Advisory For Bermudians In European Union
“With less than a month before the end of the Brexit transition period, Bermudians living in the European Union on a British passport are advised to follow the UK Government’s guidance on ensuring their continued legal status,” the Bermuda Government said today.
A Government spokesperson said, “In June 2016 the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. The United Kingdom’s EU membership formally ended on 31 January 2020, kicking off a transition period that will last until 31 December 2020.
“Negotiations on the future relationship between the United Kingdom and European Union are on-going, and it is possible that British nationals arriving in the European Union after the 31 December 2020 cut-off date will be subject to new immigration rules.
“The January 2020 withdrawal agreement—which governs the terms of the United Kingdom’s departure—safeguards the rights of British nationals who are already legally resident in the European Union before the end of the transition period to continue to live, work and study in their EU Member State of residence.
“UK nationals who are already resident in the European Union by 31 December 2020 are also eligible to receive a new residence permit attesting to their rights under the withdrawal agreement.
“Bermudians currently living in the European Union on a UK passport should therefore take care to confirm that they are legally registered before the end of the transition period. It is also advisable to sign up for email alerts from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, which offers guidance on the procedures in each EU Member State.
“After the end of the transition period, Bermudian and British tourists will continue to enjoy visa free access to the Schengen Area (which includes most EU countries, in addition to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) for short trips of no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
“At A Glance: Steps Bermudians living in the European Union on a British passport can take now:
- Ensure passport is valid
- Register as a resident in EU country of residence
- Register for healthcare in EU country of residence
- Consult relevant EU Member State authorities’ guidance for UK nationals
- Subscribe to email alerts from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
