Bermuda

Recommended Vaccinations For Bermuda

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Because there is a moderate risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Although the risk of exposure to hepatitis A is low, the vaccination is recommended for most routine travel.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Bermuda

There are no recommendations for Bermuda at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Bermuda

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A in Bermuda.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue in this country.

Hepatitis B

Since up to 2 percent of the population of Bermuda is a carrier of the hepatitis B virus, there is a moderate risk of exposure to this virus.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Safety & Security in Bermuda

Personal Safety

Bermuda experiences moderate crime levels that rarely affect tourists. In 2024, police investigated 3,719 crimes, with nine murders recorded. Gang activity exists on the island, with at least nine identified gangs operating primarily within residential neighborhoods. These groups engage in drug-related activities and territorial disputes. Most gang-related violence does not target visitors. The island saw significant improvements in 2019, which recorded zero murders. However, gang issues have fluctuated in recent years. Petty crime occurs in public places and on transportation networks, with pickpocketing and purse snatching reported in tourist areas. Theft from residences and vehicles has increased, particularly in St. George’s. Hamilton’s back streets, especially the area north of Victoria Street known as Back o’ Town or Court Street, have experienced nighttime assaults, particularly after bars close. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas such as deserted beaches and back streets after dark. The area between Pitts Bay Road and the Hamilton Princess Hotel has a reputation for muggers targeting tourists, especially after dark. Scooter theft is relatively common, with local youths taking bikes for joyriding. Drug penalties are severe, with possession or importing drugs carrying prison sentences up to 25 years. Weapons are illegal to possess or import, with severe penalties for violations.

Extreme Violence

Gang violence represents the primary source of extreme violence in Bermuda. In 2024, nine murders were recorded, with seven occurring within a six-week period between May 24 and July 10. Gang members are recruiting children as young as eight years old into their operations. The Minister of National Security noted that first-generation gang members’ children are now coming of age and carrying forward destructive legacies with greater levels of violence and disregard for community safety. Between 2012 and 2022, authorities reported 186 gang-related incidents. In 2020, firearms were used in 52 incidents, with 25 confirmed and 10 firearms recovered. Two people were shot and killed that year, with 10 others injured. Between 2009 and 2017, Bermuda recorded 48 murders. Virtually all gun crime relates to disputes between gangs operating in specific residential areas. Shootings are targeted and occur mostly in neighborhoods frequented by the gangs. No tourists have been killed, injured, or witnessed these violent acts. The Bermuda Police Service launched the Gang Violence Reduction Team in 2017 to address rising violence, which has helped reduce incidents.

Political Unrest

Bermuda experiences occasional peaceful demonstrations that typically pass without incident. In 2023, protests occurred involving taxi drivers, farmers, fishermen, and holiday home landlords expressing dissatisfaction with government policies. These groups organized vehicle processions through Hamilton with police escorts, honking horns outside government buildings. In 2020, large-scale Black Lives Matter protests took place, with one demonstration drawing approximately 7,000 people, representing about 11 percent of the population. These were the largest protests in Bermuda’s 400-year history. October 2023 saw demonstrations against rising electricity costs, with about 50 residents gathering outside utility company headquarters. Demonstrations in 2023 focused on issues including taxi rate increases that had not occurred in nearly ten years, commercial fishing restrictions, new taxes on holiday rental earnings, and education system reforms. The 1977 riots represented the worst civil unrest in the island’s history, triggered by executions and resulting in three deaths and millions of dollars in property damage. In 2016, labor unions organized an island-wide withdrawal of labor to protest proposed immigration legislation, impacting public transportation and garbage removal. Demonstrations can lead to disruptions in traffic and public transportation. The government acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as a cornerstone of Bermudian democracy.

Areas To Avoid

The Back o’ Town area in Hamilton, north of Victoria Street and away from the harbourfront, has a reputation for drug dealing and crime. This neighborhood encompasses Court Street heading north from Victoria Street to Parsons Road and Princess Street. Locals advise avoiding this area later in the evenings. Pitts Bay Road in Hamilton, particularly the section between the road and the Hamilton Princess Hotel, has experienced muggings that target tourists, especially after dark. Some sections of South Road and certain streets in St. George have been flagged as areas where caution is needed after dark. St. George’s has seen increased incidents of theft from residences and vehicles. The areas mentioned are well off typical tourist routes and have little appeal for average visitors. Most violent crime occurs in residential areas where gang members operate, typically away from tourist destinations. Deserted beaches and back streets should be avoided at night. The downtown Hamilton area and main tourist zones remain generally safe during the day. Outside urban areas, limited street lighting and few footpaths make walking at night more hazardous.