British Virgin Islands - Clearance

BVI Pre-Arrival Procedures for Yachts

The BVIs use the SailClear advance web notification service. Boats that would like to visit should pre-register and submit their arrival notification online with SailClear and note the notification ID number.

For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see the report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified.

A visa is not required for citizens of many countries including most western and northern European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. Nationals of certain countries require visas to enter the British Virgin Islands. See Immigration for further details.

Ports of Entry

Vessels entering the British Virgin Islands (BVI) should proceed directly to a Port of Entry with their yellow Q flag up. Because Ports Authority jetty space is limited, vessels are allowed to anchor in the harbor, but may not proceed to a marina, before making their entry at a clearance office. Click on the anchor symbol in the blue “Explore Country” drop down, to see ports of entry clearly marked.

All vessels must clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival with valid passport(s) and boat registration papers. No one can go ashore if you arrive after hours.

Below are the standard ports of entry and their operating times between May 1 and October 31, 2024 according to the BVI Customs website.

• Road Town, Tortola (Monday – Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
• West End, Tortola (Monday – Sunday, 8:30a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
• Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke (Monday - Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
• Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda (Monday – Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
• Gun Creek (Virgin Gorda): Currently closed – re-opening to be announced

Note: Hours in some offices may be more flexible than noted and offices can be very busy first thing in the morning or when processing ferries. Operational hours are subject to change.

After-hours clearing may be arranged in advance. Additional fees will apply. To make after-hours arrangements call:
Customs at:
+1 284 468 6800 or 6801 or 6802 or 6803
Immigration at:
284-494-3701 ext. 4700

BVI Arrival Procedures for Yachts

All vessels must clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival with valid passport(s) and boat registration papers. The captain should proceed to the nearest Customs and Immigration offices with their SailClear notification ID number, crew passports and boat paperwork. See Documents for additional information.

Note: The BVI plans to introduce a new Online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card System to replace the paper arrival / departure cards that travelers file when clearing in and out. The system entered an introductory pilot phase on 1 October 2024 and is scheduled to become mandatory on 1 January 2025. Initial expectations are that the implementation will focus on airports and ferries, however it could also soon be mandatory for yacht arrivals. For more information see the BVI Government Press Release and the BVI Online ED Card Portal.

Reserved dress is recommended (no bathing suits / beachwear).

If you plan to leave your vessel for storage in a boatyard for hurricane season, be prepared to show a letter or contract from the provider. See Customs for additional details.

The crew does not need to be present as long as the Captain has all passports for members on the Crew List. All crew passports will be checked and stamped. See Immigration for more details.

Details of all expected charges can be found under Fees.

BVI Departure Procedures for Yachts

Boaters are required to log on to SailClear, input their information, and then proceed to the Port of departure to lodge their declaration, clear, and depart.

When departing the procedure is the same. The captain should proceed to the nearest Customs and Immigration offices with their SailClear notification ID number, crew passports and boat paperwork.

If traveling between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands (see US Virgin Islands Clearance for full details), these are different territories and you must be sure to clear out of, and then into, the next territory.

Note: If you are not either a US or Canadian citizen and are entering the USVI waters on anything other than a commercial carrier (ferry, airline, etc.), you must obtain a visitor's visa.

Details of all charges can be found under Fees.

Last updated:  October 2024