British Virgin Islands travel guide
About British Virgin Islands
Sloping hills of green, lush mountainous terrain, extensive coral reefs and famous shipwrecks sum up the thrills and spills of the British Virgin Islands. With myriad nautical pursuits on offer, the 50 idyllic islands are a slice of paradise.
Norman Island was supposedly the location that Robert Louis Stevenson based Treasure Island on. Today's visitors might not stumble across swashbuckling pirates or half-concealed treasure troves, but they will find a highly prized booty of soft sand and gentle, teal waters. For travellers who prefer to watch the sea rather than get into it, there is the breathtaking chance of spotting dolphins and whales criss-crossing the surface.
Throughout much of their history, the string of islands and cays were sleepy and unnoticed. Today, colossal cruise ships glide to a halt in the shadow of Road Town on Tortola, the largest of the islands. Smaller ships also take in Virgin Gorda, the second biggest island, docking outside the curiously named Spanish Town. Hardly qualifying as a town, the latter has a few shops and a pretty marina, and is quiet, picturesque settlement. Road Town offers a little more action, with a gleaming harbour and waterfront, as well plenty of pastel-coloured West Indian architecture. Sir Olva Georges Square is a pleasant spot to take a seat and admire the views.
Although the tourism industry is booming here, you can easily get away from it all. Much of the accommodation beyond Road Town offers utter tranquility, while some of the hotels elsewhere in the territory pretty much have islands to themselves.
Paradise does come at a cost. Overall, the British Virgin Islands are quite an expensive destination. But, for some, this is the necessary price of saving a Caribbean gem from over-commercialisation. And if that's the intention, the British Virgin Islands are, for now, a resounding success.
Key facts
153 sq km (59 sq miles).
30,659 (UN estimate 2016).
218.7 per sq km.
Road Town, Tortola.
British Overseas Territory.
HM King Charles III since 2022, represented locally by Governor Daniel Pruce since 2024.
Acting Premier Natalio Wheatley since 2022.
Travel Advice
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the BVI authorities will support you if you need help.
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.
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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.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the BVI Immigration Department.
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.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the BVI, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Crime
Levels of crime in the BVI are low. However, some serious incidents do occur including armed robbery and drug-related gun crime.
Take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety and belongings, as you would at home:
- carry a mobile phone with roaming capability
- take care if walking alone in isolated areas including beaches, particularly after dark
- do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery
- use a hotel safe if possible
- be aware of the risk of leaving your bags unattended, especially on the beach
- do not attempt to resist an armed robber or take any action that puts you at greater risk
Take particular care of your passport, as it cannot be renewed or replaced in the BVI. If you lose your passport, you will need to apply online for an emergency travel document.
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.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Water sports
Many visitors to the BVI take part in water sports. The rate of accidents is very low, but they do occur. Many accidents involve the consumption of alcohol, so take care if you have been drinking. You can contact Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) to respond to emergencies at sea.
See watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in the BVI, see information on driving abroad.
You can drive for up to 30 days on a UK licence in the BVI and then you must apply for a local licence. The majority of cars are left-hand drive, but you drive on the left as in the UK.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November but hurricanes can occur any time of the year.
You should:
- monitor weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and the BVI Department of Disaster Management (DDM)
- follow the advice of local authorities
- download the DDM alert app
- read the BVI Red Cross guidance on hurricanes and tsunamis
Before you travel, check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
For emergencies at sea call 767 to contact the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in the BVI, including:
- Zika virus
- biting insects and ticks
- dengue
Healthcare in the BVI
There is only one hospital in the BVI – the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital – and medical facilities are limited. Complex medical problems are often referred to hospitals in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or mainland USA.
If you need medical evacuation to the US mainland and have no US visa, you will need special arrangements. The US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver programme does not automatically apply on one-off charter flights. Make sure you have travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover any possible costs.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the BVI authorities will support you if you need help.
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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