British Virgin Islands fact file

Winds

The BVIs benefit from north-east trade winds and are sheltered by the eastern string of islands. There is usually an easterly blowing at around 15 knots, which makes daytime temperatures comfortable all year round. Wind speeds increase in December and January and are at their weakest around October (hurricane season). Temperatures in the summer months range from 26°C to 31°C although trade winds take the edge off them. During winter, the temperatures are still high at around 22°C to 28°C. 

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. Updates can be found at the US National Hurricane Centre website (nhc.noaa.gov). The BVI has experienced several minor earthquakes in recent years and is susceptible to flooding.

Flights

British Airways and Virgin fly direct from the UK to Antigua several times a week. Del Airways (delairways.com) offers charters from Antigua to Tortola in the BVIs and there are daily local flights between the islands with Liat Airline (liatairline.com).

There are no direct flights to Terrence B. Lettsome Airport on Tortola, the main BVI airport, from the USA, Canada, Europe, or South America. Flights from these destinations connect through other islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, or St. Martin. Other airlines operating in the territory include the following:

Air Sunshine Inc
T: + 1 (284) 495-8900
W: www.airsunshine.com

Caribbean Wings
T: + 1 (284) 495-6000
W: www.bvi-airlines.com

Fly BVI
T: + 1 (284) 495-1747
W: www.bviaircharters.com

Island Birds
T: + 1 (284) 495-2002
W: www.islandbirds.com

VI Airlink
T: + 1 (284) 499-2938
W: www.viairlink.com

Immigration

The following rules apply to all foreigners entering the British Virgin Islands:

Visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports of entry, providing that they possess return or ongoing tickets, as well as evidence of adequate means of support and pre-arranged accommodation during their stay. Visitors wishing to stay longer must 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 required for entry into the BVI. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the BVI Tourist Board (bvitourism.com) or telephone the BVI Immigration Department on + 1 (284) 493 3471 or + 1 (284) 468 3701.

Cruising permits

A cruising permit is required in the BVI and rates are as follows:

Dec 1-April 30
Recorded charter boats: $2.00 per person, per day
Non-recorded boats: $4.00 per person, per day

May 1-Nov 30
Recorded charter boats: 75 cents per person, per day
Non-recorded boats: $4.00 per person, per day

Dive, day charter and sportfishing boats should contact the BVI Customs Department for current Cruising Permit requirements.

Mooring buoys and tides

There is barely more than a 12-inch tidal range through the BVIs. Boats must use National Parks mooring buoys at designated reef areas and must buy a Marine Conservation Permit for their use. Buoys are colour coded: yellow for commercial dive boats; white for boats with divers; orange for snorkel and day use boats; blue for dingy docks. Call the National Parks Trust on + 1 (284) 494 3904 for more information. Private buoys are provided by Moor Secure on a fee per night basis throughout the BVI.

Marinas

Nanny Cay Resort & Marina
T: +1 (284) 494-2512
E: marina@nannycay.com
W: www.igy-nannycay.com

Village Cay Hotel & Resort
T: +1 284 494 2771
E: hotel@villagecayhotelandmarina.com
W: www.igy-villagecay.com

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
T: +1 (284) 495 5500
E: info@virgingordayachtharbour.com
W: www.igy-virgingorda.com

Leverick Bay Hotel & Marina
T: +1 (284) 495 7421
E: leverick@surfbvi.com
W: www.leverickbay.com

YCCS Marina Virgin Gorda
T: +1 (284) 495 5400
E: dockmaster@yccsmarina.com
W: www.yccsmarina.com

Bitter End Yacht Club Quarterdeck Marina
T: +1 (284) 872-2392
E: binfo@beyc.com
W: www.beyc.com

Emergency

For police, fire or ambulance dial 999 or 911. Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (ISAR) is a voluntary organisation providing a 24-hour marine search and rescue service in BVI waters. In an emergency call on VHF marine radio Channel 16 or dial 767 from any telephone. From outside the BVI call +1 (284) 499 0911 or +1 (284) 494 4357.

Medical

An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory. Peebles Hospital + 1 (284) 494 3497) has surgical, X-ray and lab facilities. The Bougainvillea Clinic is a small private surgical clinic (bougainvilleaclinic.com). For information on health services, call the Department of Health on +1 (284) 468 3701.

Hazards

There are no dangerous animals or insects in the BVI. Beware of the caustic fruit, sap and leaves of the Manchineel Tree (or Poison Apple), which are poisonous if ingested. It is found near beaches.

Take note of beach safety flags. Red & yellow mean a beach is lifeguard patrolled; black & white indicate a no swimming area; red means danger, no swimming; yellow means take caution (weak swimmers discouraged); purple indicates marine life such as jellyfish is present.

Media

There are three weekly newspapers: The BVI StandPoint, The BVI Beacon and the Island Sun. The Limin’ Times is a weekly entertainment and TV Guide.
There is one AM radio station (ZBVI at 780 AM) and six FM stations (ZGOLD 91.7 classic, ZHT 94.3 country, ZWAVE 97.3 reggae, ZKING 101.7 Christian, ZROD 103.7 contemporary, and ZVCR 106.9 Caribbean). There is one local television station – VITV ch5 – as well as 67 channels on cable.

Communications

Telephone and internet providers are as follows: LIME provides national and international telecommunications services, international direct dialling, fax and data services, private leased circuits, internet and mobile phone services. CCT Global Communications offers mobile phone services, wireless Internet and other telecommunications services. Digicel offers a local and international cell phone service.

Churches

The primary Churches are Anglican, Methodist, Roman-Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Baptist, Church of God, Jehovah’s Witness, Pentecostal, Church of Christ and Baha’i. The BVI telephone directory lists additional churches.

Pets

Pets are allowed entry into the territory with a permit issued by the Department of Agriculture. For regulations on animal importation, contact the department on +1 (284) 495 253.

Dress

Beach attire worn elsewhere can offend residents. Chests and midriffs should be covered in residential and commercial areas.

Banking services

Banco Popular and Scotia Bank have offices on Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town. First Bank VI and First Caribbean have Road Town and Virgin Gorda offices. National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Road Town, has limited retail services. Private banks include VP Bank.

Fishing permits

The removal of any marine organism from BVI waters is illegal for non-British Virgin Islanders without a recreational fishing permit. This licence is usually included in the cost of charters, but can also be bought for a few dollars from the Fisheries Department when clearing customs. Call the Fisheries Department on + 1 (284) 494-3429 for more information.

National Parks entry fees

There are entry fees to some BVI National Parks including The Baths in Virgin Gorda, Sage Mountain National Park in Tortola and the J. R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens in Tortola.

Land parks
BVI residents: $1
Visitor (child): $2
Visitor (adult): $3

Marine Parks
BVI boats: $3 per person, per day
Foreign boats: $6 per person, per day

For rates for multiple uses, groups and commercial usage, contact the BVI National Parks Trust on + 1 (284) 494 3904.

Shipping and postal services

The BVI Government operates a domestic and international postal service. In addition there are several overnight courier firms operating between the territory and most other nations. A number of air and sea freight services offer regular services between the BVI and the US, Britain and Europe.

Departure and other taxes

By Air
Departure Tax $15.00 per person
Security Tax $5.00 per person.
By Sea
Departure Tax $5.00; $7.00 for cruise ship passengers.
Hotel Accommodation Tax
A 7 per cent Hotel Accommodation Tax is payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels and holiday rental accommodation.

Customs duties

All imports are subject to rates varying from 5 per cent to 20 per cent. Imports entering the BVI on a temporary basis will not be subject to duty. Alcohol prices in the BVI are so low that – even with duty added – savings can be made by buying it there. There is no customs duty on the importation of computers.

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