British Virgin Islands - Customs

BVI Customs Rules for Yachts

Arriving By Yacht

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

All vessels must clear in immediately upon arrival. 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. 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.

Length of Stay

Yachts can remain in the BVIs for 30 days in a year (1 November – 31 October).

If yachts wish to remain longer than the 30 days (120 days for USVI registered boats), the owner must apply for a temporary import permit. The temporary import permit is issued for 12 months at at time (1 Nov – 31 Oct) and is renewable annually. The form can be found on the BVI Government Website.

Note: Different rules apply for charter and commercial vessels and for BVI citizens.

The temporary import permit may be issued with conditions and for an initial time frame discussed at the time of application. It is not a guaranteed 12-month permit [see Fees for price]. A local guardian / agent will be required if leaving the boat unattended.

This temporary import permit cannot be obtained in Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, or Spanish Town. It can only be obtained in Road Harbour, Tortola.

The government has been discussing the possibility of increasing the initial length of stay for foreign yachts to 180 days before a temporary import permit is necessary. This change has not yet been implemented.

Other Rules

• Due to heightened security, a yacht may be searched on arrival.
• Firearms are not allowed to be kept on board and must be surrendered to Customs until departure. This law is strictly enforced.
• Jetskis must also be declared to Customs as their use in BVI waters is illegal.
• Yacht owners may bring most food into the British Virgin Islands. But because of the worldwide threat of Hoof and Mouth and Mad Cow Disease, a law is in effect which bans the importation of any meat products unless approved by the Department of Agriculture for approval. Visitors bringing less than 40 pounds of meat into the region do not need a permit. For further information, visit the Department Of Agriculture And Fisheries – Importation of Meat.

Arriving By Air

Crew or visitors arriving in the BVI by air to join a yacht should bring a letter from the captain of the vessel stating that they are joining a yacht.

Importing Parts/Spares

Spare parts may be brought into the BVI for vessels in transit without the payment of duty. Customs may, at their discretion, still charge 5% of the value of some items including shipping costs and insurance. Customs duties on other items range from 5 – 20%.

Details of all charges can be found under Fees.

Useful link:

• His Majesty’s Customs – Government of the Virgin Islands

Last updated:  October 2024