Pet travel from the United States to Bermuda

Last Modified: March 26, 2024
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Welcome! This page will guide you through the rules and requirements for traveling internationally with your pet.

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Before You Start the Process

Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

With help from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, you can learn more about your destination country's entry requirements for pets, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments. We recommend creating a schedule to make sure you meet all requirements within the specified timeframe.

Gather This Information for Your USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

  • The type of pet traveling
  • The destination country
  • If applicable, countries where your pet will stop (for customs clearance or upon leaving the airport or seaport) on the way to the destination country
  • The date of departure from the United States
  • Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
  • Note: If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1.41 MB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read These Resources

Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type

Bermuda does not allow certain dogs breeds. Click here for a list of restricted and prohibited breeds.

The requirements for traveling with your pet are described in the provided health certificate.  The health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian. USDA endorsement is NOT required.

All animals arriving in Bermuda must be accompanied by an Import Permit issued in advance by the Department of Environmental Protection, together with an original of a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian of the country from which the animal is coming. The health certificate and veterinary statements must be issued within 10 days before the animal’s arrival.

Specific Requirements:

  • The animal has been implanted with a microchip read by a standard microchip reader (i.e. ISO, FECAVA, European/International or AVID-USA chip).
  • Veterinarians may only attest to vaccinations given by him/herself, given under his/her direct supervision, and prior vaccinations that are accompanied with original certificates. Veterinarians cannot attest to vaccines given by non- veterinarians, including owners or breeders.
  • When requested by Bermuda, you will be required to give information regarding the purpose of imported animal, and the location of facility where the animal(s) will be housed.

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.

International Health Certificate (88.83 KB)

Contact Information

BERMUDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
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
www.animals.gov.bm

For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommend that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Country of Destination Contact Information

World Organisation for Animal Health: Members

U.S. Department of State: Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Important Travel Considerations

If you are transiting (passing through) the European Union:

If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under “Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type” to determine which health certificate should be used. View a list of EU countries.

Considerations for airline travel:

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what requirements they may have.

View additional information for pet owners, airlines, and others about APHIS endorsement of international health certificates.


Will you be returning to the United States with your pet?

View the Requirements

ALERT: Read the CDC Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the United States From Countries Classified as High Risk for Dog Rabies.

 

Information for Accredited Veterinarians

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For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Original ink endorsement REQUIRED

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Save Time and Money With VEHCS!

USDA-accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for electronic signature through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System).