The Essentials

The British Virgin Islands' main airport, the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS). The BVI’s additional major airports are Auguste George Airport, Anegada (NGD); and Taddy Bay Airport, Virgin Gorda (VIJ).

All year-round. Peak Tourist Season: December to May

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.

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

English is the main language. Spanish is also spoken.

1 Public Hospital, Peebles Hospital and a privately-owned hospital, Bougainvillea Clinic. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and laboratory facilities.

Each well populated island has a Public Health Clinic Clinic and its staff is willing to assist at any hour. There are also private health clinics and medical centres; Medivac (medical airlift) is readily available. If service is needed at the Government operated Pebbles Hospital or If need be, a ferry may be chartered from each island with a community clinic or hotel. An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory in The British Virgin Islands.

A tip of 15 to 20 percent is customary.

Getting around the British Virgin Islands is very easy. Whether your clients want to overnight on several islands, or use one island as a base for day-trips, they will find plenty of options for inter-island travel.

Self-Drive & Taxi Hire
The islands of the BVI are relatively small and most trips can be made by foot, but, for greater distances, friendly taxi services can be easily found throughout the islands.

There are many local car rental companies which include Avis, Dollar, Hertz, and National. These companies can be found on Tortola; however, there are various car rental companies located on Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. The hotel concierges can often make arrangements to have a rental vehicle delivered to your clients' hotel. Clients should be aware that it is customary to drive on the left side of the road in the BVI.

The age requirement for renting a car in the BVI is 25 or older. If travelers intend on heading up into the mountains and thoroughly exploring the islands’ sometimes steep and winding roads, they should consider renting a 4WD vehicle or SUV.

Bicycles & Scooters
Throughout the islands, but especially on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada, travelers will find operators renting bicycles and scooters for half day and full day use.

Inter-Island Flights
There are numerous charter airlines that make inter-island travel a breeze. Methods of flight range from planes that carry a maximum of 15 passengers to helicopter charters for those who want the best views and shortest travel time. There are regularly scheduled inter-island flights, as well as options for private plane charters.

Inter-Island Ferries
The best way to island-hop is via scheduled ferry service, which is convenient, frequent and efficient. Ferries are a great day-trip option for your clients to experience the BVI. The ferries maintain a daily schedule and select ferries operate routes between the BVI and US Virgin Islands. For detailed information, click on the web icon.

One can have breakfast on one island, lunch on another, dinner on another and still go back to their original island…that is how easy it is to explore the British Virgin Islands.

Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States.

For more information on whether a visa is required and how to obtain one, please check the UK Border Agency or the Deputy Governor's Office of the British Virgin Islands. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at: Tel: 284-494-3471 or 284-494-3701 Ext. 4700.

The BVI has subtropical balmy weather with a cool breeze throughout the year. During the months of February and March, the BVI experiences its dry season and throughout the months of September to November, the islands experience its rainy season. Typically, the temperature ranges between 69-72 degrees Fahrenheit, during the nights of November to March to 90-92 during the midday hours of July to September.