The Government said they are “aware of persons who are having issues with getting Travel Authorisations resulting in several people not being able to board flights to Bermuda.”
A spokesperson said, “It is important to note that no Bermudian will be denied the ability to return home, and the Government has told the airlines serving Bermuda this directly. The International Air Transport Association [IATA] has the information that a Bermudian cannot be denied the right to travel home.
“Both visitors and residents must apply for a Bermuda Covid-19 Travel Authorisation 1 to 3 days before departure. Travellers arriving in Bermuda without a Travel Authorisation, causing one to be completed upon arrival, will result in a Travel Authorisation fee of $1,000.
“Under the Quarantine Act, failure to pay the $1000.00 Travel Authorisation fee will result in a penalty. The fee for a Travel Authorisation completed in advance as required, is $75.00. Travel Authorisation applications can be found here – https://www.gov.bm/applying-bermuda-travel-authorisation
“It should be stressed that all persons should ensure they complete the Travel Authorisation with all necessary documents. This includes their test results, vaccine certificates or hotels or exemption confirmations. It is essential to have all of this information before starting the TA process.
“If you do not have all of the information and your TA is rejected, please call Covid-19 helpline at 444-2498 for assistance. The helpline operates from 8 am until 8 pm every day. The helpline is currently experiencing delays and every effort is being made to promptly answer calls and provide assistance. The Ministry of Health will be adding more resources this week to better assist travellers.
“To get an exemption from the quarantine hotel requires completing the online form as soon as possible. Failure to complete the Travel Authorisation correctly and entirely will delay entry into Bermuda. The exemption application can be found here: https://forms.gov.bm/hotelexemption.
“These recent changes have been implemented to further protect our community from the coronavirus and its variants,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson. “Bermuda must have strong protection at our borders so that we can move beyond the pandemic.”
