Criminal Penalties in Bermuda
While you are traveling in Bermuda, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Bermuda, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.
Persons violating Bermuda’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Having a prescription for an illegal drug in Bermuda, such as marijuana, will not protect you from prosecution for possession of that illegal drug. Bermuda Customs routinely boards visiting cruise ships with drug-sniffing dogs and will arrest persons found to have any illegal drugs in their cabin. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Bermuda are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and/or heavy fines.
If you are arrested in Bermuda, authorities of Bermuda are required to notify the U.S. Consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate of your arrest.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, and health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.