A question we’re frequently asked by people who are planning a trip to The Aerial, BVI is: “Do you need a passport to go to the British Virgin Islands?” As we are located on Buck Island, just off the coast of Tortola, the entry rules are the same as they are for the larger islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Most people will need a passport or other valid travel document to enter.
Who Needs a Passport to Travel to the British Virgin Islands?
Everyone who isn’t a citizen of the British Virgin Islands needs a valid passport to enter the BVI by air or private sea-going vessel.
Passport Requirements for the British Virgin Islands
- You should have a passport valid for the duration of your stay in the BVI and ideally for an additional six months after the date you intend to leave.
- The passport should be in good condition (not damaged or altered, as this would make the passport invalid).
- The passport should have enough blank pages for the entry and exit stamps and a visa, in case one is required. If there aren’t enough blank pages, you should get a new passport before you travel.
Passport Alternatives If Traveling by Cruise Ship
If you’re coming from North America and will arrive on a cruise ship, you may be able to enter the BVI with your shipboard ID and a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document that allows you to re-enter your home country. For example, United States and Canadian citizens can enter the British Virgin Islands with an original or notarized birth certificate and a valid photo ID.
This said, even if your cruise line doesn’t require a passport (many do), it’s still recommended in case you need to be evacuated by air. Having a valid passport is also a good idea because it keeps your travel options open. Once you see how beautiful the Caribbean is, you may decide to extend your stay!
Visa Requirements for the British Virgin Islands
British, European, Australian, New Zealander, Canadian, and U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for stays up to one month (30 days). You can also ask for an extension of an additional month without requiring a visa. Extensions for up to six months are sometimes granted by the Chief Immigration Officer. If you’re coming from a different country, you might need a visa.
To enter the BVI as a tourist, you’ll also need an ongoing or return ticket, proof of pre-arranged accommodation, and sufficient funds to cover your stay. For longer stays, you may be asked to show evidence of self-funding, for example, an online job or funds sent from relatives back home.
For More Information
To find out the current rules for travel to the British Virgin Islands, contact your nearest British High Commission, embassy, or consulate (as the BVI is a British Overseas Territory) or the BVI Department of Immigration at 1-284-494-3471. In the United States, you can contact the BVI Tourist Board at (800) 835-8530 or (212) 563-3117 or visit the BVI Tourist Board website.
It’s best to check all of the travel requirements far in advance of your trip in case you need to apply for a passport or put some funds in a dedicated bank account. Current passports should ideally be renewed nine months before they expire.
Expedited passports: If you’re coming from the United States and need your new passport in fewer than 13 weeks, you can get your passport expedited by paying an additional expedite fee of $60. In addition:
- Clearly write the word “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope.
- Purchase USPS Priority Mail Express shipping.
- Purchase the optional 1-2 day delivery fee. This costs $19.53, which should be added to your passport fee and expedite fee on the check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State.
If you plan to travel in the next 9 weeks, schedule an urgent travel service appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778 between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET, Mondays through Fridays (except federal holidays).
The Time You Spend Preparing Your Documentation Will Be Well Worth It Once You Arrive
Updating your passport can seem like a hassle, but once you land in the British Virgin Islands, you’ll be glad you did. The white, sandy beaches, lush vegetation, and beautiful wildlife are a sight to behold, and your time at The Aerial, BVI—whether for a summit or a tailor-made deep wellness experience—will be truly transformational.
If you’d like to visit the British Virgin Islands, take the time to find out exactly what you’ll need and obtain any documents you’re missing. Once you have a valid passport and a visa (if necessary), you’ll be able to travel with full peace of mind and potentially stay for an extra month—or an extra five months—soaking up the Caribbean sun.