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.
Watch the videos below for more information and answers to your frequently asked questions.
Before You Go
Travel Advisories
Please note: Travel to this destination is closed to Canadian residents until April 30, 2021. The Government of the Virgin Islands has imposed a travel ban on travelers from or connecting through the Dominican Republic.
Travel Insurance
Guests must provide proof of travel insurance that protects you in case of cancellation, quarantine requirements, or hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
Contact a Vacation Planner to purchase travel insurance coverage through Charter Travel Insurance.
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
Guests will not be able to visit markets or shops to purchase provisioning until their Day 4 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. 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) to our marina in Tortola. Ferry service from the U.S. Virgin Islands has been suspended until March 2021. 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 arrangements before your flight.
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.
The BVI requires all guests to provide a certified RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test within five days prior to arrival from low-risk countries and within three days from medium and high-risk countries. 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 approximately $175 per person.
When You Arrive
COVID-19 Testing
All guests are tested on arrival and after quarantine. The average turnaround time for results is 18-24 hours. The cost of the two COVID-19 tests and the Contact Tracing bracelet and app is approximately $175 per person. Additional tests, if required, cost approximately $70-$75 per person. Upon arrival, you will be provided with instructions for how to make arrangements for the 4-day test. The base can schedule an appointment with a testing site and taxi from Tortola or Virgin Gorda for the final test before departure.
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 for 14 days. If the results of the 4-day or final test are positive, you will be required to quarantine in an approved accommodation 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.
4-Day Quarantine
The quarantine period begins on the day after you arrive in the BVI. Vessels will be able to move within the Territory after Day 0 during the four-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). Guests may visit beaches, but will not be allowed to visit restaurants, bars or shops. On the fifth day of your charter, if the results of the 4-day test are negative, you will be able to move freely within the Territory.
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, guests may 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).
4-Day COVID-19 Test
Guests must take another test after four days of quarantine. The 4-day testing site is located at Nanny Cay Marina. Upon arrival, you will be provided with instructions for how to make arrangements for the 4-day test.
If the results of the 4-day test are negative, you may move within the Territory.
If the results of the 4-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 within 3 days of departure aboard a flight. Antibody tests and vaccines are not accepted. The cost of this test is approximately $70 plus the taxi ride. For 7 or 8-day charter guests, the Day 4 test results will satisfy this requirement. For guests staying longer than 8 days, an additional test would be required to enter back into the U.S.
Approved Moorings
Vessels will be able to move within the Territory during the four-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 within 3 days of departure aboard a flight. Antibody tests and vaccines are not accepted. The cost of this test is approximately $70 plus the taxi ride. For 7 or 8-day charter guests, the Day 4 test results will satisfy this requirement. For guests staying longer than 8 days, an additional test would be required to enter back into the U.S.
The Customer Service team in Tortola will schedule an appointment for your final test 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. If possible, the base will email your results otherwise you must return to the testing site to receive your 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.
The BVI Tourist Board and The Government of the Virgin Islands is a good source of information.
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