By the Caribbean Journal staff

In what is happily becoming something of a regional trend, another island has launched a digital immigration process for travelers — before they even get on their flights.

Bermuda has launched its new Visitor Arrival Card, which allows travelers to complete an immigration arrival card online before flying.

The card launched with a test phase at the end of 2018.

“Making it easier to get out here and get around the island is a major part of the new National Tourism Plan,” said Bermuda Tourism Authority Chief Executive Kevin Dallas. “Our objective in the infrastructure section of the plan is to work closely with partners to encourage the use of technology in a way that improves the visitor experience. Bermuda’s Minister of National Security Wayne Caines and the team at the Department of Immigration have embraced the idea of frictionless and have our sincere thanks for a successful phase one launch.”

It’s the latest in a trend of digital immigration programs in the Caribbean, with similar programs having already launched in destinations including Aruba and Curacao.

Visitors can fill out the form at Bermuda Arrival Card — with the caveat that the form needs to be printed out and taken to the destination.

In the next phase, the process will be paperless, officials said, with the form able to be displayed on a smartphone.