Bermudians Visiting UK for More Than Six Months Will Need BRP

UK has set new visa rules for Bermudians. Those hoping to travel to the UK for more than six months will have to obtain Biometric Residence Permit( BRP).

UK has applied these rules for more countries which include Cayman Islands and this will take effect in Bermuda from May 31.

The BRP card is a credit-card sized immigration document that contains a secure embedded chip. Fingerprints and a digital photo within the chip contain biometrics unique to each individual.

The card provides evidence of the card holder’s immigration status and can also be used as a proof of right to work study and access public services in the UK.

As of March 18 BRPs for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals travelling to the UK for more than six months began to be issued in phases according to country. Bermudians possessing a British Citizen Passport will not be impacted by the change.

“As before, Bermuda passport holders will be able to travel to the UK for up to six months without a visa but, if they want to stay longer, they need to get a BRP,” said Dr. Ming.

“To completely avoid the requirement for a visa for an intended stay in the UK longer than six months, the remedy is for that person to obtain a British Citizen passport.”