Updated travel protocols for the British Virgin Islands | Nov 2021

Now that travel is returning to normal, you’re probably longing for a yacht charter vacation – especially to one of the best sailing destinations there is, which is perfect for island-hopping, snorkelling and diving: The BVI. The islands are now open to charterers, provided you follow some simple health protocols.

If you’re fully vaccinated:

Fully vaccinated travellers don’t have to register via the online BVI Gateway Portal.

In addition, with a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen Test conducted within 48-hours prior to arrival into the British Virgin Islands they will no longer be subjected to the previously mandatory rapid test at any of the territory's ports of entry.

Unvaccinated children aged 17 and under can enter with fully vaccinated parents without the need to quarantine but must be tested. 

What you will need:

• Results of a negative RT-PCR test or antigen rapid test not older than 2 days;
• proof of vaccination (card or other); and
• travel insurance covering Covid-19 medical of hospital costs, medical repatriation or quarantine accommodation costs.

What does ‘fully vaccinated’ mean? 

• You received your second Covid-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca or Moderna) or single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two weeks before entering the Virgin Islands. 

Note that minors must present a negative PCR test no older than five days.

If you’re partially vaccinated or unvaccinated: 

If you’re partially vaccinated or unvaccinated (this includes unaccompanied minors or others not covered by fully vaccinated portal exemption entry protocols), you will need to obtain travel authorisation from the BVI Gateway. 

Only Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and Road Town Jetty are accepting unvaccinated passengers. 

What you will need if partially vaccinated: 

• You must take an RT-PCR test or rapid antigen test three to five days before arrival – negative test results must be submitted to the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal.
• Another RT-PCR test upon arrival; 
• Proof of partial vaccination (card or other); 
• Travel insurance covering Covid-19 medical of hospital costs, medical repatriation or quarantine accommodation costs; and 
• Approval from the Environmental Health Divisions if you quarantine in a private residence, hotel or vessel (Gold Seal-certified charter companies not included). You must take a RT-PCR test on the last day of your four-day quarantine period. Upload the paid invoice of your place of quarantine, which shows the required dates from arrival to departure.

What you will need if unvaccinated: 

• You must take a PCR test test three to five days before arrival – negative test results must be submitted to the BVI Gateway Travel Application Portal; and
• Travel insurance covering Covid-19 medical of hospital costs, medical repatriation or quarantine accommodation costs; and
• Approval from the Environmental Health Divisions if you quarantine in a private residence, hotel or vessel (Gold Seal-certified charter companies not included). You must take a RT-PCR test on the last day of your seven-day quarantine period. Upload the paid invoice of your place of quarantine, which shows the required dates from arrival to departure.

No matter what your vaccine status, you will need to wear a mask, sanitise, and maintain physical distancing when you arrive at your destination.

If you have any questions, email bvigateway@bviaa.com or send a WhatsApp message to +1 (284) 496-6129.