According to recent changes made by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Bermuda is now officially among the safest countries to travel to in the world. The 'very low risk' category is the best ranking the CDC can give as part of the four-tier system, so find out what that means for travelers who want to visit the island of Bermuda.
Plus, if you're based in New York City, there's also some more information on COVID-19 testing. Continue reading to find out more.
Lowest Risk Classification
Bermuda is welcoming travelers from the US with a message of 'safe travels' as the CDC classifies the country as having a low COVID-19 risk. Bermuda joins countries such as Greenland, Cambodia and Taiwan in the lowest risk COVID-19 classification.
Speaking on the decision to place Bermuda in the highest-ranking category, Bermuda Tourism Authority Interim CEO, Glenn Jones, said, “We welcome this very positive assessment by the CDC, which underscores Bermuda’s robust health and safety record on managing the pandemic over the past eight months.
“Bermuda is one of the safest places in the world right now, thanks to diligent testing and contact-tracing protocols. [...] We welcome all travelers to visit our island safely and responsibly.”
You can find out more about the classification change and how that impacts travelers to Bermuda from the US here.
NYC COVID-19 Testing for Travelers
For those traveling to Bermuda from New York City, a Manhattan-based COVID-19 testing service is now available. The service, which sees the Bermuda Tourism Authority collaborating with OpenClear, is available between 9am and 3pm every Tuesday and Thursday and is by appointment only.
The service has been designed to help visitors to Bermuda from the New York City area - as well as those returning from Bermuda - obtain a COVID-19 test result for the island's pre-trip Travel Authorization process.
These tests are accepted by the Bermuda Department of Health. To book an appointment, travelers must provide proof of travel to Bermuda within seven days, which includes both the flight number and flight date. Following this, they also need to apply for a Bermuda Travel Authorization one to three days before departure along with showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days before departure.
Prices for testing currently start at $199 and results can be turned around between 12-72 hours. To find out more about this partnership and the testing service, head over to this article from the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Once you're ready, visit the OpenClear website to request your appointment.
How Safe Is Bermuda?
Bermuda has earned a global stamp of approval for the way it’s proactively handled the COVID-19 pandemic. After adopting high health and hygiene standards to meet protocols, Bermuda is safely welcoming visitors back to the island.
But like everywhere else in the world, there are guidelines in place to keep everybody as safe as possible. Make sure you comply with the Bermuda Government protocols to keep you, your family and the residents of the island safe.
According to exit surveys with visitors since the island welcomed back regularly scheduled commercial flights from July 1, 94.6% said they felt safe from the virus during their visit. So Bermuda isn't just one of the safest countries in the world to travel to, but it also has a low crime rate and amenities to help the whole family have a safe and fun vacation.
You can find out more about how Bermuda is the ideal destination for a safe, stress-free North Atlantic break in our helpful blog.
With Bermuda now a safe destination to travel to, it'll be no surprise if you're already looking for some vacation options and booking your next flight. Although, not every country in the world is as safe to travel to as Bermuda...
Explore Your Vacation Options
While international travel may not be possible for everyone right now, that doesn’t mean that daydreaming about the many amazing, must-see holiday destinations there are should be off the table.
From the whitewashed Greek architecture to the sub-tropical paradise that is Bermuda, take a look at our list of the seven vacation destinations you have to visit after lockdown to get inspiration for your next trip to soak up the sun and get away.
