Traveling to the BVI? Your questions answered
The BVI has a growing number of visitors – even in the time of Covid when international travel restrictions can create a thicket of changing protocols and burdensome hoops to jump through. For well over a year, the British Virgin Islands has been balancing the need to keep its residents safe from Covid, while keeping the economy going, and it looks as if they may have struck the right balance.
Charter yacht companies are reporting increased bookings for the upcoming season – a welcome relief after the previous year when most charter fleets were temporarily retired. As I travel around Tortola in recent weeks I am cheered to see numerous charter yachts sailing along the Sir Francis Drake Channel and boats anchored at sunset in Cane Garden Bay and other popular anchorages
Villa owners have noted that bookings are coming in again, although slowly. But they too are hopeful, believing that bookings will pick up as cold weather sets in up north and people look for a winter escape.
So, what do you need to know when traveling to the BVI in these uncertain times? I may be a BVI resident, but with ever changing rules and protocols, I have many of the same questions as first time visitors.
What are The BVI’s Entry Requirements?
Entry requirements are at the top of the list. And right now, getting to the BVI if you are vaccinated has become easier.
Fully vaccinated travelers to the BVI, including cruise ship passengers and crew, will not have to apply to enter the BVI using the BVI Gateway Entry Portal. Travelers’ second Covid-19 shot must be administered no less than 2-weeks before entry into the territory. They also must have the results from a negative Covid PCR or Rapid Antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel.
If you are unvaccinated and arriving in The BVI, it is advised to register on the following portals to apply for a rapid antigen test administered upon entry.
West End Ferry Terminal: (Please note: the West End ferry terminal is not scheduled to open until December 2021) https://westend.bvi.care/
Road Town Ferry Terminal – https://rtferry.bvi.care/
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport – https://airport.bvi.care/
Those who are vaccinated do not need to register on the above portals.
Carriers at ports departing for the BVI will be required to confirm the traveler’s vaccination status and negative covid test before a passenger can board the plane or ferry, or be subject to a fine.
Once at their BVI port of entry, fully vaccinated travelers will have to show their vaccination card and negative covid test. Once they have finished clearing Immigration and Customs they can proceed to their boat or accommodation.
Those who do not have the test result within that time period will have to take a test at the port of entry. The cost is $50 and results are generally returned in 15 minutes.Once a negative result is received the traveler can proceed to his boat or land accommodation. Positive cases will be mandated to quarantine as per local protocols.
Those not fully vaccinated must quarantine in an approved accommodation for 7 days.
A face mask should be worn while at the government facility, shops and other businesses. Hands sanitized regularly.
For those people arriving by ferry, it is important to book your ticket in advance since ferries are restricted to carrying a maximum of 65 passengers per trip and ferry service is limited.
Unvaccinated travelers must begin their application on The BVI Gateway portal no later than 48 hours before travel
All applicants in “pending” status, who have not completed their necessary requirements 24 hours prior to traveling, will be denied.
Further entry information can be found on the BVI Tourist Board’s website at:
https://www.bvitourism.com/reopening
This may sound daunting but in fact it is not. I have travelled to the US and back to the BVI on several occasions this year, and everything has gone smoothly. There have been a few hiccups with travelers getting their Gateway Approvals back in time when it was processed manually, but the new automated system implemented this September should make things less bumpy. My advice is to pay attention to the protocols and get your tests completed within the required timeframe and fill out the Gateway application as soon as you receive your test results. I have found that a call to the BVI Tourist Board, has been helpful if I have a question regarding entry requirements. (284) 852-6020
Once you arrive in the BVI, you will be administered a rapid antigen test, with the result coming back within 15 minutes. If the result is negative, you are home free, and can travel straight to your boat, hotel or villa.
How Do I Get here From St Thomas?
If you are flying into St. Thomas starting on October 15th there will be two round trip ferries operating between Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Road Town The ferry companies alternate, so check each of the company’s websites to see which one is running on the day you plan to travel. The ferry companies operating between the BVI and USVI are: Native Son (https://www.nativesonferry.com); Smiths Ferry (https://smithsferry.com), Road Town Fast Ferry (https://www.roadtownfastferry.com). You may also be able to use a private water taxi.
Because of the limited ferry space (65 passengers), I have found that purchasing my airline ticket and ferry ticket requires a bit of juggling. I need to ensure that there is space on the ferry on the day I want to travel at the same time as booking my airline ticket. So, I toggle back and forth on two screens. Happily, the number of ferries between the BVI and USVI has increased. But it is still advised to book in advance since capacity is limited.
Also note, that travelers to the USVI from the US mainland will have to take an approved Covid test before flying into St. Thomas and upload it on the USVI travel portal (https://usvitravelportal.com)
And What about Puerto Rico?
If flying through Puerto Rico with an approved through connection to the BVI (not stopping in the island for any reason), you will need to show your Gateway Authorization approval certificate, either printed out or on your phone, once you check with the airline flying between San Juan and the BVI. Make sure to also carry your PCR test and Vaccination card since you will need these when arriving in the BVI.
Requirements for returning to US from the BVI
Please note that travelers should check with the appropriate agency for latest travel guidelines for entry into the US whether by air or by sea.
Departing by Air: It is required that everyone returning by air to US receive the results of a negative covid test within 24 hours of their flight. Rapid Covid tests can be obtained at various BVI clinics including Penn’s Medical Centre (284-440-8044), B&F Medical Centre (284-494-2196) and Eureka Medical Centre (284-494-2346), all in Road Town.
Visitors planning on staying in Puerto Rico must fill out a travel portal. See the Puerto Rico Travel Safe website for more information: https://www.travelsafe.pr.gov
Passengers from The BVI in transit to the US mainland or elsewhere through San Juan airport do not need to apply on the portal.
For the latest international traveler requirements to the US by air check the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html#anchor_1635127081
Departing by sea to St. Thomas: Travel by Ferry – Tests must be taken within 3 days of travel. Non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. immigrants traveling for non-essential reasons (e.g. tourism) must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status. Travelers aged 2-17 are exempt from the vaccine requirement.
All travelers to the USVI, either by air or sea must apply for entry on the following website: https://www.usvitravelportal.com Here you will also find the latest entry information.
What is Currently Open in the BVI?
Well, right now it is off-season, so a number of resorts are closed for maintenance and a well-deserved rest for their staff. But thankfully, many restaurants have remained open both in Cane Garden Bay, Road Town and elsewhere on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and outer islands. The national parks are open and of course all the beaches. As we head into season more restaurants will reopen and charter boats will be back in the water and ready for business.
If you know where you want to go and want to check if it is open, I suggest you email the company or look on its Facebook page. I have found that most businesses in the BVI have a Facebook page even if they don’t have a website and keep it up to date on a regular basis. They will also have their contact info listed if you want to double check. I’m an avid double checker, myself.
Where Else Can I Look for Advice on Traveling to the BVI?
Try checking out one of the Facebook pages aimed at BVI Travelers. Here you can find current info and ask a question, that another traveler is bound to answer. These include: BVI Abroad (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1922822811318744//);
BVI Alive (https://www.facebook.com/groups/619996718685889; and BVI Community Board (https://www.facebook.com/groups/178954908878855/)
Any Further Suggestions?
Please be aware that these protocols can change at any time, and it is best to confirm all information before embarking on your trip. Happy travels!
