BVI Essentials

Status: The BVI is a Crown colony, classified as a British Overseas Territory, and legally a constitutional democracy

Peak Tourist Season: December to May

Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. For the most updated COVID-19 travel protocols, tap on the web icon.

Language: English is the main language. Spanish is also spoken.

Currency: US Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in many, but not all establishments.

Time Zone: Standard Time Zone

Immigration: Customs and Immigration offices are located on Tortola in Road Town and West End, on Virgin Gorda in the Virgin Gorda Airport, St. Thomas Bay Terminal, George Augustine Airport on Anegada, and the Owen Harrigan Visitors Centre at Gun Creek and on Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour.

Capital: Road Town, on Tortola (estimated population 2,800)

Telephone: BVI phone numbers have the area code 284 followed by  seven digits. You can call the BVI from the US by dialing 1, the area code, and the number.

Electricity: Voltage in the BVI is 110/220v. Visitors can use American appliances without an adaptor.

Sales Tax: There is no sales tax in the BVI

Business Hours: In general, offices are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Government offices are open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Most shops are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Health Services: Each well populated island has a Public Health Clinic and its staff is willing to assist at any hour. A helicopter may be taken from each island to the Helipad in Road Town, if service is needed at the Government operated Pebbles Hospital or the privately owned hospital, Bougainvillea Clinic. If need be, a ferry may be chartered from each island with a community clinic or hotel.

Entry Tax:

Guests are required to pay an environmental tax of $10

Departure Tax:

By Air: $20 per person

By Sea: $20 visitors and $15 residents

Tipping: A tip of 15 percent to 20 percent is customary.

Etiquette & Dress: The BVI values respect, decorum and politeness across all islands. We promote being comfortable, and casually dressed during the daytime and evening, however, to uphold our family atmosphere outside of a beach setting, swimming trunks as well as bathing suits are considered inappropriate in Road Town and restaurants.