Pet import requirements for Bermuda

Bermuda at a glance

The detail

BDA is on the arrival list for pets heading to Bermuda. Bermuda is a British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Because there is no quarantine facility in Bermuda, animals of failed Customs in spections are generally handled in a manner outlined below.

Import requirements

All pets must be at the age of 10 months minimum and have– Two rabies vaccinations: Your pet must have received two separate rabies vaccinations. The first vaccine must be administered after the pet is three months old. The second must be given 6–12 months after the first.

A printed copy of the Import Permit and the ORIGINAL veterinary certificates MUST accompany the animal and be available for Bermuda Customs on arrival.

Importing Animals into Bermuda

[Dogs & Cats](https://www.gov.bm/on line-services/import-dog-or-cat) (link to application form & Conditions of Entry)

[Birds](https://www.gov.bm/on line-services/import-bird) (link to application form & Conditions of Entry)

Import Permit for Dog or Cat

Import Permit for Birds, Horses and Fish

Review these conditions of entry to ensure that your animal qualifies to enter Bermuda. Also review the lists of dog breeds below to learn whether your dog is in cluded. Properties housing prohibited or restricted breed dogs must be able to securely house the animal by the presence of in escapable fencing or an enclosure. The fencing or enclosure must comply with rules & processes of the Department of Planning, and the premises in spected by an Animal Warden before an import permit is issued.

The following conditions of entry apply to the importation of all dogs and cats. You must provide true and accurate documentation of the following:

• The animal has been implanted with a microchip read by a standard microchip reader, i.e. ISO, FECAVA, European/International or AVID-USA chip.
• A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before your arrival in Bermuda, stating that the animal is not in fected with any communicable disease and is free of external parasites. The health certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and contain the following in formation:
• Name, date of birth, breed, description and microchip identification of pet;
• Owner’s current address;
• Owner in Bermuda and address
• An original handwritten ink signature or a digital signature of the examining veterinarian – See in structions on submitting your application under the PROCEDURE section.
• A veterinary statement giving the name of the acaricidal preparation which is known to have residual activity against a variety of ticks and was administered or applied during the examination. Dispensing of a product for unverified use by the client is not an acceptable option. Acceptable products are listed below.
• Veterinary examination & health certificate

Visit your veterinarian to obtain a microchip, health certificate and the veterinary statements within 10 days of your arrival. If the animal is coming from the United Kingdom, visit the Local Veterinary Inspector within 5 days of your departure for an Export Permit (EHC-2921).

THE PROCEDURE

• Visit your veterinarian to obtain a microchip, health certificate and the veterinary statements within 10 days of your arrival.
• FAX the veterinary documents to 441-232-0046. Response with an Import Permit will be by FAX, usually within 1 business day. Please ensure that your FAX number is shown on the application form. The FAX Import Permit and the ORIGINAL veterinary certificates MUST accompany the animal on arrival in Bermuda.

IMPORT PERMITS ARE ONLY VALID FOR 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE VETERINARY CERTIFICATE.

• Submission of veterinary health certificate & supporting documentation

If the health certificate contains an electronic signature of the examining veterinarian, the veterinary documents must be forwarded from the veterinary facility directly to this office via e-mail. The veterinary documents may be submitted from the veterinary facility, the client, animal owner, importer, exporter or agent if the health certificate contains an original handwritten ink signature.

• All documents are subject to verification of their contents.
• Response

The Government will respond, usually within 2 business days. Please ensure that your email address or fax number is shown on the application form.

• This Department may request specific photographs and/or pedigree documentation of the animal to be imported, or the parents the reof. You need not provide this in formation unless specifically requested.
• When requested, you will be required to give in formation regarding the purpose of imported animal, and the location of facility where the animal(s) will be housed. You need not provide this in formation when you apply.
• Resident dogs must be licensed at the main office of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, (Botanical Gardens, Paget) immediately after arrival.

A "Personal Pet Move" is the movement of a privately owned companion animal for the owner's personal reasons, not for resale or commercial gain, and must be accompanied by the owner or authorized person under specified conditions. The owner must travel within a specific timeframe of the pet (e.g., five days earlier or later in some regulations) to qualify for non-commercial status. Follow import guidelines and if there is a multiple number of animals it is best to contact animals@gov.bm for more in formation.

A pet move is considered commercial if: The owner is not traveling with the pets or a designated person is not traveling within five days of the pets. More than 6 pets are traveling in a single shipment. The animals are being moved for purposes other than a non-commercial relocation. Please contact animals@gov.bm for more in formation.

Yes. Dogs entering Bermuda from the US and Canada will require a Bermuda Import Permit, a health certificate, a microchip, a pest control statement, and a rabies vaccination certificate, so you’ll want to book a vet visit before you head out here. Dogs arriving directly from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Jamaica do not require a rabies vaccination.

Regulations for dogs post-arrival

Animal owners who bring their animal(s) for a short stay in Bermuda may be asked to place a refundable deposit on duty. This will be at the discretion of the Bermuda Customs of ficer.

New Resident Pets

Animals accompanied by a traveler may be declared on the Customs Traveller Declaration, and are subject to a flat duty rate of 25%. Animals unaccompanied by a traveler and those arriving via cargo must be declared on a Bermuda Customs Declaration (BCD) long form.

Questions about customs duties and the customs clearance procedure should be directed to the Customs Department, 131 Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda; telephone 441-295-4816 or email customs@gov.bm.

Guidelines pertaining to the control of dogs on Island are available on the page entitled. Regulations pertaining to animals on Island

Service animals, Emotional support animals

Service animals and emotional support animals are required to meet the same conditions of entry as pet animals. Once on Island, no special concessions may be demanded for a service animal, although service providers are often willing to make a concession to accommodate a person with a disability.

Show dogs and trial animals

The club organizing the show will obtain and distribute an import permit for each participating animal. Contact the club hosting the show for all the details; you usually don’t need to contact this Department directly.

The animal has not been kept within 30 miles of Foot and Mouth disease during the last 30 days.

• This Department may request specific photographs and/or pedigree documentation of the animal to be imported, or the parents the reof. You need not provide this in formation unless specifically requested.
• When requested, you will be required to give in formation regarding the purpose of imported animal, and the location of facility where the animal(s) will be housed. You need not provide this in formation when you apply.

Identification and microchip

To bring a pet to Bermuda, your pet needs a 15-digit ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an original health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Additionally, an Import Permit must be obtained from the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources before travel. A pet passport is not a standalone requirement, but rather the collection of documents that prove your pet meets these import regulations.

Rabies and vaccinations

Dogs and cats under the age of 10 months, and dogs and cats of any age that have received only a single rabies vaccination, do not qualify for entry into Bermuda.

Contact Bermuda for advice on the acceptance of tri-annual rabies vaccines.

Veterinarians may only attest to vaccinations given by him/herself, given under his/her direct supervision, and prior vaccinations that are accompanied with original vaccination certificates. Veterinarians cannot attest to vaccines given by non-veterinarians, in cluding owners or breeders. *(This requirement is not applicable to dogs or cats originating and arriving directly from the Continental USA or Canada.)*

• A veterinary statement that, as best as can be ascertained by your knowledge and through questioning, the animal has not been exposed to rabies nor been present in an of ficially quarantined rabies area within the last 6 months. (*This requirement is not applicable to dogs or cats originating and arriving directly from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or Jamaica)*

Two rabies vaccinations, with the second one given between 6 and 12 months after the first. The most recent vaccination must be at least 30 days but no more than 12 months prior to arrival. Core vaccinations for dogs or cats in adherence to the country of export.

Tests and treatments

You need an import permit, a microchip, an approved rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of arrival. Ensure your pet's microchip can be read by a standard reader. The health check verifies that your pet is free from communicable diseases and parasites. Not outside of core vaccinations and current rabies. Flea, tick and worm free. No RNATT required.

Acaricidal preparation which is known to have residual activity against a variety of ticks Tick treatment and prevention required for entry Tick treatment and prevention required for entry NOTE: Advantage®, Advocate®, Bio-Spot®, Capstar®, Comfortis®, Credelio for Cats®, NexGard Combo for Cats®, Revolution®, Promeris® for Cats, Provecta-II for Cats®, selamectin, Sentinel®, Vectra®, shampoos and collars are not acceptable for entry. ACARICIDAL PRODUCTS (Tick treatments and Preventatives) Acceptable for Entry A USDA accredited veterinarian must treat your pet for in ternal and external parasites within 30 days of export, documenting the specific product and date on the health certificate, which must also in clude other required vaccinations and be signed by the vet. To be administered or applied during the veterinary examination. Please refer to the approved list [HERE](https://www.gov.bm/on line-services/import-dog-or-cat)

Health certificate and permits

A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before your arrival in Bermuda, stating that the animal is not in fected with any communicable disease and is free of external parasites. The health certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and contain the following in formation:

• Name, date of birth, breed, description and microchip identification of pet.
• Owner at present.
• Owner in Bermuda and address
• An original handwritten ink signature or a digital signature of the examining veterinarian.
• A veterinary statement giving the name of the acaricidal preparation which is known to have residual activity against a variety of ticks and was administered or applied during the examination. Dispensing of a product for unverified use by the client is not an acceptable option. (Acceptable products are listed under TREATMENTS).

-A veterinary statement that, as best as can be ascertained by your knowledge and through questioning, the animal has not been exposed to rabies nor been present in an of ficially quarantined rabies area within the last 6 months.(This requirement is not applicable to dogs or cats originating and arriving directly from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or Jamaica.)-Rabies vaccination history-The pet has not been kept within 30 miles of Foot and Mouth disease during the last 30 days.Forward the application form and veterinary documents to this office via email (animals@gov.bm) or fax (441 232 0046). Please ensure that your email address or fax number is shown on the application form. We will usually respond within one business day.Note: If the health certificate contains an electronic signature of the examining veterinarian, the veterinary documents must be forwarded from the veterinary facility directly to this office via e-mail.

USDA APHIS Form 7001

Yes - All animals arriving in Bermuda must be accompanied by an Import Permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and an original overseas veterinary health document.

You must provide evidence that your animal complies with all import requirements before an Import Permit will be issued.

IMPORT PERMITS ARE VALID FOR 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE.

THIS OFFICE IS CLOSED ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

To obtain the permit please visit this link - https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/Dogs-and-Cats-2022.pdf

Please visit this site to download the import permit - https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/2024-06/Dogs-Cats_June2024.pdf

If departing from the USA visit - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/health-certificates/non-eu/bermuda-dog-cat.pdf for the health certificate. Outside of the USA visit your country’s governing authority for live animal export.

Quarantine

Because there is no quarantine facility in Bermuda, animals of failed Customs in spections are generally handled in a manner outlined below. The final disposition of any animal is at the discretion of a Government Veterinary Officer. Animals arriving by air: Animals failing a Customs in spection, and those not accompanied by all required documentation will be immediately deported, at the importer’s expense. The importer may have to accompany the animal upon deportation, also at his/her own expense.

Animals arriving by sea:

Animals failing a Customs in spection, and those not accompanied by all required documentation will not be permitted on land but will be restricted to remain on board the vessel and the vessel will be kept at deep water anchorage under monitoring by Bermuda Customs. The vessel will not be permitted to be alongside any pier or other vessel. When a deportation cannot occur or if the owner fails to comply with the in structions of Customs or of this Department, the animal may be seized and humanely destroyed at the owner’s expense.

You must obtain a Bermuda import permit and have a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, among other requirements.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Yes. Breed Restrictions, Import Restrictions etc. Please refer to list located - https://www.gov.bm/on line-services/import-dog-or-cat.

Any rare, exotic or uncommon breed may also be refused permission to enter Bermuda or to be used in breeding despite its absence from the lists above.

Prohibited dogs may not be imported for residency, bred or used for breeding.

Restricted dogs may be imported or acquired once the conditions for importation and/or keeping these dogs have been fulfilled by the importer/new keeper. New acquisitions of these dogs require pre-approval. Dogs of these breeds may be bred only following receipt of a Breeder’s permit.

Restricted / Prohibited List of Dogs: https://www.gov.bm/on line-services/import-dog-or-cat

Conditions and Application to keep Restricted Breeds of Dogs

Customs, agents, and airports

No. All passengers arriving in Bermuda will be presented with a Customs Traveler Declaration form. Must have an import permit and all documentation for pets.

Airport in formation:

Bermuda is located in the North Atlantic Ocean about 600 nautical miles from the U.S. East Coast and just a 90-minute flight from New York City. Major East Coast hubs in cluding Atlanta, Boston and Toronto can be reached in three hours or less, while nonstop service to London connects the island to the heart of the U.K., and for on ward connections throughout Europe.

L.F. Wade International Airport, formerly named Bermuda International Airport, is the sole airport serving the British overseas territory of Bermuda in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the parish of St. George's and is 6 NM northeast of Bermuda's capital, Hamilton. BDA is the code.

Air service provided by AA (CLT), DL (ATL, JFK), B6 (BOS-in cabin), BA (LHR), AC (CLT), 2T (BWI, BOS, FLL, MCO, YHZ – in cabin, checked baggage), UA (EWR – in cabin, seasonal)

There are also ferries to get around the island. Check out the schedule here - https://www.gotobermuda.com/in spiration/article/bermuda-ferry-schedule

Royal Naval Dockyard (King's Wharf), the Port of Hamilton, and the St. George's Cruise Port.

Airports listed on this destination file: BDA.

Customs Broker/Agent:

No. All passengers arriving in Bermuda will be presented with a Customs Traveller Declaration form. Must have import permit and all documentation for pet.

Requirments: Airport in formation:

Bermuda is located in the North Atlantic Ocean about 600 nautical miles from the U.S. East Coast and just a 90-minute flight from New York City. Major East Coast hubs in cluding Atlanta, Boston and Toronto can be reached in three hours or less, while nonstop service to London connects the island to the heart of the U.K., and for on ward connections throughout Europe.

L.F. Wade International Airport, formerly named Bermuda International Airport, is the sole airport serving the British overseas territory of Bermuda in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the parish of St. George's and is 6 NM northeast of Bermuda's capital, Hamilton. BDA is the code.

There are also ferries to get around the island. Check out the schedule here - https://www.gotobermuda.com/in spiration/article/bermuda-ferry-schedule

• All documents and animal(s) to be available for Customs in spection

A printed copy of the Import Permit and the ORIGINAL veterinary certificates MUST accompany the animal and be available for Bermuda Customs on arrival.

• Failed Customs in spection

Because there is no quarantine facility in Bermuda, animals of failed Customs in spections are generally handled in a manner outlined below. The final disposition of any animal is at the discretion of a Government Veterinary Officer.

Animals arriving by air:

Animals failing a Customs in spection, and those not accompanied by all required documentation will be immediately deported, at the importer’s expense. The importer may have to accompany the animal upon deportation, also at his/her own expense.

Animals arriving by sea:

Animals failing a Customs in spection, and those not accompanied by all required documentation will not be permitted on land, but will be restricted to remain on board the vessel and the vessel will be kept at deep water anchorage under monitoring by Bermuda Customs. The vessel will not be permitted to be alongside any pier or other vessel.

*When a deportation cannot occur or if the owner fails to comply with the in structions of Customs or of this Department, the animal may be seized and humanely destroyed at the owner’s expense.*

If you have a need for customs assistance you can contact BERMUDA WORLDWIDE SHIPPING for help or suggestion - https://www.bdashipping.bm or https://www.bdashipping.bm/documents/customs-clearance

Export notes

It is best to check with an island veterinary clinic to assist with export requirements from Bermuda and also to your destination.

Bermuda Vets:

https://www.bermudavets.bm/

Ettrick Animal Hospital:

https://www.ettrick.bm/

Endsmeet Animal Hospital:

https://endsmeet.bm/

*Note to Dog Owners, for dogs entering/re-entering/returning to the USA: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has amended rules for dogs entering/re-entering the USA on/after August 1, 2024. Essential actions will be required before you leave the USA, so to be able to return your dog to the USA. Consult with your local USDA-accredited veterinarian, see the CDC website or use the helpline (800) 232-4636 for guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Bermuda participates in the provisions of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It is best to contact the Bermuda Government in advance of shipment to make sure it is allowable.

A CITES specimen is:

• any animal or plant (dead or alive)
• any recognizable part of an animal or plant
• any reproductive material of an animal or plant
• any derivative or hybrid of an animal or plant
• any article or product derived from an animal or plant of a species that is in cluded on CITES Appendix.

You may also check the species to learn whether CITES applies to your item at Checklist.cites.org or Species+. Forms must be issued by the agency in the country of origin responsible for wildlife. Facilities can be found here: https://cites.org/eng/parties/country-profiles/national-authorities. There is no formal application for CITES permit in Bermuda; however, application letter must in clude name/address/contact info of applicant and recipient, quantity/description of commodity, reason for and date of import, details of container.

Returning resident animals that have been away from Bermuda for less than five years are not subject to an import duty, however the importer must be prepared to satisfy the Customs of ficer that the animal is in fact a qualified returning resident. This can usually be done by presentation of some document pertaining to this animal, issued in Bermuda within the last five years (i.e. a local health certificate, vaccination certificate, dog license receipt). The Department of Environment & Natural Resources will usually in dicate on an import permit that the animal is a returning resident animal, if the Department has satisfactory evidence of such.

All pets other than ferrets entering Bermuda require an Import Permit from the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources and an original health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in your home country. Ferrets are specifically banned from entry.

NOTE: Official documentation must not be changed once issued, and must not contain any alteration, amendment, white out or cross-out, such that the original content becomes unreadable.

Resident dogs must be licensed at the main office of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, (Botanical Gardens, Paget) immediately after arrival.

• All documents are subject to verification of their contents.
• Response - Office will respond, usually within 2 business days. Please ensure that your email address or fax number is shown on the application form.

There are plenty of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions that welcome four-legged family members. However, The Bermuda National Parks Act prohibits dogs on public beaches between April 1 and October 31.

It is best to check with an island veterinary clinic to assist with export requirements from Bermuda and also to your destination.

Bermuda Vets:

https://www.bermudavets.bm/

Ettrick Animal Hospital:

https://www.ettrick.bm/

Endsmeet Animal Hospital:

https://endsmeet.bm/

Official contacts

BERMUDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Mailing Address: Veterinary Services

P.O. Box HM-834, Hamilton, Bermuda HM-CX

Phone (441)-236-4201

Fax (441)-232-0046

E-mail animals@gov.bm

WEBSITECurrent as of July 2024

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-08-25.

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