Immigration

The following measures are to be adhered to in respect of all non-British Virgin Islanders entering the Territory.

Visitors are welcome for a period of up to 6 months provided they possess return (or ongoing) tickets, evidence of adequate means of support and prearranged accommodations during their stay.

All visitors with the exception of US and Canadian citizens are required to carry a valid passport. However, a valid passport is the ideal travel document for all travellers when visiting foreign countries. Visitors from certain countries may also require visas. To confirm whether or not a visa is required, visitors should contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Government of the British Virgin Islands, the nearest British Consulate or the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office.

Requirements for US and Canadian citizens are as follows:
1. A US or Canadian passport; or
2. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate; or
3. A US or Canadian Naturalization Certificate

Items 2 and 3 must be accompanied by a current picture identification e.g. a driver's license.

PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 1, 2007, It is required that all travelers possess passports

For further information on the entry requirements for visiting the British Virgin Islands, please contact:

Keith Dawson, Information Manager
BVI Tourist Board; PO Box 134; Road Town, Tortola; British Virgin Islands
Tel: (284) 494-3134 Fax: (284) 494-3866
or
Chief Immigration Officer
Immigration Department
Government of the BVI; Road Town, Tortola; British Virgin Islands
Tel: (284) 494-3701 Fax: (284) 494-4399

Health

An International Vaccination Certificate is not required. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and lab facilities; Bougainvillea Clinic is a small private surgical clinic.

Cruising Permits

A cruising permit is required for all cruising in the B.V.I. (Dec. 1 - April 30) Recorded charter boats: $2.00/per/day; non-recorded boats: $4.00/per/day. (May 1 - Nov. 30) Recorded charter boats: $0.75/per/day; non-recorded boats: $4.00/per/day. Dive, day charter and sportfishing boats should contact the B.V.I. Customs Department for current Cruising Permit requirements.

Fishing Permits

The removal of any marine organism from B.V.I. waters is illegal for non-British Virgin Islanders without a recreational fishing permit. Call the Fisheries Division at 494-3429 for information.

Mooring Buoys

Boats are required to use National Parks Trust mooring buoys at designated reef areas and must purchase a Marine Conservation Permit for their use. Buoys are colour coded: Yellow, commercial dive boats; White, boat with divers; Orange, snorkel and day use; Blue, dinghy docks. Call the National Parks Trust at 494-3904 for more information. Private buoys on a fee per night basis are provided by Moor Seacure Ltd. at locations throughout the B.V.I.

Taxes

SALES TAX: There is no Sales Tax.

DEPARTURE TAX: A departure tax is levied at the rate of $10.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea and $7.00 for cruise ship passengers.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX: There is a 7% Hotel Accommodation Tax payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels, apartments, houses, cottages, villas and similar accommodations.

Marriage License & Regulations

For information regarding requirements on getting married in the Territory, contact: Registrar's Office, Box 418, Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I.; or phone (284) 494-3701, Ext 5001 or (284) 494-3492.

Pets

Pets will not be admitted without prior clearance. For regulations on pets entering the Territory, write well in advance to the Chief Agricultural Officer, Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I., tel: (284) 495-2451 or call the Humane Society of the B.V.I, tel: (284) 494-2284.

Medical

An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and lab facilities. Private x-ray and lab facilities are offered by Band M Medical Complex and Medicure Ltd. The Bougainvillea Clinic is a small private surgical clinic.

Dress

We are more than just a beach and beach attire worn elsewhere tends to offend residents. Therefore, please wear proper attire (no bare chests or midriffs) in residential and commercial areas.

A Word On Alcohol, Tobacco and Illegal Drugs

The Caribbean is famous for its rum and the B.V.I. is no different. Alcohol is inexpensive and widely available. However, moderation is recommended for a safe and happy holiday.

For information, referrals and schedules for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Al-Anon Family Group and other drug education programmes, ring the Community Agency On Drugs & Addiction (CADA) 494-3125 anytime.

The possession, sale, use or distribution of illegal drugs constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law and conviction on drug charges can lead to stiff fines and jail sentences.

Tobacco: smoking is prohibited in all public indoor and outdoor spaces (and within 50' of these spaces). This also applies to most beaches. For more information contact the Ministry of Health and Social Development at (284) 468-3701 ext 2174.

Currency and Credit Cards

The currency of the B.V.I. is the U.S. dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in many - but not all - establishments. There is a 10 cent stamp duty on all cheques and travellers cheques. An American Express office is located at Romney Associates in Road Town.

Customs Duties

All imports are subject to varying rates of duty. Imports entering the B.V.I. on a temporary basis, will not be subject to duty. Liquor prices in the B.V.I. are so low that even with duty added savings can be made by purchasing here.