Useful Info
The BVI is a non-Sovereign, overseas territory of the United Kingdom that is internally self-governing. The Governor represents the UK monarch. The Premier is the leader of the country. The BVI legal system is based on English Law.
Language: English (although Spanish is also widely spoken)
Currency: US dollar. Most Credit cards are accepted in most establishments but not all.
Immigration: A valid passport is required for entry into the British Virgin Islands. Visas are not required for visitors from the USA, Canada and EU. Some other nationals may require visas. If you are unsure if you require a visa please contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board office or the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at: Tel: 284-494-3471 or 284-494-3701 Ext. 4700. Visitors are allowed to stay for a period of one month.
Departure Tax: Payable on departure at the port of exit: $20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea.
Emergency: Dial 999 or 911 for Police, Fire or Ambulance service. For marine emergencies contact VISAR (Virgin Islands Search & Rescue) 284-494-4357; 284-494-6613 or 767 (S.O.S.)
Medical: Tortola is served by Peebles Hospital in Road Town, Tortola. There are private clinics on Tortola and Virgin Gorda:
Electricity: Voltage in the BVI is 110/220v. Visitors can use American appliances without an adaptor.
Banking:
Banco Popular De Puerto Rico
Road Town, Tortola
TEL.: 1-284-494-2117
FAX: 1-284-494-5294
FirstBank Virgin Islands
Road Town, Tortola
The Valley, Virgin Gorda
TEL.: 1-284-494-2662
FAX: 1-284-494-3863
FirstCaribbean International Bank
Road Town, Tortola
The Valley, Virgin Gorda
TEL.: 1-284-494-2171
FAX: 1-284-494-4315
ScotiaBank (British Virgin Islands) Limited
Road Town, Tortola
TEL.: 1-284-494-2526
FAX: 1-284-494-4657
ATM machines are located at Road Town, Cane Garden Bay, Nanny Cay, West End and at the Airport in Beef Island, as well as in The Valley on Virgin Gorda. There are no banks or ATM machines on Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island or the other islands. Please note that there is a 10-cent stamp duty charged on all cheques, including traveller’s cheques.
Telecommunications: The area code for the BVI is 1 284. The following provide telecommunications services including mobile services:
LIME www.time4lime.com
Digicel www.digicelbvi.com
Churches & Religions: Christian denominations represented in the BVI include the Methodists, Anglicans (Episcopalians), Baptists, Roman Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists and various Pentecostal sects.
Marriage license & Regulations: If you’re thinking of tying the knot in paradise, you should contact the Registrar’s Office, P.O. Box 418, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands or phone (284) 468-3701 ext. 5001 or (284) 494-3442/5650. Amongst other requirements, you will have to be in the BVI for a minimum of three business days prior to the wedding service.
Dress: Casual attire works well although some of the smarter restaurants may have smarter dress codes. Swim wear is appropriate for the beach and pool side. Please cover up in all other public areas. The BVI mainly enjoys balmy weather (with occasional rainy days) so you may wish to pack a light sweater for the evenings.
Pets: Pets are allowed entry into the Territory only after an import permit is issued by the Department of Agriculture. For regulations governing animal importation, contact the Department of Agriculture, Paraquita Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Tel: (284) 495-2532 or Fax: (284) 495-1269.
Fishing Permits: Before casting your line you will need to apply for a recreational fishing permit. Please contact The Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour, Tel: (284) 468-3701 ext. 2147 for information.
Smoking: In accordance with the Tobacco Products Control Act, it is forbidden to smoke in public places such as restaurants, bars, shopping malls, recreational facilities, offices, airports, ports etc. in the BVI. You may not smoke within 50 feet of these public spaces. Violators will be subject to a fine.
