COVID-19 BVI Travel Requirements
UPDATED – 12th April, 2022

WELCOME TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

These requirements are specifically for the purpose of allowing the entry of persons travelling to the Virgin Islands:

• persons who are deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands;
• persons who are holders of Certificate of Residence under Section 18 of the Immigration and Passport Act;
• work permit holders;
• tourists/visitors.

This travel protocol refers to stakeholders’ mentioned who are fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.

Please be advised that the categories listed are subject to specific requirements and conditions, including testing, monitoring, quarantine and self-isolation measures.

IMPORTANT: This is to protect public health and for the prevention, control and suppression of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Pre-Arrival

Travellers shall be required to register and apply to enter the Territory using the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal:

• who are not vaccinated (NB: an unvaccinated minor accompanied by a vaccinated parent or guardian is exempted);
• who are partially vaccinated;
• unaccompanied minors who are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated; and
• other persons who are not covered by the fully vaccinated BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal Exemption entry protocols.

Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Travellers Prior to Entry

1. A fully vaccinated traveller who intends to travel and enter the Territory shall be exempted from registering and applying to enter the Territory via the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal, provided that:

1. the second COVID-19 vaccine was received no less than two weeks before entry into the Territory; and
2. the vaccine taken is an approved World Health Organisation vaccine.

2. A fully vaccinated traveller upon arrival to the Territory shall present:

1. a RT-PCR or approved rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 negative test result taken no later than 48 hours before arrival; and
2. a vaccination certificate (card or otherwise) or such other satisfactory evidence of being fully vaccinated.

3. A fully vaccinated traveller shall be allowed to move freely within the Territory subject to adherence to COVID-19 enactments and protocols, including physical distancing protocols, wearing of masks and sanitation measures.

4. A fully vaccinated traveller that presents a RT-PCR or approved rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 negative test result taken no later than 48 hours before arrival, and is unable to present the results to enter the Territory within 48 hours for reasons such as delays and overnight layovers, shall be required to undertake and a rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 test on the day of arrival.

5. In the case of a fully vaccinated traveller visiting the Territory as a “day tripper” shall provide:

1. a RT-PCR or approved rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 negative test result within 24 to 48 hours before arrival;
2. a vaccination certificate (card or otherwise) or such other satisfactory evidence of being fully vaccinated.

Requirements for Partially Vaccinated Travellers Prior to Entry

1. Travellers via air or ferry who have not received the final dosage of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, or 14 days has not elapsed since receiving the final dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine will be required to:

1. register and provide the relevant information for travel on the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal and download the approved app software;

2. obtain the requisite approval from the Environmental Health Division to be quarantined in a private residence, hotel or vessel;

3. take a RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 test taken 3 to 5 days prior to arrival;

4. submit the certified RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 negative test result to the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal;

5. provide evidence of travel insurance which includes minimum approved coverage for:

• medical repatriation;
• quarantine accommodation costs;
• COVID-19 medical costs including hospitalisation, doctor’s visit and prescriptions.

6. submit vaccination certificate or other satisfactory evidence of being partially vaccinated;

7. obtain travel authorisation certificate issued upon approval; and

8. pay an entry fee of $175.

IMPORTANT: All travellers are to adhere to the relevant COVID-19 enactments and protocols in the Virgin Islands including relevant physical distancing protocols, wearing masks and sanitisation measures.

Requirements for Unvaccinated Travellers Prior to Entry

1. Travellers via air or ferry who are unvaccinated are required to register and provide the relevant information required to travel on the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal and download the approved app software.

2. Submit the certified RT-PCR negative test result to the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal 3 to 5 days prior to arrival.

3. Provide evidence of travel insurance which includes minimum approved coverage for:

• medical repatriation;
• quarantine accommodation costs; and
• COVID-19 medical costs including hospitalization doctor’s visit and prescriptions

4. Obtain travel authorisation certificate issued prior to approval;

5. Pay an entry fee of $175.

Travel Requirements for Vaccinated Travellers Travelling with Unvaccinated Minors

1. Minors 17 years and under travelling with vaccinated parents/guardians entering the Virgin Islands are exempted from applying and registering to enter the Territory via the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal, provided that upon entry to the Territory, each minor provides to the relevant authorised officer the results of a negative PCR test or antigen rapid test no older than 5 days.

2. Upon receipt of a negative test result the minor accompanied by the vaccinated parent/guardian will be allowed to:

• embark any carrier destined for the Virgin Islands without penalty; and
• enter the Virgin Islands without penalty.

IMPORTANT:  A fully vaccinated traveller entering the Virgin Islands and minors 17 years and under are to pay all applicable fees on entry.

Travel Requirements for Unaccompanied Minors Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated

1. A minor 17 years and under, travelling without parents/guardians entering the Virgin Islands, are required to register via the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal.  Such minor shall be required upon arrival to be received by his or her parent or guardian, and both the minor and parent or guardian at the same time shall be subject to the following requirements:

• quarantine measures for the specified period; and
• testing by the relevant authorised officer for COVID-19, at the end of the quarantine period.

Travel Requirements for Mixed Groups of Travelling Adults

A group that includes persons who are fully vaccinated and persons who are not vaccinated, who upon arriving into the Virgin Islands, will occupy shared accommodations; all adults will be treated as unvaccinated.

Screening Requirements and Documentation Upon Arrival to the Virgin Islands for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

Fully vaccinated travellers should be prepared to show upon request at Ports of Entry into the Virgin Islands, an electronic or hard copy of the following:

• Travel Authorisation Certificate;
• approved rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 test result or PCR no later than 48 hours prior to arrival; and
• Vaccination Certificate or satisfactory evidence of being fully vaccinated.

IMPORTANT:  All travellers will be subject to temperature checks.

Screening Requirements and Documentation Upon Arrival to the Virgin Islands for Partially Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Travellers

1. Partially vaccinated travellers should be prepared to show upon request at Port of Entry into the Virgin Islands, an electronic or hard copy of the following:

• Travel Authorisation Certificate from the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal;
• RT-PCR SARS COVI-2 test result; and
• Vaccination Certificate or satisfactory evidence of being partially vaccinated.

2. Unvaccinated travellers should be prepared to show upon request at Port of Entry into the Virgin Islands an electronic or hard copy of the following:

• Travel Authorisation Certificate; and
• RT-PCR SARS COVI-2 test result.

IMPORTANT:  All travellers will be subject to temperature checks and adherence to the relevant COVID-19 enactments and protocols in the Territory, including relevant physical distancing protocols, wearing masks and sanitisation measures. They would also be required to take a RT-PCR SARS COVI-2 test upon arrival.

Quarantine Requirements for Partially Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Travellers

1. Persons who are only partially vaccinated, meaning that they have received one dose of a two-dose vaccine, or whose final vaccine dose was administered less than two weeks before arriving in the Virgin Islands will be required to quarantine within the confines of an approved property or vessel for a 4-day period.  A RT-PCR test will be administered on arrival (day 0) and on day 4; such persons will be released after receiving a negative test result.

2. Persons who are unvaccinated will be required to quarantine within the confines of an approved property or vessel for a 5-day period.  A RT-PCR test will be administered on arrival (day 0) and on day 5; such persons will be released after receiving a negative test result.

3. A partially vaccinated or unvaccinated person who tests positive for COVID-19 upon arrival into the Virgin Islands will be quarantined for a period of 5 days within the confines of an approved property or vessel or be allowed to leave the Territory if approved for medical repatriation.

4. A person quarantined for a period of 5 days will not be released from quarantine unless the person is tested by the relevant authorized officer for COVID-19 on day-5 of the quarantine period and receive negative results.

Quarantine Monitoring

A person under quarantine for any period is required to:

• be fitted with an approved electronic geo-fencing device by the relevant authorised officer; and
• monitor and report their symptoms to the relevant authorized officer.

Immigration Requirements

With the exception of persons deemed to belong to the Territory and persons who are holders of certificate of residence under Section 18 of the Immigration and Passport Act, any other person who tests positive for COVID-19 prior to arrival in the Territory will not be allowed entry into the Virgin Islands.

National Health Insurance

A person who is a beneficiary of and is provided coverage under the National Health Insurance Plan of the Virgin Islands will not be required to submit evidence of travel insurance, but will be required to provide proof of their National Health Insurance (NHI) card or relevant documentation.

Approved Laboratory or Testing Service

Tests will be approved once performed by a registered medical laboratory or approved testing service, whose professional status and practicing certificate may be verified with the applicable regulatory authority in the jurisdiction where the test is administered.

Vessels and Mega Yachts

A person required to quarantine on a vessel may be allowed restricted movement within the Territorial waters, provided that the vessel operator anchor or berth the vessel during the quarantine period at a mooring site as approved by the Minister in consultation with the Minister responsible for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration.

Mega yachts will be allowed entry into the Virgin Islands in accordance with the established marine protocols and guidelines, except as may be otherwise approved by the Minister.

Exemptions from Mandatory Quarantine and Requirements

1. The following persons will be exempt from mandatory quarantine requirements:

• aviation personnel;
• maritime personnel;
• medical personnel;
• diplomats and other essential personnel including the judiciary;
• persons employed in the services of the Commonwealth and inter-regional Caribbean organisations; and
• other exceptional essential persons as approved by the Minister and Governor.

2. A person who falls under any of the categories under exemption categories with the exception of domestic or Virgin Islands based aviation and maritime crew members and where applicable foreign aviation and crew members will be required to:

• register and provide the relevant information required to travel on the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal and download the approved app software;

• take a RT-PCR or approved rapid antigen SARS COV-2 test taken 3 to 5 days prior to arrival;

• submit the certified RT-PCR or approved rapid antigen SARS COV-2 negative test result to the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal;

• practice self-isolation;

• comply generally with the relevant COVID-19 Quarantine exemption protocols for such categories of persons, including relevant testing and screening measures and requirements as necessary regarding entry protocols;

• domestic or Virgin Islands based aviation or maritime crew members who are not fully vaccinated will be required to test for COVID-19 every 14 days and once tested negative may be issued a Quarantine Exemption Certificate in compliance with the relevant protocols and guidelines;

• foreign Aviation or Maritime crew members may be issued a Quarantine Exemption Certificate or any other documentation subject to specific conditions as may be specified in the relevant protocols and guidelines;

• domestic or Virgin Islands based aviation or maritime crew members or a foreign aviation or maritime crew member issued Quarantine Exemption certificate are required to have that document in their possession and readily accessible when exercising the relief.

BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal Fees

• $175 – Partially or un-vaccinated persons
• $70 – RT-PCR SARS COVID-2 test from a government testing facility

Arrival Fees

• $50 – Rapid antigen test (done on arrival for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers only)

Penalties and Fines

Fixed fines will be applied to persons that fit the following categories:

• $2,000 - A person who tampers with or damages a geo-fencing device;

• $5,000 - An unauthorised person who visits any person who is in quarantine;

• $10,000 - A person who breaks or breaches the protocols or guidelines under relevant regulations or is found in breach of the provisions of these regulations;

• $5,000 - A person who refuses to return an electronic geo-fencing device or any other approved monitoring device for the purpose of enforcing the quarantine provisions and issued under a quarantine order;

• $5,000- A person who provides any false or forged information or documentation including a false or forged RT-PCR or rapid antigen SARS COVID-2 test result or false or forged vaccination certificate or any other evidence of being fully vaccinated.

IMPORTANT:  Refusal to pay fines may lead to a Court offence and penalties of increased fines not mentioned above.

Fines for Passenger Carriers

1. Fines for passenger carriers of vaccinated passengers and minors accompanied by fully vaccinated parents/guardians who violate the fully vaccinated portal exemption entry protocols.

2. Such passenger carriers would be fined $10,000 for each passenger in violation of the entry protocols.

3. Separately, the passenger who violates the entry protocols will be fined $5000 or imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months, where applicable.

4. Failure for passenger carrier or a passenger to pay the fine within the period as imposed by the relevant authorities, the fine may be recovered by instituting civil proceedings against the passenger carrier or passenger before the Magistrate Court. The following categories of persons will still be required to use the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal:

• partially vaccinated;
• unvaccinated;
• unaccompanied minors who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated; and
• any other persons not covered by the fully vaccinated portal exemption entry protocols.

Taxi Services

1. Once persons that are given a quarantine order leave the Customs and Immigration facility, they are dispatched to taxi or livery vehicles in wait, in the staging area.

2. Transportation then takes them to their approved quarantine location; passengers are expected to pay their fare as the VI Taxi Tariff prescribes.

3. Persons that are going to Sister Islands are expected to prearrange their sea transportation with “Gold Seal Approved” charter companies. Approved Gold Seal transportation on the Sister Islands will also collect these persons and transport them to their approved quarantine location.

4. For persons with a 4 or 7-day Quarantine Order, transportation is prearranged in connection with testing information from BVIHSA and Public Health for their 4 or 7-day pickup, unless the passenger decides to solicit their own Approved Gold Seal transportation (persons are also expected to pay the prescribed fare).

5. Once a negative PCR Test result is received, persons are free to traverse to the nearest police station to hand in their tracking device and be released from quarantine.

6. The list of gold seal approved charter companies can be retrieved from the director of tourism.

Testing Sites

• Tent at Doctor D. Orlando Hospital https://althea.bvi.care/
• Terrance B Lettsome International Airport https://airport.bvi.care/
• Road Town Ferry Terminal https://rtferry.bvi.care/
• West End Ferry Terminal https://westend.bvi.care/
• Anegada Clinic https://anegada.bvi.care
• JVD Clinic https://jvdclinic.bvi.care
• Iris O'Neal Clinic (VG) https://irisoneal.bvi.care

Travel Protocols and Requirements

1. All travellers to the Virgin Islands are required to have the below listed documents prior to travel in order to facilitate a smooth transition via Immigration Officers.  Travellers should review their specific case base on the categories below:

• Belonger/Citizens

1. Valid Passport
2. Supporting documents (i.e. Birth Paper and/or Belonger Card or Belonger certificate)

• Resident (Holder of Residence Status and/or Naturalized Citizen)

1. Valid Passport or US passport card
2. Residence Card or Certificate (where applicable)
3. Naturalization Certificate or BOTC Passport.

• Resident (Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption Holder)

1. Valid Passport
2. Valid Visa (where required)
3. Valid Entry Permit or Approval Letter from the CIO allowing entry on an expired Entry Permit

• Non-Belonger Land Holders

1. Valid Passport
2. Valid Visa (where required)
3. Valid Non-Belonger Land Holders License
4. Return ticket

• Visitor

1. Valid Passport
2. Valid Visa (where required)
3. Return Ticket

What to Expect When you Arrive

1. Upon arrival, a traveller is expected to present all required documents as listed above to an Immigration Officer.  As well as any additional documents that may be requested that relate to their status and travels.

2. The visitor is also expected to answer any questions relative to those documents, their travel to and stay in the Virgin Islands.

Additional Notes

• Any traveller desirous of entering the Territory without a valid passport should seek permission prior to entry from the Immigration Department. Their request must clearly outline the particulars surrounding them not having a valid document, their status in the Virgin Islands, if any, and their purpose for entering.  These requests should be emailed to immigrationinfo@gov.vg, ipenn@gov.vg and ndemming@gov.vg for processing.

• To register to enter the Territory visit www.bvigateway.bviaa.com

• For more information on the on-going COVID-19 Response visit www.bvi.gov.vg

• Tech support email: bvigateway@bviaa.com

• Whatsapp text: 284-496-6129

• Home quarantine:

1. www.bvimonitor.info/homequarantine
2. 284-468-2274
3. 284-468-2275

• Medical COVID-19 hotline - 284-852-7650

• Emergency – dial 911

• Police – dial 311