US Consulate Statement On Passport Code Issue
Noting they are aware of “reports of Bermudians experiencing additional questioning or delays at some international borders,” the U.S. Consulate said it is not due to any changes in U.S. procedures, but as technical changes in passports issued in the UK “to British Overseas Territory Citizens [BOTC] have made it more difficult for some airline representatives and immigration officials to easily differentiate Bermudians from other BOTC.”
A spokesperson said, “The U.S. Consulate in Hamilton, Bermuda is aware of reports of Bermudians experiencing additional questioning or delays at some international borders. The situation is not due to any changes in U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] procedures or U.S. Immigration Law.
“Technical changes in passports issued by His Majesty’s Passport Office in the United Kingdom to British Overseas Territory Citizens [BOTC] have made it more difficult for some airline representatives and immigration officials to easily differentiate Bermudians from other BOTC.
“For example, Bermuda passports with the GBR code prompt a machine-readable zone [MRZ] for the United Kingdom which mistakenly indicates that the traveler is required to obtain a visa or ESTA for entry into the United States. Passports with the BMU code prompt a message to confirm the traveler is Bermudian and does not require a visa or ESTA for travel to the United States.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at L.F. Wade International Airport are fully aware of the issue and routinely process visa-free entry to the United States from Bermuda per standard practice. Difficulties are occasionally encountered at other borders due primarily to lack of familiarity with Bermuda passports.
“Bermuda passport holders are not eligible to apply for ESTA however, obtaining a U.S. visa could effectively reduce or eliminate additional questions at international borders..
“The decision to apply for a visa is up to each individual traveler, but individuals who travel frequently abroad, particularly beyond the United States and the United Kingdom, should consider this option. Prospective visa applicants should follow instructions on the U.S. Consulate’s website: https://bm.usconsulate.gov/visas/
“The following traveling information is intended for Bermuda passport holders to have readily available in the event airline personnel or immigration officers outside Bermuda and the United States are unfamiliar with U.S. visa policy for Bermudians. The information below can be printed out to carry with one’s passport.
U.S. Visa Exemption for Bermudian citizens
“Bermudian passport holders are visa exempt for the United States.
“8 CFR 212.1 States: Citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda.
“A U.S. visa is generally not required for Citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, except those Bermudians that fall under nonimmigrant visa categories E, K,S, or V.
“As Bermuda is not a visa waiver program country, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda are not eligible to apply for ESTA in a Bermuda passport.
‘Questions may be directed to the U.S. Consulate General in Hamilton, Bermuda at [441] 335 – 3828 or by email at HamiltonConsulate@state.gov.”
“Bermuda passport holders are not eligible to apply for ESTA ”
Well I have applied and have been successfully authorized twice since 2021. As long as the Bermuda passport has the ” GBR code in it then you’re absolutely eligible! Smh…
“As long as the Bermuda passport has the ” GBR code in it then you’re absolutely eligible!”
Actually, that is not correct and you may find yourself in trouble with U.S. law enforcement if anyone twigs to what you have done.
This is not news. We were all warned when the BMU code was changed to GBR.
The the system should not have excepted it you idiot!
The idiot says I think you mean the system should not have “accepted” it.
You really do yourself, and your people, a disservice when you embarrass yourself like that.
What I have done?? It’s their system that excepted a so called “ineligible” passport
The ESTA system cannot distinguish between a Bermuda passport or a Cayman passport or a Turks and Caicos passport now that all use the abbreviation “GBR”.
You applied for an ESTA (or you say you did) knowing full well that you were ineligible for an ESTA for your Bermuda passport (you are entitled to one for your British passport).
Yes exactly. It can’t distinguish because it puts us in the same category as a UK passport. The only thing that would make it ineligible is if the passport has the code BMU in it . Which it doesn’t!
Burt and other ministers have been to the UK how many times? Get it fixed. Do something while you are elected.
I believe years ago a press statement was made about this and the changes could be made IF we paid for it. I seem to remember $200K? So get it done.
You have wasted for more than this in recent years.
Good luck if you go for Independence!!
This will be every week, how do you like that visa line just to visit Atlanta!!
British passport is invaluable, don’t forget that.
I agree ! When the gombays vote for independence than we’re definitely screwed! Get a British passport. End of story. Bermuda passport isn’t even worth the paper it’s printed on.
Nothing the US does anymore can be trusted..just look at the situation in Gaza
“just look at the situation in Gaza”
Has the United States done something in Gaza? I missed that. Please provide a link to the news I have missed.
Buy a TV Joe.
I am aware of what Israel is doing in Gaza, now please send me a link to what you claim the United States is doing in Gaza.
Type in CIA and shut up. Some mothers do have them and you’re an example of that phrase.
Sorry, I did not realise you were a conspiracy theory believer.
The United States and most of the western world support-but are not officially taking an active part in-the Palestinian war against Israel.
Iran, Russia, and other politically isolated (from a western perspective) countries are supporting Palestine in its war against Israel.
That is a balanced assessment.
Wow, that’s embarrassing for you.
Grow up.
Buy yourself a map.
Your Bermudian education is showing, again.
A coding discrepancy on Bermudian passports that has caused travel headaches for almost seven years will be corrected in 2024, Government House announced.
“The UK Government has confirmed that work will shortly commence to return the Bermuda-specific BMU code to Bermudian British Overseas Territory Citizen passports in 2024,” a statement said.
Rena Lalgie, the Governor, said: “I know that news of the reinstatement of the passport code will be welcomed by Bermudians, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of our hard work in 2024.”
Yes exactly. It can’t distinguish because it puts us in the same category as a UK passport. The only thing that would make it ineligible is if the passport has the code BMU in it . Which it doesn’t! And yes I have a UK passport with an esta in it too.
A Bermuda passport isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on