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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.

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.

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.

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Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance  

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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
• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

The BVI is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to large fines or imprisonment. Drug trafficking is a serious offence. Pack your luggage yourself and do not carry items for anyone else.

Conservation and fishing laws

Commercial, sport and pleasure fishing require a fishing licence and the boat you are fishing from must be registered. You can get a temporary permit from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Fishing is strictly prohibited within the Marine Parks. It is illegal to use spearguns, scuba diving equipment, explosives, poison or any other noxious substances for fishing in the BVI.

It is illegal to remove any marine animal, shells or coral including dead coral from the BVI without a permit. 

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in the BVI. However there’s no provision for marriage or civil partnerships between same-sex couples. Attitudes in the main tourist destinations are tolerant and hotels and resorts are generally welcoming regardless of sexual orientation. Local attitudes outside the tourist areas can be conservative and showing affection in public may receive negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.