COVID-19 Travel Restrictions in the BVI
Welcome back to Sunsail's Marina in Tortola!
While the BVI are opening their borders for international travelers, certain Policies and Procedures will need to be followed when entering the country, before and during your stay there. Please bookmark this page as travel updates are frequently announced.
Travel Advisories
Please note: The Government of the Virgin Islands has imposed a travel ban on travellers from or connecting through the Dominican Republic as well as travellers from Brazil or India.
Please Note: The British Virgin Islands recently imposed new protocols and restrictions for travellers entering the territory. These updates include:
- For fully vaccinated travelers, you will need your proof of vaccination, proof of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test, or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 5 days prior to arrival. Upon arrival persons who are fully vaccinated will be tested for COVID with a rapid antigen test (cost is $50 USD), the results of this test will be given before leaving the airport or ferry port. Children 5+ traveling with fully vaccinated parents will also be tested upon arrival with a rapid test.
- For unvaccinated travellers, you will need proof of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test or negative rapid antigen test taken 3 to 5 days prior to arrival, another RT-PCR test upon arrival, a 7-day quarantine period and a final RT PCR negative test on Day 7.
- Partially vaccinated travellers will need proof of a negative RT PCR COVID-19 test taken within 5 days prior to arrival, proof of partial vaccination status, another RT-PCR test upon arrival, a four-day quarantine period and a RT-PCR test on Day 4 (Day 0 is the day you arrive).
- Effective the 12th July, all children aged 5 to 17 must now receive a rapid antigen test upon arrival and an additional test on Day 4 (Day 0 is the day you arrive).
- Effective 1st October, fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from the BVI Gateway Application process. For unvaccinated travelers, BVI Gateway Applications must be completed within 24 hours of travel, and you must begin the application process no later than 48 hours before travel. See more information in the next section below.
- Commencing on the 7th August, a curfew is in place between 11:00pm – 5:00am nightly and remains in effect as of this update.
- Restaurants and bars are open with a maximum capacity of 50 people per location.
- Social gatherings are limited to 50 people.
BVI Gateway Portal
Due to the necessary entry requirements for your destination, it has become mandatory for unvaccinated travellers to be issued a BVI Gateway Traveller Authorisation Certificate prior to arrival. Please enter the BVI Gateway Traveller portal to start your application.
Unvaccinated travellers are to begin the process of registration within 7 days of their planned travel date to comply with all requirements and procedures. Applications on the BVI Gateway portal must be COMPLETED at least 24 hours before travel date and time.
All applicants in PENDING status, who have not completed their necessary requirements 24 hours prior to traveling, will be DENIED.
All travellers are required to submit a negative PCR test or an approved rapid antigen test FIVE days before your arrival date. Only NASOPHARYNGEAL RT-PCR tests are accepted for people aged 5 and over.
For Tech Support or Questions:
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 284-496-6129 (messages only)
Please review the Travel Advisories above as restrictions are rapidly changing.
Please note: If you are flying to or from Tortola (EIS) via San Juan (SJU) and have bought your San Juan to Tortola tickets separately from your U.S. to San Juan tickets, all passengers must provide negative test results taken within 72 hours for entering Puerto Rico.
Visitors travelling through the USVI (St Thomas) via ferry or flights that are not on the same itinerary as their BVI (Beef Island) leg, will need to register on the USVI Travel Portal within 5 days of their arrival to the USVI in addition to the BVI Gateway portal for entry to the BVI. Visitors also returning through the USVI will need to submit the form again within 5 days of their arrival to St. Thomas.
Travel Insurance
Guests must provide proof of travel insurance that protects you in case of cancellation, quarantine requirements, or hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance coverage learn more here.
Guest List
In preparation for your arrival, we ask that you fill out the Guest List with a list of all of the passengers on your yacht including yourself. Please submit this form at least 30 days prior to departure.
Pre-Provisioning
Non-vaccinated guests will not be able to visit markets or shops to purchase provisioning until their Day 7 COVID Test is confirmed negative.
Order your food and beverages in advance with our convenient online provisioning store and have your provisions delivered directly to your yacht. Please order at least 14 days prior to your charter. The marina will not be able to accommodate orders placed on the day you arrive.
Book Transfers
Arrange for a prepaid transfer from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) or the ferry terminal in Road Town to our marina in Tortola.
Ferry service from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Tortola has resumed and is currently operating with two ferries a day with limited capacity. (View BVI Ferry Guide).
To fly to EIS, you will need to connect from Cyril E. King Airport (STT) or through San Juan Airport (SJU).
Contact a Vacation Planner to make transfer or flight arrangements.
Watch Chart Briefing
We require all guests to watch a chart briefing video. The captain and first mate must become familiar with the sailing area by watching a chart briefing. Please watch these briefing videos in the comfort of your own home or office before you are scheduled to depart.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is a good source of information.
Call our experts
Book online today
Chat online