Bermuda Is Reopening for Tourism on July 1 (Video)

The island of Bermuda is ready to welcome tourists back next month, the Bermuda Tourism Authority shared with Travel + Leisure, with its pink sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and excellent Dark ’n Stormys on hand.

The island, a British territory, will reopen to international commercial air travel on July 1.

Travelers who want to take advantage of Bermuda’s pristine turquoise waters and lush jungles will have to have a negative COVID-19 test from within 72 hours of their departure, have health insurance, and wear a mask while in airports and on the plane, according to the tourism authority. Visitors will also have to complete a traveler screening form and arrival card.

“Just 21 square miles with a population of 64,000, Bermuda has always been a precious resource, set apart by its geographic location and vibrant way of life. Now more than ever, we believe travellers will value our genuine hospitality, pristine beaches and open spaces – all accessible by a two-hour, non-stop flight from several East Coast North American gateways,” the interim CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Glenn Jones, said in a statement shared with T+L. “The Bermuda government’s plan is rigorous: protecting the health of our community, while allowing visitors to experience our island safely and responsibly when they are ready to travel.”

The island has recorded 142 confirmed cases of the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University. The Bermuda Tourism Authority, however, noted no new cases had been recorded in 11 consecutive days as of June 11 and currently there are only five active cases on the island.

On June 11, Bermuda entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan, according to the government, allowing for gatherings up to 20 people, allowing restaurants to reopen for indoor dining with physical distancing, and allowing movie theaters and museums to open with 20 percent capacity limits. A nightly curfew remains in effect and masks are required in public spaces.

The island’s famed beaches and pools are open with physical distancing measures in place.

But if you can’t get to Bermuda immediately, bring the island vibes straight to your computer screen with a downloadable Zoom background.