Getting There is Part of the Fun! After choosing your Caribbean Blue Yacht vacation, your yacht crew will help you determine the best route to meet up with them. Your crew will be in communication with you to answer any questions you may have before, during and after your vacation. Additionally, we've provided you with more information to help answer frequently asked questions. Arriving by Air
There are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe, or South America to the British Virgin Islands' main airport on Tortola, the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport. All flights must connect through another Caribbean airport on islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, or St. Maarten/St. Martin. The most direct way to arrive to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico. Frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Air SunShine and Cape Air, with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights.
Charter airline service can be arranged from almost anywhere in the Caribbean.
 Arriving by Ferry, Boat or Yacht
Ports of entry are located in Road Town and West End on Tortola, Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke and St. Thomas Bay in Virgin Gorda. All vessels entering the territory must clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival into the territory.
Customs and Immigration offices are located on Tortola in Road Town and the West End, on Virgin Gorda in the Virgin Gorda Airport, St. Thomas Bay Terminal, and the Owen Harrigan Visitors Centre at Gun Creek and on Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour.
A valid passport and boat registration papers are required for entry into the BVI.. Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. Citizens traveling by sea could be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined to enter or re-enter the United States. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. (See information below.)
Entry Requirements for the British Virgin Islands
 From North America: As of October 1, U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. For Canadian citizens a passport is preferred however you may also use an original birth certificate accompanied by a valid photo ID such as a driver's license.
From Europe: European citizens need a valid passport to enter the British Virgin Islands. However visitors that are residents of certain countries, require a visa in order to enter the BVI. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.
From the Caribbean: Please note that citizens from some islands may need to obtain a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands. Visitors from these Caribbean islands need to have a visa in order to enter the BVI. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.
Medical
An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory in The British Virgin Islands. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and laboratory facilities; there is a private plastic surgery clinic as well several private medical centres. A chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous meets regularly. Call (284) 496-8422.
Currency
The currency of The British Virgin Islands is the $US dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in many- but not all establishments. There is a 10ยข stamp duty on all cheques and travel cheques.
Drugs
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.
Immigration
The following measures are to be adhered to in respect of all non-British Virgin Islanders entering the Territory:
Bonafide 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. A valid passport is the principal requirement for entry into the BVI. As of October 1, U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States.
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 contact the Chief Immigration Officer at the Immigration Department of the BVI Government at: Tel (284) 494-3471 ext. 4700 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2538.
Sales Tax
There is no Sales Tax in the British Virgin Islands.
 Smoking Policy
Smoking in public places has been banned in the BVI as a result of a law passed by the Legislative Council. The law bans smoking in public places including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, airports, offices, and sports facilities. It also bans smoking within 50 feet of any public space.
Voltage
Voltage in the BVI is 110/220v. Visitors can use American appliances without an adaptor. |
