British Virgin Islands - Bio Security

COVID-19:

• The BVI, as of 15 July 2022, returned to pre-COVID normal with regards to travel to the Territory.
• See Clearance for entry details.

Our thanks to Nanny Cay Marina Management for keeping Noonsite updated throughout the Pandemic.

Reports:

• Caribbean Bound 2020/21 - Yachting Protocols
• Retreat from Paradise (December 28, 2020)

Contact:

BVI Ports: bviports@bviports.vg / 494-3435

History:

• BVI Air and Sea Borders closed on 19 March, 2020, at which time no vessels could enter or leave the territory.
• Exclusion Zone: An area surrounding the territory was declared as a no-sail area. It was created by the Joint Task Force (Customs, Immigration and Police) to build a buffer between the USVI and the BVI. See more details here.
• Borders remained completely closed until 2nd June, at which time only residents and citizens were permitted to return to the territory.
• Visa extensions were given to travelers who could not leave the territory.
• In late 2020 there were two unfortunate incidents where two private vessels strayed across the dotted line into BVI waters north of St. John. One was fined $20,000 and let go, the other wanted to contest it but first had to do 14 days quarantine and then each passenger (4 of them) were fined $1,000. Sadly they weren't given a warning.
• BVI borders opened to air travelers on 01 December, 2020.
• The planned opening of Sea Borders on March 1st, 2021, was further extended to April 15th. Road Town Jetty on Tortola did open to ferry passengers on April 15th  (see the SeaPort ReOpening Guide for further details).
• Entry by private yacht was still forbidden (except for yachts over 24m with prior approved permission).
• Maritime borders opened on 1 July, 2021. See https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/small-vessel-entry-and-water-taxi-protocols-approved (13 July, 2021) and Small Vessels Entry Protocols.
• From 1 October, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers will not have to apply for entry via the BVI Gateway Travel Application.
• From 15 June, 2022, the BVI Travel Gateway was suspended and the requirement for travel insurance removed. Rules were changed to required pre-arrival testing for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status.
• From 15 July, 2022, all travel restrictions were lifted.