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.
Before You Go
Travel Advisories
Please note: The Government of the Virgin Islands has imposed a travel ban on travelers from or connecting through the Dominican Republic as well as travelers from Brazil or India.
Please Note: The British Virgin Islands recently imposed new protocols and restrictions for travelers entering the territory. These updates include:
- Effective July 19, 2021 persons who are fully vaccinated must now receive a rapid antigen test upon arrival.
- Those not fully vaccinated remain under existing testing and quarantine protocols.
- Fully vaccinated guests are required to quarantine immediately upon completion of the arrival RT-PCR test until negative test results are received. You may quarantine on the yacht. You can find a list of approved moorings below, which is subject to change.
- In the event a traveler tests positive, the Public Health Department will contact them to provide further instructions.
- A curfew is currently in place effective July 12, 2021 for a period of 28 days from 7:00pm – 5:00am nightly.
- All bars, clubs, entertainment establishments, hairdressers, and gyms are closed.
- Restaurants remain open but may only operate on a to-go basis.
- Social gatherings are limited to 25 people.
- For all customers traveling home from the BVI via St. Thomas, there are new protocols in place. From Monday, July 19th, all customers will need to provide a negative PCR test within 48 hours of arriving in St. Thomas. If this impacts your travel plans, you will be able to change dates and locations or opt for a credit certificate.
- Lastly, please note that obtaining results for the mandatory Exit Test to return to the US is taking longer than anticipated. Therefore we recommend getting your Exit COVID-19 test immediately upon entering the 3-day window prior to your return flight home, to ensure enough time to obtain your results.
Currently, these restrictions only affect guests with charters departing on or before August 8, 2021, however, these policies are subject to change and may be extended. Please see below answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding this latest update:
Q: Will these new protocols prevent me from taking my charter?
A: No, you will still be able to access your yacht and enjoy the destination with limited access to bars and restaurants.
Q: Am I allowed to move my charter as a result of these changes?
A: Yes, if your charter departs on or before August 23, 2021, you are permitted to change your charter dates at no cost under our Book with Confidence policy. Or if you purchased Flex Protection Plan, you may change and no cost up to 7 days prior to departure.
Q: How can we provision our yacht if we have to be in quarantine or arrive after curfew?
A: You must provision your yacht in advance of your arrival. You may do this via our online provisioning store with a cut-off date of 14 days prior to your arrival. If you are inside of 14 days we recommend provisioning online through our local partners at RiteWay, Bobby’s Market, and Grape Expectations.
Q: Does the restaurant at the marina deliver to the yachts?
A: Yes, we recommend ordering from the Mariner Yacht Club restaurant upon arrival and having your meals delivered to the yacht on the day you arrive.
Q: Do we know which restaurants offer To-Go orders?
A: Most restaurants are offering to-go orders and we are actively communicating with local restaurants to post a detailed list here shortly.
Important Contacts
The Visitor Support Service (VSS) is available in crisis situations.
Albert Wheatley, Coordinator - (284) 441-1981 – Email: [email protected]
An additional contact is: Mr. Carnel Clyne – (284) 340-2210 – Email: [email protected]
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 Charter Briefings
We require all guests to watch a charter safety 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.
BVI Gateway Portal
Due to the necessary entry requirements for your destination, it has become mandatory for all guests to be issued a BVI Gateway Traveler Authorisation Certificate prior to arrival. Please enter the BVI Gateway Traveler portal to start your application. You will download the Contact Tracing Mobile App when you arrive in the BVI.
Travelers 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 the travel date and time.
All applicants in PENDING status, who have not completed their necessary requirements 24 hours prior to travel, will be DENIED.
Only NASOPHARYNGEAL RT-PCR tests are accepted for passengers 5 and over.For Tech Support or Questions:Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 284-496-6129 (messages only)
The BVI requires all guests to provide a certified RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test taken within five days prior to arrival. The Travel Certificate application needs to be filled out for each member of your party to ensure you can enter the country. The cost of the two COVID-19 tests and the Contact Tracing bracelet and app is $175 per person; fully vaccinated travelers pay $35 per person plus a $50 rapid test fee upon arrival starting July 19th.
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 traveling 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.
When You Arrive
Day 0
The day you arrive in the BVI is considered Day 0 of your stay in the Territory. On this day, non-vaccinated travelers will be able to leave the dock at the marina; however, guests are not allowed to go ashore and need to stay in the area of Norman/Peter Island indicated on the map until they receive their confirmed negative test results. A curfew order is in place, which requires all yachts to be moored at an approved site between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. (see list of Approved Moorings).
If you welcome new members to your party (e.g., a friend's flight arrives two days later), the quarantine period resets to Day 0.
As of July 19th, fully vaccinated travelers must receive an RT-PCR COVID-19 test upon arrival and quarantine. (Rules are rapidly changing, please see Travel Advisories above for the latest information.)
It is important to NOT travel to the BVI via the Dominican Republic as you will be denied entry.
COVID-19 Testing
Non-vaccinated or only partially vaccinated travelers are tested on arrival. (Children under 5 years of age are exempt). The average turnaround time for results is 18-36 hours.
As of July 19, fully vaccinated travelers need to take the arrival test. (Rules are rapidly changing, please see Travel Advisories above for the latest information.)
The cost of the two COVID-19 tests and the Contact Tracing bracelet and app is $175 per person; fully vaccinated travelers pay $35.
Additional tests, if required, cost approximately $70 - $75 per person.
Transfers to any testing locations (or our marina upon arrival) are to be paid extra.
Upon arrival, non-vaccinated guests will be provided with instructions for how to make arrangements for the 7-day test (4-day test for partially vaccinated travelers and children ages 5-17).
If you are being accommodated on a yacht, you will need to dock at our Tortola marina and take a taxi to the testing site for your 7-day (or 4-day) test. The cost for the taxi to the testing location is $14/person round-trip.
(The base can help schedule an appointment with a testing site and taxi from Tortola or Virgin Gorda for the final test before departure if needed.)
If the results of the arrival test are negative, you are required to quarantine at an approved accommodation/your yacht.
If the results are positive, you will be required to quarantine in an approved accommodation/your yacht at the quarantine dock for 14 days. If the results of the 7-day-test (4-day test for partially vaccinated travelers and children ages 5-17) or final test are positive, you will be required to quarantine in an approved accommodation/your yacht at the quarantine dock for 10 days.
The main testing lab is Peebles Hospital in Road Town. Test results take 24 to 36 hours. The BVIHSA is advising customers to work towards the 72 hour time frame to allow for the accurate completion of the paper work. An appointment can be made via email at [email protected] and must mention airline and departure, or by contacting the BVIHSA hotline at 284-852-7650. Scheduling an appointment is best, however, the facilities accepts walk-ins (dependent on the doctors availability). Doctors are usually at the testing site from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.. The results are required to be picked up from hospital before your departure. You will not be emailed the results of this final test. Another testing facility can be found on Virgin Gorda at Iris O'Neal Medical Clinic.
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Quarantine
Fully vaccinated adults will need another COVID test for traveling within the BVI and are required to quarantine after arrival. (Rules are rapidly changing, please see Travel Advisories above for the latest information.) If fully vaccinated adults are traveling with unvaccinated children, children 5-17 will still need to complete a test on arrival and one on day 4 (day 5 of being on island). There will not be a quarantine period for unvaccinated children so long as they stay with their vaccinated parents.
For unvaccinated guests, the quarantine period begins on the day after you arrive in the BVI. Vessels will be able to move within the Territory during the seven-day quarantine period, however, vessels may only moor at sites approved by the Minister for Health and Social Development in consultation with the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration (see list of approved moorings).
Restrictions for Day 0 mooring/anchoring to the area of Norman/Peter Island apply as indicated on the map. Guests may visit beaches once they got their arrival test results, but will not be allowed to visit restaurants, bars or shops. On the 8th day of your charter, if the results of the 7-day test are negative, you will be able to move freely within the Territory.
(Travelers with one vaccine dose or whose vaccination is not yet two weeks old will have a four-day-quarantine.)
Anyone breaching mandatory quarantine will face a fine of $15,000.
During Your Charter
Day 0
The day you arrive in the BVI is considered Day 0 of your stay in the Territory. On this day, you will be able to leave the dock at the marina; however, unvaccinated travelers are limited to the mooring sites around Norman/Peter/Cooper Island as indicated on the map and are not be allowed to go ashore until you receive your confirmed negative test results. A curfew order is in place, which requires all yachts to be moored at an approved site between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. (see list of approved moorings).
7-Day COVID-19 Test
Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to take another COVID test to travel within the BVI. (Rules are rapidly changing, please see Travel Advisories above for the latest information.)
Unvaccinated guests must take another test after seven days of quarantine. The 7-day testing site is located at Peebles Hospital with transport from our Tortola marina for yacht charter guests. Upon arrival, you will be provided with instructions for how to make arrangements for the 7-day test. (The transfer between the marina and the testing site is to be paid extra, $14 per person).
If the results of the 7-day test are negative, you may move within the Territory.
If the results of the 7-day test are positive, you will be required to quarantine in an approved accommodation for 10 days.
Starting January 26, 2021, the U.S. Government will require all travelers coming from international countries - including U.S. citizens - to present negative test results from a PCR test taken within 3 days of departure to board a flight. Antibody tests and vaccines are not accepted. The cost of this test is approximately $70 plus the taxi ride.
For partially vaccinated travelers and children ages, 5-17 on a 7-day charter, the Day 4 test results will currently satisfy this requirement.
For all others, an additional test would currently be required to enter back into the U.S.
For those traveling with children, the following rules will apply:
- Children under 5 years of age are exempt from COVID testing.
- Children aged 5-17 will be tested upon arrival.
- Children will be released from quarantine together with their parents/guardians once the test results for the entire group are negative. There is no quarantine time for children traveling with fully vaccinated adults, but children must remain within their family bubble.
- Unvaccinated children will be subject to a further test on day four.
Approved Moorings
Vessels will be able to move within the Territory during the seven-day quarantine period, however, vessels may only moor at sites approved by the Minister for Health and Social Development in consultation with the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour, and Immigration (list of approved moorings sites).
Public Spaces
Guests must wear a face mask in all public spaces and must always keep a safe distance of 6 ft.
Safety Measures
We are dedicated to giving you peace of mind when you charter with us. Our industry-leading safety measures include the fogging and disinfecting of all yachts before each charter begins.
COVID-19 Test Upon Departure
The BVI Government does not require another test to depart the country; however, tests are available for US citizens and international travelers who may need a test based on their home country requirements. Starting January 26, 2021, the U.S. Government will require all travelers coming from international countries - including U.S. citizens - to present negative test results from a PCR test taken within 3 days of departure to board a flight. Antibody tests and vaccines are not accepted. The cost of this test is approximately $70 plus the cost of the taxi ride.
Depending on the length of your stay an additional test is therefore required to enter back into the U.S.
Please also note: You are not able to go to the airport for any departure flights until you have officially left quarantine.
The Customer Service team in Tortola can help you schedule an appointment for your final test only at Tortola's Peebles Hospital or Virgin Gorda's Iris O'Neal Medical Clinic. The base can organize a taxi from Tortola or Virgin Gorda harbors to the testing sites for your final test. There is also a testing site in walking distance to Foxy's at Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke. You must return to the testing site to receive your final results.
For travelers connecting through San Juan Airport (SJU), Puerto Rico requires a negative COVID test. A traveler declaration form is required. The document on your phone will be scanned upon arrival.
Visitors traveling 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.
(Rules are rapidly changing, please see Travel Advisories above for the latest information.)
The BVI Tourist Board and The Government of the Virgin Islands is a good source of information.
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