restrictions. Since last week Bermudian francophiles have been able to travel to France for up to three months without a visa.

A Bermudian passport is now enough to gain access not only to France but also to French Guyana, Guadeloupe and the Caribbean islands of Martinique, St.

Martin and St. Barts.

Bermudians will also have access to the French overseas territories of Mayotte, Reunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, French Antartica and Wailis and Futuna for visits of one month or less without a visa.

The new regulations announced by the French Consul in Bermuda yesterday are the outcome of negotiations between the French and UK Governments at the request of the Bermuda Government.

The agreement is expected to be a boon for locally-based businesses with French connections. Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman said the agreement came just as Europe was becoming a major player in world affairs.

"We think it is a very positive thing,'' he said.

The news was especially good, he said, coming at the height of the travel season. "We are happy that this has now been achieved,'' Mr. Pearman said.

"It increases the number of countries to which Bermudians can travel without a visa.'' Similar agreements have recently been negotiated with Portugal and Finland.

The latest agreement with France makes it the 16th country to have abolished tourist visa restrictions with Bermuda. Visas are not required for visits to the United Kingdom, Holland, Ireland, Denmark, Italy, Greece and Mexico, among others. Negotiations are currently underway with Austria and it is hoped that the recent agreement with France could pave the way for a similar agreement with Germany.

Honorary Consul for France Mr. William Frith first initiated talks with his French counterparts in New York to abolish visa restrictions with France almost three years ago with Government's backing.

Mr. Pearman yesterday praised Mr. Frith for his role in facilitating the signing of the agreement and for efficient processing of visas.