BVI
BVI
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 their 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.
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 and Other 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.
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.
