Bermuda Customs and Duty-Free Allowances

 

 

Updated: September 2026 

Entering a new country can feel intimidating when you do not know the rules. A duty-free allowance is simply the total value of goods you can bring into Bermuda without paying government import taxes. If you exceed this limit, you must pay a fee, known as duty, on the extra amount. 

 

Bermuda updated its customs regulations recently, and the old paper forms are gone. This guide covers exactly what you need to know so you can clear customs quickly and start your vacation. 

 

At a Glance

 

 

Who This Is For and Who Should Skip

 

This guide is designed for anyone arriving in Bermuda by commercial flight, private jet, or private yacht. It covers tourists, returning residents, and new work permit holders. 

 

If you are arriving on a cruise ship, you can skip the digital arrival card section. Your cruise line handles most of the passenger customs clearance behind the scenes. Cruise passengers face a different, much simpler physical customs process at the dock. 

 

What Surprises Visitors the Most

 

Most travelers expect duty-free shopping to happen when they leave a country. In Bermuda, you will find a duty-free shop right inside the arrivals hall at L.F. Wade International Airport, just before you reach the baggage carousels. 

 

 

Source: Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport 

 

This is a massive advantage. You can buy your allowed limit of liquor here without having to carry heavy bottles on your flight. 

 

Another surprise is what customs officers actually look for. They are highly focused on brand new electronics, business samples, and expensive gifts. They rarely care about a few extra protein bars or personal snacks tucked into your suitcase. 

 

Pro-Tip: The airport air conditioning is famously strong, but the walk from the plane across the damp tarmac can be humid. Keep your travel documents easily accessible so you do not have to dig through your bags while standing in line. 

 

The Bermuda Customs Form (Digital Arrival Card)

 

While you must complete the digital Bermuda Arrival Card (BMAC) for immigration before you fly, the physical Customs Traveller Declaration (Form 98) is still used. You will be given this paper form on your flight to declare your goods. 

 

You must fill this out online before you board your flight to Bermuda. Once completed, you will receive a digital barcode in your email. Save a screenshot of this barcode to your phone in case the airport Wi-Fi is spotty when you land. 

 

Be very careful when searching for the BMAC online. Use the Official Bermuda government Portal. There are third-party scam websites that try to charge you $20 or more to process this form. The official BMAC is 100 percent free. 

 

Bermuda Duty-Free Allowances (What You Can Bring into Bermuda for Free)

 

Your allowance depends entirely on your residency status. Personal items you already own, like the clothes in your suitcase or your personal laptop, do not count toward these limits. 

 

Visitors and Tourists

 

As a visitor, you are allowed to bring in up to $50 worth of gifts for other people duty-free. You also have a specific allowance for alcohol and tobacco. 

 

You can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 500 grams of tobacco. For alcohol, you are allowed 1 liter of spirits and 1 liter of wine. If you bring more than this, you will pay heavy taxes on the excess. 

 

Returning Residents

 

If you live in Bermuda, the government increased the returning resident allowance. You can now bring in up to $300 worth of goods duty-free, up from the old $200 limit. 

 

This $300 limit applies per person. Families traveling together can combine their allowances. You also get the same alcohol and tobacco limits as visitors. 

 

Moving to Bermuda (TRA)

 

If you just got a job in Bermuda and are moving here, you qualify for the Transfer of Residence Allowance. This allows you to bring your used personal belongings to the island without paying duty. 

 

The catch is that you must have owned and used the items for at least six months prior to arriving. Any brand new furniture or electronics will be taxed at the standard rates. 

 

Bermuda Customs Duty Rates

 

If you go over your allowance, you have to pay import taxes. Bermuda does not manufacture anything, so the government relies on these import duties for revenue. 

 

Here are the most common duty rates currently: 

 

If you plan to bring a suitcase full of groceries to save money, the rates vary wildly. Check out our dedicated guide on Bringing Food to Bermuda for a complete breakdown of grocery tariffs. 

 

Bermuda Customs Duty Calculator (How to Estimate Your Fees)

 

Bermuda does not have an official public widget to calculate your fees automatically. However, the math is very simple. 

 

The formula is: (Total Value of Goods - Duty Free Allowance) x Item Tariff Rate = Duty Owed. 

 

Let us look at two examples: 

 

Example 1: A Tourist Bringing an Electronics Gift 

The Scenario: You are a visitor bringing a brand-new iPad as a gift for a local friend. 

Total Value: $500 

Your Allowance: $50 (Visitor limit) 

Taxable Amount: $450 (Value minus allowance) 

Duty Rate: 25% (Standard electronics rate) 

The Math: $450 × 0.25 

Total Duty Owed: $112.50 

 

Example 2: A Returning Resident Bringing New Clothes 

The Scenario: You live in Bermuda and are returning from an overseas shopping trip with new clothing. 

Total Value: $400 

Your Allowance: $300 (Resident limit) 

Taxable Amount: $100 (Value minus allowance) 

Duty Rate: 6.5% (Clothing rate) 

The Math: $100 × 0.065 

Total Duty Owed: $6.50 

 

Your Unofficial Calculator

 

 

Common Mistakes at Bermuda Customs

 

The biggest mistake travelers make is throwing away their purchase receipts. If you bring in new items without a receipt, the customs officer will estimate the value. They usually estimate high, and you will end up paying more duty than necessary. 

 

Another common error is wrapping gifts before you travel. Customs officers have the right to inspect any package. If they want to see what is inside, they will rip your beautiful wrapping paper right off. Bring gift bags instead. 

 

Finally, do not confuse entering Bermuda with leaving. When you leave Bermuda, you will clear US Customs at the Bermuda airport before you fly. That is a completely different process with different rules. 

 

Practical Details: Clearing Customs at the Airport

 

When you collect your bags at the airport, you will face two exits. The Green Channel is for travelers with nothing to declare. The Red Channel is for travelers who exceed their allowances or are carrying restricted items. 

 

If you go through the Green Channel, you might still be randomly selected for a bag search. If you are caught smuggling goods, the fines are severe. Always declare your items. 

 

If you owe duty in the Red Channel, you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, or cash. They accept both US Dollars and Bermuda Dollars at a 1-to-1 ratio. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire terminal, read our guide on Arriving at Bermuda Airport. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (Visitor Q and A)

 

 

1. Can I bring ocean water back home with me? 

Yes. While Bermuda strictly prohibits taking pink sand or shells from the beaches (you will be fined at the airport), taking a small bottle of ocean water is perfectly legal. Just remember that due to international liquid restrictions, you must pack the water securely in your checked luggage, not your carry-on. 

 

2. How is duty calculated on a used bicycle or e-bike? 

If you bring a used bicycle to leave on the island, you still owe duty. You must provide a bill of sale or receipt to prove the second-hand value. If you do not have one, customs will assess the value themselves. Note that standard bicycles attract a 22.25% duty, but if you have added a battery for hill assistance (making it an e-bike or motorized cycle), the duty rate jumps to 33.5%. 

 

3. I am bringing small gifts and cooking spices. Should I wrap the gifts before I fly? 

Never wrap gifts before you travel. Customs officers have the right to inspect any package, and they will tear your wrapping paper off to see what is inside. Bring gift bags or wrap them once you arrive. You must declare all gifts and consumable foods (like spices), even if the total value is under your $50 visitor allowance. 

 

4. Can I bring fresh fruits and vegetables into Bermuda? 

Yes, but fresh produce attracts a 5% customs duty. While customs officers will sometimes wave through a few apples or small personal snacks without charging you, you are legally required to declare them. Always carry your grocery receipts so the officer can calculate the exact duty based on what you paid, rather than estimating a higher value. 

 

5. Do I have to pay duty on my personal makeup, creams, or my child's tablet? 

No. Items that you already own, are currently using, and intend to take back home with you are considered "personal effects." Your opened cosmetics, personal laptop, and your child's tablet are completely exempt from duty. 

 

Alternatives and Next Steps

 

Now that you know how to get your items into Bermuda safely, you might need help with other logistics. 

 

If you are looking for information on clearing US Customs when leaving the island, check out our Departing Bermuda Guide. 

 

If you are planning to travel with a dog or cat, you will need special permits. Read our Moving Pets to Bermuda guide for the exact paperwork required. 

 

Related Articles

 

Bermuda Taxes and Duties 

Air Travel to Bermuda 

Bermuda Cruises 

Living in Bermuda 

Importing Food into Bermuda 

Check out Bermuda Guide for lot more information about Bermuda. 

 

Viewers' Reviews and Comments

 

Write Your Comments