hours as they tried to enter Denmark.

The unlucky group on the Donald Smith's Tours coach were only held up because a Government agreement had not been passed onto the border control.

In fact, the Bermudian and Danish governments had already agreed that Bermudians would be allowed into the Scandinavian country visa-free.

But the party were furious at their treatment, being told to stay aboard their coach without being able to eat or use toilet facilities.

The problem follows a number of immigration problems for visitors to Bermuda this year.

Minister for Delegated Affairs, Sir John Sharpe confirmed that the Denmark row had reached the highest level, including the Acting Governor of Bermuda, Mr.

John Kelly.

Sir John said: "Bermudians are now classed as visa-free in all the Scandinavian countries. This had already been negotiated before this incident.

"What happened was that the visa abolition arrangements had not filtered down to the border post. So officials did not realise that the party did not need visas.'' According to one passenger on the coach, Mrs. Myrtle Edness, the official had not even heard of the Island.

Mrs. Edness said: "We left Hamburg to go to Copenhagen by ferry, but when we arrived at the border, after leaving the boat, the officer in charge refused to let us in.

"He said we could not come in because we did not have visas. They knew nothing of Bermuda.'' Owner of the tour firm, Mr. Donald Smith was on the coach and made attempts to confirm by phone that the party did not need visas.

Mrs. Edness added: "The senior officer refused and stamped our passports as rejected entrance and wanted to put us back on the boat. But Mr Smith was still away trying to phone the consulate and the Danish officers started to search for him, even in the toilet.

"After five hours of sitting on the bus at the pass station we were allowed through. We felt a lot better when we were in the hotel, had something to eat and were able to use the bathroom.'' Sir John said: "It was an immediate problem for the people on the coach but it was put right.'' He agreed that the wrangle proved that not only Bermuda has problems with immigration and visa problems.