British Virgin Islands Travel Guide

British Virgin Islands — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

The British Virgin Islands remain linked to the British Commonwealth, and the islanders reflect many British traditions and customs. The development of tourism proceeds with great caution; hence the unspoiled charm of these islands and cays remains the chief attraction. The pace of life is very easygoing. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Dress is informal for most occasions apart from the formal requirements of some hotels. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The easiest way to reach the British Virgin Islands from the UK is via Antigua. BWIA West Indies Airways (www.bwee.com), Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) and British Airways (www.britishairways.com) offer direct flights from London to Antigua. From Antigua, Liat (www.caribjet.com/liat.htm) flies to Tortola. Fly BVI (www.flybvi.com) runs chartered flights to an assortment of Caribbean islands.

Travelers arriving from the USA can take a connecting flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico with American Eagle (www.aa.com) or fly to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands and take a ferry to Tortola. The islands are also accessible via St Maarten and St Kitts.

Departure Tax

US$20. Children under five years are exempt.

Main Airports

Terrance B Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is on Beef Island, 14.5km (9 miles) from Road Town, Tortola; the islands are connected via a road bridge. To/from the airport: Taxis are available (journey time – 20 minutes). Many hotels and marinas provide a shuttle service. Facilities: Light refreshments/bar, restaurant, left luggage, tourist information and hotel reservations.

Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is 3.5km (2 miles) from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. To/from the airport: Taxis are available.

There is also an unpaved airport on the island of Anegada.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Road Harbour and West End Harbour on Tortola, Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke and St Thomas Bay on Virgin Gorda.

Tortola Fast Ferry (tel: 494 2323; www.tortolafastferry.com) operates ferries from St Thomas, US Virgin Islands to Tortola (journey time – 50 minutes). Speedy's (tel: 495 5240; www.speedysbvi.com) runs ferries from St Thomas to Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Departure tax: US$5 for all international departures, US$7 for cruise ship passengers.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 230g of tobacco.
• 0.94L of wine or spirits.

Note: (a) Import licenses are required for a small number of goods, mostly food. (b) Heavy fines and long jail sentences are imposed for the possession, sale or use of narcotics.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Fly BVI (www.fly-bvi.com) and Caribbean Wings-BVI Airlines (www.bvi-airlines.com) run inter-island charter flights.

Getting Around By Water

Yacht charter is one of the major industries, and bareboats can be hired for all cruises. A permit is required for all charter boat passengers. Local boats can be hired for special tours. The high season is from December to April.

Ferries: The main routes are from Tortola to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Marina Cay and Peter Island. A list of operators is available from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (www.bvitourism.com).

Getting Around By Road

There is a good network, although due to steep and narrow mountain roads, plus poor driving standards, conditions may be precarious. Driving is on the left.

Taxi: There are several taxi companies on Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Many drivers double up as tour guides and taxis can be hired on an hourly or daily basis.

Car hire: There are many local and international companies. Drivers must be at least 25 years old.

Regulations: The speed limit is 64kph (40mph). Seat belts are compulsory.

Documentation: A temporary British Virgin Islands license is required; this will be issued on production of a current foreign license for a small fee. Insurance and British Virgin Islands licenses are available from car hire companies.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Beef Island, Tortola to other major destinations in the British Virgin Islands and the surrounding area: