COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in British Virgin Islands (08 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

  • Yes

  • Citizens and residents can enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • The British Virgin Islands re-opened borders to international travellers.

  • A travel ban is in place for travellers arriving from the UK, Brazil, South Africa, and the Dominican Republic. This does not apply to BVI nationals, belongers, residents, work permit holders, persons permitted to reside in the territory, diplomats, and persons employed by the BVI government and statutory agencies.

Is a test certificate allowed?

  • Yes

  • Test certificates issued in other countries are accepted.

Test certificate required?

  • Yes

  • All travellers must have a certificate for a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test undertaken within five days prior to arrival and submit this information on the BVI platform. Sampling must be nasopharyngeal. Sampling for children 5 to 9 years old can be oropharyngeal. Children under age five will only be tested if medically indicated.

Is a test required on arrival?

  • Yes

  • All arriving passengers must undergo an additional RT-PCR test upon arrival. All visitors will receive another RT-PCR test on Day 4.

  • All persons permitted to travel from the UK, Brazil, South Africa, and the Dominican Republic must take a COVID-19 PCT test on the day of entry, as well as on days 7 and 14 after their arrival.

  • Children under 5 do not need to be tested.

Insurance required?

  • Yes

  • All inbound travellers must provide proof of medical travel insurance covering all COVID-19 expenses.

Vaccination required?

  • No

  • A COVID-19 vaccination is not required to enter the country.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • Yes

  • All incoming travellers must quarantine for four days at a designated location at their own expense. They must undergo another RT-PCR test after the quarantine period, which will be scheduled through the mobile app. Those who test negative will be allowed to end quarantine. Those who test positive will continue their quarantine for at least 14 days.

  • All passengers permitted to travel from the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa and the Dominican Republic will be required to complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. The travellers will be required to undergo tests on arrival, day 7 and day 14 and will be allowed full movement within BVI if tested negative.

  • All arriving passengers will be issued with and required to wear a tracking bracelet for at least 8 days. Visitors must be able to cover quarantine expenses at any approved government facility.

  • A charge of $175 per person will be collected from all passengers to cover the cost of in-Territory testing and the BVI Portal app.

Entry form required?

  • Yes

  • All arriving travellers must register online at the BVI Gateway Portal at least 48 hours prior to their arrival. Applications on the BVI Gateway portal must be COMPLETED at least 24 hours before the travel date and time.

Recommended Border App

  • Yes

  • All inbound travellers must subscribe to a contact-tracing app at their own cost. Additionally, the travellers will also need to wear a wristband monitoring device issued by the BVI authorities. The app can be found here

Airline restrictions

  • Minimal

  • International commercial flights have resumed.

  • Domestic flight services have resumed.

  • Officials imposed a ban on all travel to and from the UK, Brazil, South Africa, and the Dominican Republic. BVI nationals, belongers, residents, work permit holders, diplomats, and government employees are exempt from the ban.

Border restrictions

  • Minimal

  • The British Virgin Islands (BVI) re-opened borders to international travellers. Entry to the BVI is only permitted through the T B Lettsome International Airport.

  • All travellers will need approval prior to entry. This can be obtained through the online BVI Portal. Travellers must begin their application no later than 48 hours before travel. All applicants in pending status, who have not completed their necessary requirements 24 hours prior to travelling, will be denied.

  • Ferry ports for vessels from outside of BVI are due to re-open on 15 April 2021.

Curfew restrictions

  • Significant

  • A curfew is in place from 02:00 and 05:00 (local time) until 15 April 2021. More details and exemptions can be found here

Social restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Social distancing of 1.8 meters (six feet) must be maintained.

  • Gatherings up to 75 persons are allowed. However, for weddings and funeral gatherings, up to 100 persons are allowed.

Internal travel restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Intra-island ferries are allowed to operate between 05:00-02:00 (local time).

  • Seaports are open for inter-island and domestic travel. Ferry services between Tortola and its sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada are operating. Public taxi and bus services are allowed to operate.

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes

  • All businesses are being allowed to resume services with strict social distancing protocols.

Restaurants open?

  • Yes

  • Restaurants are allowed to operate with social distancing measures.

Bars and cafes open?

  • Yes

  • Bars, nightclubs, and cafes are allowed to operate with social distancing measures.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Beaches are now open from 05:00 to 17:00 (local time). Safe social distancing is required.

Places of worship open?

  • Yes

  • Places of worship are open.

Masks required in public?

  • Yes

  • The use of face masks is compulsory in public places.

Other

  • All private schools, pre-schools, daycare centres, and colleges are allowed to provide in-person sessions.

Advice For Travellers

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.