government of Bermuda fully recognises and respects the United States’ policy on visa requirements for foreign nationals seeking to travel to the United States,’ the spokesperson added.