Entry
A valid passport is required. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada and most EU countries may visit visa-free for up to 30 days. Return or onward travel is expected.
Plan the trip
Travel info
How to arrive, what to bring, and the small facts that make a BVI week run smoothly.
Flight times
There are no long-haul nonstops from Europe or most of North America into EIS. Connect through San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua or Miami, then a short island hop — or take the ferry from the USVI.
20 min
St. Thomas
Ferry or puddle-jumper
45 min
San Juan
Most common air link
1 hr
Antigua
Eastern Caribbean
3 hrs
Miami
Often via SJU or STT
4.5 hrs
New York
Via San Juan
9 hrs
London
Via Antigua or Miami
Need to know
Airports
Terrance B. Lettsome (EIS) on Beef Island is the main international airport. Virgin Gorda (VIJ) and Anegada (NGD) take small aircraft. Many visitors connect via San Juan or St. Thomas.
Sea
Ferries link St. Thomas and St. John with West End and Road Town. Inter-island boats serve Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and, less often, Anegada. Ports of entry include Road Town, West End, Great Harbour and St. Thomas Bay.
Money & language
The US dollar is the currency. English is the official language. ATMs are common on Tortola and Virgin Gorda; carry cash for Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
Driving
Drive on the left. A temporary BVI permit is issued with a valid home licence. Roads are steep and narrow; a jeep is useful. There is no public bus network of the kind found on larger islands.
Practical
Electricity is 110V, US plugs. Time is Atlantic Standard (UTC-4) year-round. Tap water is often cistern or desalinated — bottled water is widely used. The emergency number is 999.
Entry requirements
All visitors need a valid passport. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and most European Union countries may enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are handled by the Immigration Department in Road Town. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds can be asked for on arrival. Cruise passengers who remain with the ship follow their line’s clearance; independent yachts must clear at an official port of entry — Road Town, West End, Great Harbour (Jost Van Dyke), or St. Thomas Bay (Virgin Gorda).
Rules change. Confirm with your airline and the BVI Immigration Department before you fly. This guide is not legal advice.