The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the BVI authorities will support you if you need help.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the BVI Immigration Department.
\n\nFrom 01 January 2025, all travellers entering the BVI will need to complete an online embarkation card. Applications can be made up to 72 hours in advance of arrival.
\n\nTo visit the BVI, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nIf you are a resident in the BVI, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nYou can visit the BVI without a visa for up to 1 month. The BVI immigration authorities will issue you with a 1-month entry stamp on arrival.
\n\nThe Chief Immigration Officer can grant extensions of up to 6 months. You may need to show:
\n\nFor information about work permits or other immigration issues, contact the BVI’s Immigration Department.
\n\nThe Labour Department handles queries about working in the BVI. If your work permit expires while you are absent from the BVI, you must submit a written request to the Immigration Department at least 5 working days before you travel. This also applies to holders of work permit exemptions.
\n\nIf you arrive by air or sea you must pay an environmental and tourism levy of 10 US dollars on arrival.
\n\nThere is a departure tax of 50 US dollars for all passengers, to be paid when leaving the BVI by air. This consists of:
\n\nThe tax is generally included in the ticket price.
\n\nIf you’re departing the BVI by ferry, you must pay a departure tax of 20 US dollars per person or 15 US dollars for residents.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s BVI guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of the BVI. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nSee customs clearance rules for vessels entering and leaving the BVI.
\n\nA permit is required to import or export any plants, agriculture products or animals. There are several marine and animal specimens that must not be taken from the BVI. Check with local customs authorities or the Conservation and Fisheries Department before attempting to purchase or export these items.
\n\nTravellers importing or exporting more than $10,000, including cash and cheques, must make a customs declaration.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in the BVI, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nLevels of crime in the BVI are low. However, some serious incidents do occur including armed robbery and drug-related gun crime. Some of these incidents have taken place in populated and public areas. Monitor local advice including police social media channels.
\n\nTake sensible precautions to protect your personal safety and belongings, as you would at home:
\n\nIf you are a victim of crime, police and emergency services can be reached at 911.
\n\nTake particular care of your passport, as it cannot be renewed or replaced in the BVI. If you lose your passport, you will need to apply online for an emergency travel document.
\n\nThe BVI is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws.
\n\nPossession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to large fines or imprisonment. Drug trafficking is a serious offence. Pack your luggage yourself and do not carry items for anyone else.
\n\nCommercial, sport and pleasure fishing require a fishing licence and the boat you are fishing from must be registered. You can get a temporary permit from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Fishing is strictly prohibited within the Marine Parks. It is illegal to use spearguns, scuba diving equipment, explosives, poison or any other noxious substances for fishing in the BVI.
\n\nIt is illegal to remove any marine animal, shells or coral including dead coral from the BVI without a permit.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in the BVI. However there’s no provision for marriage or civil partnerships between same-sex couples. Attitudes in the main tourist destinations are tolerant and hotels and resorts are generally welcoming regardless of sexual orientation. Local attitudes outside the tourist areas can be conservative and showing affection in public may receive negative attention.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nMany visitors to the BVI take part in water sports. The rate of accidents is very low, but they do occur. Many accidents involve the consumption of alcohol, so take care if you have been drinking. You can contact Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) to respond to emergencies at sea.
\n\nSee watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in the BVI, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can drive for up to 30 days on a UK licence in the BVI and then you must apply for a local licence. The majority of cars are left-hand drive, but you drive on the left as in the UK.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November but hurricanes can occur any time of the year.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nBefore you travel, check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 911 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nFor emergencies at sea call 767 to contact the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in the BVI, including:
\n\nThere is only one hospital in the BVI – the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital – and medical facilities are limited. Complex medical problems are often referred to hospitals in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or mainland USA.
\n\nIf you need medical evacuation to the US mainland and have no US visa, you will need special arrangements. The US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver programme does not automatically apply on one-off charter flights. Make sure you have travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover any possible costs.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nThe British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the BVI authorities will support you if you need help.
\n\nTelephone: 911 (ambulance, fire and police)
\n\nIf it is not an emergency you can also contact the police directly on 311.
\n\nVirgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR): 767
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nRefunds and changes to travel
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nIf you’re in the BVI and you need emergency help, contact the relevant government department.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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