When is the best weather in British Virgin Islands?
The weather in the British Virgin Islands is relatively consistent year round
with temperatures of 26 to 31 degrees C (79 to 88 degrees F) in the summer to
22 to 28 degrees C (72 to 82 degrees F) in the winter. Our tradewinds are almost
always constant from October through July. Winds tend to die off in August and
September. There is no real rainy season perse, but short rains showers generally
occur more often from August through October.
Do I need a passport to visit British Virgin Islands?
US and Canadian citizens do not need passports although it makes things easier
both with the airlines and immigration. A birth certificate or voter’s
registration card plus one piece of photo ID are required to enter the BVI.
Visitors from all other countries require a passport and may require a visa.
Is the water safe to drink?
The BVI has an excellent reverse osmosis (salt water conversion) plant which
is often referred to as “town water”. The water is perfectly safe to drink.
Some hotels, villas and restaurants use cistern water which is usually quite
safe to drink, however, if in doubt, bottled water is widely available.
Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc?
The BVI power supply is 110 volts, 60 cycle AC, the same as standard in the
United States. Visitors from countries with other types of electrical systems
will need adapters. (Some hotels supply hairdryers or adapters. Check with your
hotel or travel agent.)
Should I exchange my money for local currency?
US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$1000, 500,100,
50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Currency restrictions:
The import of local and foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration.
The export of local and foreign currency is restricted to the amount declared
on import.
Are there any airport fees?
There is a $20.00 per person (US) departure tax when leaving the islands by air,
$5 by sea, $7 for cruise ship passengers. There is no departure tax if leaving by
ferry.
What is the legal drinking/gambling age?
There is no specific drinking age on the law books of the British Virgin Islands.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the Liquor License Act (section 34)
specifies that alcoholic beverages may not be served to anyone who “appears” to
be under the age of 16 years. That’s a pretty broad opening! I suppose if parents
are concerned about their children drinking while in the BVI, you should be certain
that either yourselves or another reliable adult accompanies them when at bars or
restaurants.
Sorry, no. Gambling is illegal in the BVI … except during the anual Humane Society
gaming night. This is a very popular event which last year was held at Peg Leg Landing
at Nanny Cay on Tortola.
Can I get married in British Virgin Islands?
A marriage license must be applied for at the Attorney General’s Office in
Tortola Cost: US$110; US$50 if on the island for 15 days prior Documents
Required: Proof of citizenship ( valid passport) plus divorce or death
certificates, if applicable.
Island residency is not required, but a couple must apply for a marriage license
at the attorney general’s office and must stay in the B.V.I. for 3 days while the
application is processed. Present a passport or original birth certificate and photo
identification, plus certified proof of your marital status and, if applicable, proof
of divorce or the death certificate of a deceased spouse. Two witnesses must be present.
The fee is $110. Marriages can be performed by the local registrar or by the officiant
of your choice. Contact the Registrar’s Office, P.O. Box 418, Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I.
(tel. 284/494-3492 or 284/494-3701).
Can I bring my pet to British Virgin Islands?
Pets will not be admitted without prior clearance. For regulations on pets entering
the British Virgin Islands, write well in advance to the Chief Agricultural Officer,
Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I., Phone: (284) 495 2451 or call the Humane Society of the
B.V.I, Phone: (284) 494 2284.
To bring pets into the country you must obtain an import permit ($10 per animal) and
present the appropriate vaccination and veterinary health certificates. Animals must be
clinically healthy on arrival and must be kept in confinement until granted entry into
the country, otherwise they may be denied entry. For animals arriving by sea you must
give the Department of Agriculture 24 hours advance notice so they can make inspection
arrangements. For more information contact the Department of Agriculture at
tel (284) 495-2532; airport office tel (284) 494-3701, ext. 6449; fax (284) 495-1269;
e-mail agriculture@bvigovernment.org.
What about fishing?
Anegada is known for some of the finest shallow water and deep sea fishing in the world.
For those interested in fly-fishing, Anegada’s waters offer a wide variety of game fish.
Fishermen can spend hours in water 8 to 24 inches deep casting into schools of silver
bonefish visible below. Although these fish typically weigh between three and ten pounds,
they are, pound for pound, the strongest fighting fish in the world. Sorry, no information
is available at this time, please come back soon.
Fishing Charters on Anegada, British Virgin Islands
Anegada Reef Hotel – Setting Point 284-495-8002
Sport and bonefishing. Equipment: 20′ outboard, 46′ Hatteras. Sport, inshore &
bonefishing tackle shop. VHF 16
Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?
There are no restrictions on the use of metal detectors in the BVI. If you are
into treasure hunting, Some believe there may still be treasure on Norman Island
and Anegada.
Where are the “clothing optional” beaches?
Sorry, no. Public nudity is illegal in the British Virgin Islands and upsetting to
British Virgin Islanders. However, there are no restrictions as to how small bathing
attire may be … provided private areas are sufficiently covered. We do not pass
judgment on those who enjoy nude sun bathing but would appreciate it if visitors
would kindly respect our laws and the sensibilities of the BVI people.
What is there to see or do in British Virgin Islands?
Island Magic
Address: Road Town
Island: Tortola
Phone: (1-284) 494-4454
Fax: (1-284) 494-2355
National Parks trust
Address: Fishlock Rd, Road Town
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 860
Island: Tortola
Phone: (1-284) 494-2069
Fax: (1-284) 494-6383
Speedy’s
Address: The Valley
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 35
Island: Virgin Gorda
Phone: (1-284) 495-5240
Fax: (1-284) 495-5755
Travel Plan Tours
Address: Road Town
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 437
Island: Tortola
Phone: (1-284) 494-4000
Fax: (1-284) 494-4877
British Virgin Islands is a great place, can I move there?
Americans living or traveling in the British Virgin Islands are encouraged to
register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s
travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain
updated information on travel and security within the BVI.
The nearest U.S. Embassy to the BVI is located in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Consular
Section is located in the American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) Building, Cheapside,
telephone 1-246-431-0225 or fax 1-246-431-0179, email ConsularBridge2@state.gov, or
http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov.
The U.S. Consular Agent in Antigua, located at Jasmine court, St. John’s,
tel. 1-268-463-6531, is closer to the BVI and can also assist in some limited
non-emergency cases, by previous appointment only.
What about island hopping?
The Virgin Islands are ready made for island hopping, particularly by sailboat.
The islands are a short distance from one another, the winds reliable and the
anchorages good. And there is a beach bar in just about every cove. See Sailing.
It you are not sailing is also possible to island hop by ferry. There is really
good variety in the Virgin Islands, with lively beaches lined with bars on the
one hand, and on the other tiny deserted strips of sand, desert island perfection.
The United States Virgin Islands can be reached by ferry. St John is delightfully
quiet (relatively it is more similar to the BVI). Much of it has been reserved as
a National Park and so there is very little development. St Thomas is completely
the opposite. It is highly developed, lively and has extremely good facilities,
from busy beaches to restaurants and of course shopping (it is this that makes it
a very popular stop with the cruise ships). The third and most different of the
three US Virgin Islands is really St Croix and this takes a little more effort to
reach, via St Thomas. It is the most reminiscent of the Danish days (the USVI were
the Danish Virgin Islands until 1917) and there are some visibly different buildings,
even a few faces with Scandinavian looks.
You have to make a connection anyway to get to the BVI, and so the opportunity is
right there to build in a bit of island hopping.
Do you need a driving License?
Valid B.V.I. Driving Licenses are required by all those seeking to drive in the
B.V.I. For a fee of $10.00, a temporary B.V.I. Driving License can be obtained
from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies provided a valid Driver’s
License from another country can be produced. Driving is on the left-hand side of
the road in the B.V.I.
Emergencies Contact Information?
Emergencies. The police and medical emergencies number is 999. The BVIs are generally
risk-free of contagious disease, but the Centers for Disease Control’s International
Travelers’ Hotline can be reached at 404-332-4559.
Hospitals & Clinics:
Anegada Government Health Clinic
(PHONE: 284/494-8049).
Jost Van Dyke Government Health Clinic
(PHONE: 284/495-9239).
Virgin Gorda Government Health Clinic
(The Valley, British Virgin Islands.
PHONE: 284/495-5337).
Pharmacies:
Medicure Pharmacy
(Road Town, Tortola,British Virgin Islands.
PHONE: 284/494-6189, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda,
PHONE: 284/495-5479).
What are the entry requirements in British Virgin Islands?
A passport is preferred, however, Americans and Canadians can also use an original
birth certificate and official photo identification. European citizens require a
valid passport. All visitors must also have an onward or return ticket, provide
evidence of adequate means of support, and have pre-arranged accommodations.
Nationals of other countries may require visas. Consult your nearest BVI Tourist
Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or the Chief Immigration Department,
BVI Government at tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700, or
fax: (284) 494-4399.
What is the language in British Virgin Islands?
English is the official language of both the US and British Virgin Islands
What are the store hours in British Virgin Islands?
Most of the Tortola’s shops are on Main Street, Road Town. Unlike the U.S. Virgin Islands,
the British Virgin Islands have no duty-free-port shopping. A wise shopper may, however,
be able to find some good deals among items imported from the Great Britain. In general,
store hours are from 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
What about tipping?
Tip about 15 per cent. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10 to 15
per cent tip to the bill so check first as it is not necessary to leave an additional
tip. Tip porters and bellhops $1 per bag. Tipping taxi drivers is generally not necessary,
however, for exceptional service you may wish to tip 10 to 15 per cent.
Can you use credit cards?
Major credit cards are accepted in some establishments. Check with your credit
or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services
which may be available.
Is there a best time to visit the island?
The Caribbean high season is traditionally winter — from December 15 to April 14
— when northern weather is at its worst. During this season you’re guaranteed the
most entertainment at resorts and the most people with whom to enjoy it. It’s also
the most fashionable, the most expensive, and the most popular time to visit — and
most hotels are heavily booked. You must make reservations at least two or three
months in advance for the very best places (sometimes a year in advance for the
most exclusive spots).
Is there an airport?
Beef Island (EIS) is 14.5km (9 miles) from Road Town on Tortola; the islands
are connected via a road bridge. An airport bus departs three times a day to
the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxis are also available. Airport
facilities include light refreshments/bar, restaurant, tourist information
and hotel reservations, car hire and left luggage.
Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is 3.5km (2 miles) from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda.
Taxis are available. There is also an unpaved airport on the island of
Anegada
Major Caribbean connections for large jets making intercontinental flights
are at San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). Large jets also fly to St. Thomas (STT)
(340-776-6282) in the United States Virgin Islands. From St. Thomas, travellers
usually take the ferry over to the BVI. Another option is St. Maarten (SXM) now
that American Eagle has regular scheduled American Eagle service to Tortola’s
Beef Island airport.
Local connections using smaller turboprop and other planes must be made from
San Juan or St. Thomas to American Airlines’ subsidiary American Eagle, LIAT,
or other local Caribbean airline.
What about Taxes?
There’s no sales tax in the BVI. However, there’s a 7% government tax on hotel rooms.
Most hotels add a service charge ranging from 5% to 18% to the bill. A few restaurants
and some shops tack on an additional 10% charge if you use a credit card.
What about Banks?
On Tortola, banks are located near the Waterfront at Wickhams Cay I. All have
ATM machines. Look for Barclays Bank, First Bank, and Scotia Bank, among others.
On Virgin Gorda, Barclays Bank isn’t far from the ferry dock in Spanish Town.
Banking hours are usually Monday through Thursday from 9 to 2:30 and Friday
from 9 to 2:30 and 4:30 to 6.
Barclays Bank PLC
(Wickham’s Cay I, Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands.
PHONE: 284/494-2171,
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour,
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda,
PHONE: 284/495-5271).
First Bank
(Wickham’s Cay I, Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands.
PHONE: 284/494-2662).
Scotia Bank
(Wickham’s Cay I, Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands.
PHONE: 284/494-2569).
The following banks operate in the British Virgin Islands:
Bank of Nova Scotia
Chase Manhattan Bank NA
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Guyerzeller Bank (BVI) Ltd
Development Bank of the Virgin Islands
VP Bank (BVI) Ltd.
Can I use my cellular telephone in British Virgin Islands?
GSM 900/1900 operated by Caribbean Cellular Telephone (website: www.bvicellular.com).
Handsets can be hired.
What is the Dress code in British Virgin Islands?
Dress code at the Hotel, and on the island, is “casual-neat” – golf shirt and
Bermuda shorts for men, and pretty tops and slacks for women. Jackets, ties,
high heels, and expensive jewelry should be left at home. During winter season
a light-weight sweater or jacket.
What about Crime?
Crime is no stranger any place on earth, but the BVI closely approaches crime-free.
Still, there has been some increase in recent years, necessitating expanding the
police force.
Thefts and armed robberies do occur in the BVI. Visitors should take common-sense
precautions against petty crime. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use hotel
safety deposit facilities to safeguard valuables and travel documents. Do not leave
valuables unattended on the beach or in cars. Always lock up boats when going ashore.
Calling to and from British Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands are part of the 809 area code that applies to much of
the Caribbean. To place a call to the islands, simply dial 1 followed by 809 and
then the country code 49 followed by the local five-digit number.
Can I access the Internet from British Virgin Islands?
There are several hotels & villas which now offer internet connections from
your room or will allow you access to the internet if you ask nicely. Caribbean
Connections (at Village Cay) in Road Town offers internet services and so does
Caribbean Printing (beside Road Town Wholesale). There is also an Internet Cafe
in Road Town near the Ample Hamper and beside the Discount Liquor Store. I am
told that Jeremy Wright (Boardsailing BVI) has also established an Internet
Cafe on Beef Island at Trellis Bay.
ISPs include Cable & Wireless (website: www.candw.vg) and services are available
in some hotels. There are a few Internet cafes.
Internet Cafes:
Trellis Bay Cybercafe ( VHF Ch. 16)
Address: Beef Island
Island: Tortola
Phone: (1-284) 495-2447
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