British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of Caribbean islands east of Puerto Rico. They are a British Overseas Territory. The four main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. There are also dozens of smaller islands and cays. Road Town on Tortola is the capital.
The BVI are known for sailing. Many visitors move between islands by boat, either on a charter or on ferries. The islands are also known for beaches, snorkeling and beach bars. The Baths on Virgin Gorda is the best-known sight. The BVI suit beach and boating travelers. They are not a place for nightlife or big sightseeing lists.
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Money & payments
The BVI use the US dollar. You do not need to exchange money if you bring US dollars.
Tours & Activities
British Virgin Islands — Map
Tipping
Tipping follows US habits. Many restaurants add a service charge of about 10 to 15 percent to the bill. Check your bill before you add more. Tipping taxi drivers is common. Other tips are at your choice.
Many restaurants add a 10-15 % service charge. Check the bill first.
about 10-15 %
Electricity
The BVI use US-style outlets at 110 V and 60 Hz. Travelers from Europe or the UK need an adapter, and often a voltage converter.
Language
English is the official language, and you can use it everywhere. Locals also speak Virgin Islands Creole among themselves.
Safety & emergencies
The UK government says crime levels in the BVI are low. Some serious crime does happen, including armed robbery and drug-related gun crime. Use normal care. Lock your boat, car and room, and do not leave valuables on the beach.
- Hurricanes: The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Hurricanes can happen at other times too. Check the forecast before you book a boat or a trip in these months.
- Water: Accidents in water sports are rare, but they do happen. Follow local advice on currents. Do not swim alone away from the shore.
- Help: The UK has no embassy in the BVI, because it is a British territory. In an emergency, contact the local authorities.
- At sea: For marine emergencies, contact Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) on 767.
- Police, not urgent: For non-emergency police matters, call 311.
Health
The BVI have one hospital, on Tortola. Its facilities are limited. Serious cases are often moved to the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or the US mainland. Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
- Insects: Dengue and Zika are listed as risks by the UK government. Use insect repellent, especially at dusk.
- Vaccines: Check the current advice for the BVI with your doctor or a travel health service about 8 weeks before you leave.
- Tap water: Many visitors drink bottled water. Ask your hotel or charter company if the water is safe to drink where you stay.
Visas & entry
The BVI are a British Overseas Territory with their own immigration service. UK government advice says you can visit without a visa for up to 1 month. You may be able to extend your stay, up to 6 months in total, with the Chief Immigration Officer. You must show that you have money, a place to stay and plans to leave.
Your passport must be valid for your stay. Citizens of some countries need a visa. Check the rules for your passport with the BVI immigration office or with your embassy.
- Online embarkation card: Since 1 January 2025, all travelers entering the BVI must complete an online embarkation card. UK government advice says you can apply up to 72 hours before you arrive.
- Arrival: You clear immigration and customs at your first port of entry. For example, there are offices at Road Town and West End on Tortola.
- Environmental and tourism levy: The BVI government lists a levy of $10 per person for visitors aged 3 and over. Some visitors, such as cruise passengers, are exempt.
- Departure taxes: The UK government lists $50 in total for air departure. It is usually included in the ticket. The ferry departure tax is $20 per person. Amounts can change.
- Customs: You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to duty. Plants, farm products and animals need a permit.
For more, see the BVI Tourist Board entry information.
Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.
Holidays & opening hours
Public holidays close government offices and many shops. Restaurants and beach bars in tourist areas often stay open. Ferries may run on a reduced schedule on holidays. Check ahead.
August has three Emancipation holidays in a row.
Getting around
The islands are small, and the sea connects them. Most visitors travel by ferry, taxi or their own boat.
- By ferry: Ferries connect Tortola with Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island and Anegada. Ferries also connect Tortola with St Thomas and St John in the US Virgin Islands. Some routes run only on certain days, and ferries usually stop in the late afternoon. Check the operator schedule. See the BVI Tourist Board ferry schedules.
- By air: The main airport, Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, is on Beef Island. The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge links Beef Island to Tortola. Virgin Gorda and Anegada also have small airports.
- By taxi: Taxis are the usual way to get around on land. Ask the fare before you start.
- By boat: Bareboat and crewed charters are a main way to see the islands. Check the licence and experience rules with your charter company.
The BVI drive on the left. See the driving section.
Driving
- Side of the road: Traffic drives on the left. Most cars are imported from the US, so the steering wheel is usually on the left side of the car. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts.
- Licence: The UK government says UK licence holders can drive for up to 30 days. After that, you must apply for a local licence. Visitors with a licence from another country may need a temporary local licence. Confirm the rules with your rental company before you book.
- Roads: Tortola is hilly, and many roads have tight bends. Drive slowly. Many visitors use taxis instead of renting a car.
Where to explore
The BVI are best seen as a group of islands, not cities. Tortola is the main island. Most visitors also spend time on one or two others.
- Tortola: The largest island. Road Town is the capital, ferry hub and cruise port. Beaches on the north coast include Cane Garden Beach. Sage Mountain National Park has forest trails and the highest point in the Virgin Islands.
- Virgin Gorda: Home to The Baths. There, big granite boulders form pools and passages by the sea. The Baths is a national park. It is best for swimming and snorkeling.
- Jost Van Dyke: A small island with a few hundred residents. White Bay and Great Harbour have beach bars. Boaters and ferry visitors come for the beaches and bars, including the Soggy Dollar Bar.
- Anegada: A flat island made of coral and limestone. It is very different from the hilly volcanic islands. It has the large Horseshoe Reef, many shipwrecks and a flamingo pond. Ferries run on certain days, or you can fly.
- Norman Island: Uninhabited apart from goats and a few restaurants. Snorkelers visit the Caves. Some say it inspired the book Treasure Island.
- Cooper Island and Peter Island: Small islands south of Tortola. Peter Island has a ferry from Tortola.
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