Customs Regulations in Bermuda

Nervous flyers needing a drink as soon as they leave LF Wade International Airport should note that they are allowed to bring in 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits duty-free. The Swizzle Inn, however, is located conveniently close to the airport for immediate refreshment. Visitors are also allowed 200 cigarettes, 0.5 kg of tobacco and 50 cigars duty-free.

Cash-wise Canadians (and anybody else with a tight wallet) staying in accommodation with cooking facilities should note that they may bring in up to 20 lbs of meat. Duty is payable at 22.25% but may work out cheaper than Bermuda’s supermarkets. If your baggage arrives late, any savings made could be wiped out by deodorant purchases and laundry bills.

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

BDA shorts

Absolutely no human right for expats. I have moved here for couple months and experienced that myself. Also I did pay custom duty on all the electronic items when I first got here. Be aware that if you are a resident here, you will have to pay custom duty on everything you bring back to the country.

Observer

The website is incorrect. Duty at the air and seaports is 25% of the declared value.

Observer

If you are moving to Bermuda as a returning Bermudian or a person on a regular work permit, you will not pay duty on items that are 6 months old so long as you have been overseas for more than one year. If you are coming to work on a temporary work permit, everything you bring is subject to duty. If you are a genuine visitor, only items that will stay (or be consumed) in Bermuda must have duty paid. Remember Bermuda has no income tax and duty brings in 25% of the Government's revenue. Residents must pay duty on everything, EVERYTHING acquired overseas.

Jim

I've entered Bermuda twice so far, both in April 2009. Be sure you have a copy of your return flight itinerary, fill out both forms you on the flight in, and read them carefully. If you don't have anything that will remain in Bermuda, don't list it and you won't have any issues. Much more friendly than you'll read below. If you have items that you will be bringing back and forth, go to the customs house on Front Street when you get here and get a slip saying that the item is in Bermuda. Next time you enter with the item, have the slip with you and you won't be hassled either. Goes for cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.

Wolfy

Anyone going into Bermuda please be ready for a rough ride through customs. They are very rude, even if you are very polite. I live here in Bermuda and go in and out 5 or 6 times a year and every time it's the same problem. Make sure you declare every last thing.

Larry

I'VE BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO BERMUDA SEVERAL TIMES.YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PAY DUTY ON EVERYTHING THAT YOU BRING INTO THE COUNTRY, EVERYTHING! SOME SAY,YOU CAN ASK FOR A FORM TO GET BACK MONEY YOU HAVE PAID ON YOUR DEPARTURE OF THE ISLAND, BUT I HAVE YET TO KNOW OF ANYONE WHO HAS. GOOD LUCK!

Joe Smith

Note that bermuda customs is extremely punitive to temporary residents. They do not credit you back for duty when you permanently leave and take goods with you - so things like engagement rings, watches and other items which will not be remaining in Bermuda they are making a killing from. Get used to it, as well as not having any human rights as an expat if you plan to move here.

Lisa

The rules have since changed. New arrivals do not have to pay duty on anything when they first arrive. I got here two days ago and was pleasently surprised by this!

michelle

On the question of paying duty if you're moving here - I arrived 6 months ago and had to pay duty on almost everything I brought (ie a 5 year old alarm clock, camera, scuba gear, linens) - you would do well to compare the cost of excess luggage and duty fees to the cost of purchasing items here.

Audrey

Thank you so very much for the feedback, I can't wait to know if I have the job!!!

Editor

This comments form is really intended for adding information and not asking questions. However, as several people have asked about customs duty for expatriates moving to Bermuda, I telephoned the Bermuda Customs office with the question. They said duty is payable on all goods brought into Bermuda, regardless of the time the person is intending to stay on the island and whether or not a person intends to take them back when they leave. This seems a little strange to me, especially if somebody was only coming to work here for a few months. But this is what they said. If somebody knows any better, please feel free to leave a comment here.

Audrey

How does duty works if you move there for a year or two?

asa

Do i have to declare tools for working in bermuda if i am not leaving them in country?

jimmy

There's a store on Front Street that sells Cuban cigars.