Is it safe to travel to British Virgin Islands right now?

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.

The 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.

From 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.

Passport validity requirements

To visit the BVI, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

If you are a resident in the BVI, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you arrive.

Visa requirements

You 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.

The Chief Immigration Officer can grant extensions of up to 6 months. You may need to show:

• proof of independent financial means
• evidence of accommodation
• plans to leave the BVI at the end of your stay

For information about work permits or other immigration issues, contact the BVI’s Immigration Department.

The 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.

Airport and ferry charges

If you arrive by air or sea you must pay an environmental and tourism levy of 10 US dollars on arrival.

There is a departure tax of 50 US dollars for all passengers, to be paid when leaving the BVI by air. This consists of:

• 15 dollars departure tax
• 5 dollars security charge departure tax
• 30 dollars airport development fee

The tax is generally included in the ticket price.

If 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.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s BVI guide.

Customs rules

There 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.

See customs clearance rules for vessels entering and leaving the BVI.

A 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.

Taking money into and out of the BVI

Travellers importing or exporting more than $10,000, including cash and cheques, must make a customs declaration.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the British Virgin Islands.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 6 months
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 6 months
Work permit: required
Student visa: required

ED card

You must have a completely filled-in and signed Embarkation/Disembarkation card (ED card) to enter the British Virgin Islands. You can fill it in online within 72 hours before your travel to the British Virgin Islands.

Customs and Immigration Portal

Arrival and departure tax

Upon arrival, you must pay a $10 USD tax.

When departing, you must pay a $20 USD tax.

Verify with your carrier if the taxes are included in the price of your ticket.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• proof of accommodation

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).