Travel Authorisation Process To End On Nov 13
[Updated] The requirement for an approved TA and the associated $40 fee will end on November 13th, the Government announced today.
A Government spokesperson said, “Today, the Bermuda Government is pleased to announce the elimination of the travel authorisation [TA] process three weeks earlier than previously announced, a move which will streamline the overall travel experience for visitors.
“The requirement for an approved TA, the associated forty-dollar fee, and proof of vaccination or medical insurance will end on 13th November 2022.
“Effective 14th November, the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] will reinstate the Bermuda Arrival Card, a digital form for visitors only, which was in place prior to the onset of the pandemic. The BTA will provide more information on the process around the Bermuda Arrival Card later today.”
Update 2.30pm: A BTA spokesperson said, “Today, the Bermuda government announced the elimination of the travel authorisation [TA] process some [3] three weeks earlier than originally scheduled a move which will streamline the overall travel experience for visitors.
“The requirement for an approved TA, the associated forty-dollar fee, and proof of vaccination or medical insurance will no longer be a condition of travel from November 14, 2022. In its place, the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] will reinstate the Bermuda Arrival Card, a digital form for visitors only, which was in place prior to the onset of the pandemic. The form captures visitor data, generating critical tourism statistics for the country and provides visitors, who opt-in, with relevant, timely communications to enhance their stay. The Bermuda Arrival Card is a simple online form that can be completed in mere minutes, prior to travel to the island.
“Previously, the Bermuda Government announced that the legislation brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, including the use of the TA, would come to an end on November 30, 2022.”
Minister of Tourism Vance Campbell said, “Our Government has delivered on our pledge to protect the health and safety of our residents and visitors and now with the earlier end date for the TA, travel to Bermuda will be simpler for our visitors.”
Tracy Berkeley, interim Chief Executive Officer at BTA said, “Bermuda’s tourism industry fully supports the decision to eliminate the travel authorisation and bring the island’s public health emergency orders to an end. We are especially appreciative of our partners in the Ministry of Health for the collaborative approach to solving our shared challenges. This is exciting news that will help to restore a frictionless travel experience for our visitors.”
Stephen Todd, Chief Executive Officer at the Bermuda Hotel Association said, “Bermuda’s hoteliers are thrilled with the decision to end the travel authorization three weeks early. This move comes at a crucial time before the US Thanksgiving travel period. This is a time when we anticipate welcoming visitors looking to take advantage of the current Fall into Winter promotions. It should also support demand in time for the return of three additional direct flights from Miami, JFK, and Toronto.”
The spokesperson said, “Currently, visitors to Bermuda no longer require pre-travel or on-island COVID testing.
“The online visitor arrivals process can be completed in three easy steps.
- 1. Go to www.BermudaArrivalCard.com
- 2. Complete the form accurately and completely with visitor details
- 3. Download the form and present it to immigration officials for inspection
“There is no approval process, no fee, and once the required fields have been completed the form is available as a downloadable link or by email. All non-residents who travel to Bermuda as of November 14 must complete the Bermuda Arrival Card even if they have previously completed a travel authorisation form. Hard copy ‘Pink Forms’ will be available for non-resident travellers who have not completed the digital Bermuda Arrival Card. There is no need to accept a ‘Pink Form’ if you have completed the digital form
“A preliminary version of the form can be found at www.BermudaArrivalCard.com and testing and optimisation will be complete in the next few days.”
So if I JUST purchased mine for the 16th, will I be reimbursed???
So if I have already done and paid for one for travel on the 19th of November, can I get my money back???
What about refunds for people who’ve already paid for TAs past Nov. 14th?!
An optimist would say better late than never but the damage to the 2022 tourist season has already occurred. While our competitors to the south have enjoyed record numbers of tourists our numbers have been sluggish. Also, who knows how many potential visitors have sworn off Bermuda for ever after spending hours on a call centre trying to secure a TAF this summer?
I had 16 divers who would have come down back in September it was cheaper for them to fly to Hawaii from Boston…….. yeah
And how about those who’s paid 30 days out till02dec any refund
A group of us just got ours for end of November. Will we get a refund?
THANK YOU MICHAEL DUNKLEY FOR YOUR VISION AND PERSISTENCE!
They will never acknowledge that they were wrong for insisting on April 2023. Not humble enough.
same question as others – we proactively submitted our TA forms for travel date nov 25. Will we be reimbursed??
Thank god. But the damage is done.