British Virgin Islands

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.

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.

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.  

Emergency services in the BVI

Telephone:  911  (ambulance, fire and police)

If it is not an emergency you can also contact the police directly on 311.

Emergencies at sea

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR): 767

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact 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.

Refunds and changes to travel

For 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.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from the BVI authorities

If you’re in the BVI and you need emergency help, contact the relevant government department.

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook