The Bermuda government has issued a warning to Jamaicans and nationals from the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the requirement of a valid transit visa for entry into the British Overseas Territory (BOT).
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Economy and Labor, failure to present the necessary documents upon arrival may result in individuals being returned on the next commercial flight.
Visa-controlled nationals
The ministry clarified that Jamaicans and Dominicans fall under the category of visa-controlled nationals, as outlined in the policy. As such, they must possess the appropriate visa upon their arrival in Bermuda.
Additionally, the ministry noted that over 100 countries have citizens classified as visa-controlled nationals and they too must present the relevant documents upon arrival.
This statement from the ministry came in response to complaints made by government legislator Lawrence Scott, whose company is involved in a new charter flight service connecting Bermuda to the Caribbean.
Scott referred to Section 28 of the Immigration and Protection Act 1956, which permits entry to Bermuda on the condition of holding a round-trip ticket and not exceeding a six-month stay within a 12-month period.
The latest news from Bermuda & The Caribbean
Read more articles about Bermuda from Caribbean National Weekly
Government’s response to Scott’s concerns
However, the government cited Section 32 of the same act, which grants the minister discretionary power to impose conditions.
A ministry spokesperson stated, “Mr. Scott has referenced Section 28 of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956. However, this is not the only relevant section in the Act. Section 32 gives the minister the power to impose conditions with respect to permission to land in Bermuda.
“The requirement for Dominicans and Jamaicans to possess a multi-re-entry visa is a condition, and anyone who does not comply with this condition commits an offence against the Act.”
Section 32 states: “The Governor, or minister, as the case may be, may withhold any permission or grant any permission subject to any duration, condition or limitation without assigning any reason for that decision.”
Scott, CEO of ScottsCraft, the parent company of the charter service TXKF Direct, raised concerns about Portuguese and Bahamian flights to Bermuda, stating that they were not subject to the same transit visa conditions.
Expanding charter flight services
He further added that a representative from ScottsCraft would be present on flights, starting in August with a trip to the Dominican Republic, to ensure passengers have round-trip tickets and do not overstay the permitted 180 days.
Scott previously mentioned plans for another charter flight to Jamaica later in the year, with a long-haul service scheduled for 2024. However, the ministry spokesperson clarified that Portuguese and Bahamian nationals are not considered visa-controlled nationals, hence visa conditions have not been applied to passengers on those flights.
They also emphasized that having a ScottsCraft representative onboard does not guarantee compliance with the six-month limit.
Government regulations require visa-controlled nationals to possess a transit visa to countries like the United States, Britain, or Canada, enabling them to return home if necessary, even if not through a charter flight.
Scott, quoted by the Royal Gazette newspaper, emphasized that the Bermuda direct charter flight would operate in accordance with existing legislation, specifically Sections 28 and 32 of the Immigration and Protection Act 1956.
He said, “With an awareness of the legislation, the spirit, implication, and intent, the sale of tickets has always been managed accordingly.”
“Now, the significance of our focus is on bringing Bermudian families together between the various Caribbean destinations serviced. This is consistent with the fact that the law and policies haven’t changed,” he added.
Scott, who is a trained pilot, also expressed hope that Bermuda could eventually become an air hub connecting the Caribbean and Africa.
More on Caribbean travel
- Top three US visa-denied countries in the Caribbean
- Suriname reintroducing visa requirements for a number of countries
- Antigua and Barbuda abolish visa requirements with Serbia
