Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to the British Virgin Islands. 

 

Crime

Although most visits to the BVI are trouble-free, serious incidents, including armed robbery, do occur. You should take sensible precautions against petty crime. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas including beaches, particularly after dark. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Use a hotel safe if possible. Never leave anything valuable unattended on the beach. Take particular care of your passport as it can’t be renewed or replaced in the BVI.

 

Don’t offer resistance to an armed robber. If you need help contact the police in the first instance.

 

Local travel

 

There are regular ferry services between Tortola and its sister islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, and also to the US Virgin Islands.

 

Road travel

 

Driving conditions can be hazardous, due to steep and narrow mountain roads, and poor driving standards.

 

Temporary driving licences are no longer issued in the BVI. You can drive for up to 30 days on a European licence and then must apply for a local one at the Vehicle Department. Cars are left-hand drive, and vehicles drive on the left as in the UK.

 

Standard taxi fares exist for most destinations, but it is sensible to clarify the fare with the driver beforehand.

 

Sea travel

 

Many visitors to the BVI take part in water sports. The rate of accidents is very low, but they do occur. Many accidents involve the consumption of alcohol. Fear and dehydration exaggerate the effects of alcohol, so take care if you have been drinking.

 

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) respond to emergencies at sea. VISAR can be contacted as follows:

 

dial 767 (SOS)

dial 999 or 911

dial 494 4357 (494-HELP) -send a distress call on VHF Channel 16

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

There is only one hospital in the BVI and medical facilities are limited. Complex medical problems are frequently referred to hospitals in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or mainland USA. The US visa waiver scheme does not apply to one-off charter flights. Special arrangements have to be made for any non-US visa holder who is medically evacuated by charter flight. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

There are several confirmed cases Chikungunya virus in the BVI.  The BVI Environmental Health Division is continuing its mosquito vector control activities as the risk of Dengue is present.

 

There is no hyperbaric chamber in the BVI. Patients needing treatment for decompression illness are transferred to St John, US Virgin Islands. More sensitive medical cases are transferred to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 or 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t get involved with illegal drugs, including marijuana. Possession of even small quantities can lead to large fines or imprisonment. Drug trafficking is a serious offence. Pack your own luggage yourself and don’t carry items that do not belong to you.

 

Observe customs regulations on the import and export of agricultural products and the protection of marine and animal life. There are a number of marine and animal specimens that may not be taken from the island. If in doubt, check with the local customs authorities before buying, or attempting to import or export such items.

 

Fishing without the correct permit carries steep penalties. You can get a temporary permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour or the Department of Conservation & Fisheries:

 

Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour Administration Complex Road Town Tortola Telephone: (284) 468-3701 extension 2147 Fax: (284) 494-2499

 

Department of Conservation and Fisheries, The Quastisky Building PO Box 3323 Road Town, Tortola. Telephone: (284) 494-5681/3429 or (284) 468-3701 extension 5555/1 Fax: (284) 494-2670

 

Spear fishing is not permitted in the BVI. The use of SCUBA equipment to capture or remove any marine animal or coral is against the law. Fishing within the boundaries of any marine park is strictly forbidden.

 

 

 

 

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