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What you need to know in the B.V.I |
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Home > Entry Requirements |
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Immigration | A Valid Passport | Customs | The Ports of Entry | BVI Cruising Tax & Permits |
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RELATED INTERESTS: Licenses & Permits |
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Entry Requirements |
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A Valid Passport |
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NEW - US CITIZEN coming to the BVI in 2006 will need a valid passport. The principal requirement for entry into the British Virgin Islands. However, Canadian and US citizens may also enter using an authenticated birth or citizenship certificate along with current picture identification. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at (284) 494-3471 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2538.
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Immigration |
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The following measures are to be adhered to by all non-British Virgin Islanders entering the Territory:
Bona fide visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports of entry, provided that they possess return (or ongoing) tickets, evidence of adequate means of support, and pre-arranged accommodations during their stay. Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension from the Immigration Department in Road Town, Tortola, or at the Government Administration Building in Virgin Gorda. |
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Customs |
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Yacht owners, charter guests, and visitors may bring food into the British Virgin Islands. For the time being, however, because of the worldwide threat of Hoof and Mouth and Mad Cow Disease, a law is in effect which bans the importation of any meat products unless an application is submitted to the Department of Agriculture for approval. Approved permits cost $25.00. For more information, please call the Department of Agriculture at (284) 495-2532.
Good quality, fresh foods are available in the British Virgin Islands from several grocery stores and provisioners on a year-round basis. BVI import duties charged on food products range between 5% and 15% of the invoice value.
BVI Customs Department
Phone: (284) 494-3475
Open from 8:30am to 6:30pm |
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The Ports of Entry |
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The ports of entry and exit are located at:
Road Harbour, Tortola
West End Harbour, Tortola
Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
St. Thomas Bay, Virgin Gorda
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 12:30pm. Closed Sundays and on BVI public holidays. After-hours clearing may be arranged in advance. Additional fees will apply. Call Customs at (284) 494-3475 and Immigration at (284) 494-3701 (ext. 2538) to make after-hours arrangements.
Your captain may clear all crew, provided he or she has all of the required documentation, including:
Ships documentation. Prior to leaving the charter base, be sure this item is aboard if you plan to leave BVI waters.
Valid passports for each crew member. (In the absence of a passport, Canadian & US citizens need only an original birth certificate or voter's registration card, and at least one piece of photo ID such as a driver's license if traveling between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands).
Be sure you clear into the territory you plan to visit. Don't forget to stop off again at any of the above listed BVI ports of entry on return to the British Virgin Islands.
If visiting the USVI, you may clear in at Cruz Bay, St. John or Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. If you are not either a US or Canadian citizen, and are entering the USVI waters on anything other than a commercial carrier (ferry, airline, etc.), you must obtain a visitor's visa. Visitors from the UK and all other countries should consult their local US Embassy prior to arrival in the British Virgin Islands to determine what is required to obtain the proper visas for crew wishing to exit the BVI by yachts.
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BVI Cruising Taxes/Permits |
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A cruising permit is required for all cruising in the British Virgin Islands.
Seasonal Rates: (December 1- April 30) All recorded charter boats - $2.00 per person per day. All non-recorded charter boats - $4.00 per person per day.
Out-of-Season Rates: (May 1 - November 30). All recorded charter boats - $0.75 per person per day. All non-recorded charter boats - $4.00 per person per day.
Dive, day charter, and sport fishing boats should contact the British Virgin Islands Customs Department at (284) 494-3475 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2533 for current cruising permit requirements.
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