Updated: 2026-10-30
Two different direct-arrival exceptions
Direct UK/Australia/New Zealand/Jamaica arrivals have the stated rabies-history/ten-month exclusion exception. Direct continental-USA/Canada arrivals instead have the foot-and-mouth declaration exception. Neither removes the permit, chip, health certificate, tick treatment or six-month rabies-exposure statement. Hawaii is not continental USA and Crown Dependencies do not automatically mean UK. A connection or brief stay needs assessment; there is no invented six-month residence rule here.
For other origins, plan a genuine two-dose history
The ordinary branch uses the two latest original rabies certificates: first at≥three months age, second six–twelve months later, no significant lapse and latest thirty days–twelve months before arrival. Under ten months or only one dose does not qualify in that branch. Do not substitute Japan’s shorter dose interval, an antibody result or a three-year vaccine label for Bermuda’s conditions. Ask the authority about unusual histories and three-year products.
Ten days starts with the veterinary certificate
Arrange the examination and accepted tick product within ten days before arrival, obtain the certificate and import permission, and arrive before the certificate-based permit window expires. A late permit does not add ten days. Electronic signatures require direct clinic-to-office email; handwritten originals need the practice stamp. Carry printed permit and original health/rabies records. Weekends, public holidays, verification and flight changes may consume the window; response estimates are not a guarantee.
Breed, carrier and Customs are additional checks
Check current prohibited/restricted dog lists before acquisition; restricted-dog premises inspection and in-principle approval do not replace sanitary entry approval. Cabin/hold/cargo depends on the actual airline. Cargo/unaccompanied arrivals use the long Customs declaration, while accompanied pets may use the traveller declaration; duty treatment depends on the actual status. Bermuda has no quarantine facility to let an air traveller fix missing documents on arrival, so resolve all requirements before transport.