COVID-19 Travel Restrictions in the BVI

Welcome back to Sunsail's Marina in Tortola!

Please view BVI's latest travel requirements in response to covid 19 below. Sunsail will continue to monitor these updates to keep our guests informed of these changes.

We would also advise that you contact your airline for the most up to date information around entry requirements and re-entry to your home country.

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

Fully Vaccinated Travelers:

  • Must provide evidence that you have received the second dose WHO-approved (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson&Johnson) Covid-19 vaccine at least two weeks before entry to the Virgin Islands
  • Must provide results of a negative PCR test or antigen test no older than five days upon entering the British Virgin Islands
  • Must provide proof of travel insurance (mandatory) which includes minimum coverage for:
    • Covid-19 medical costs including hospitalization, doctor’s visit and prescriptions
    • Medical repatriation
    • Quarantine accommodation costs
  • We recommend purchasing Travel Insurance via our partners at Redpoint Travel Insurance

Fully Vaccinated Guest Traveling with Children:

  • Each minor must present a negative PCR test or antigen test no older than five days
  • Children under 5 years of age will not be required to receive a Covid-19 test
  • All children 5 years of age and older will need to be tested
  • Minors 17 years and under do not have to apply to enter the BVI via the BVI Gateway Portal
  • Unvaccinated children traveling with a fully-vaccinated adult will no longer be required to take a Day-4 test

Partially or Unvaccinated Travelers:

  • All partially or unvaccinated travelers must submit a negative RT-PCR tests five days before their arrival date
  • Only NASOPHARYNGEAL RT-PCR tests are accepted for people aged 5 and over
  • Partially or Unvaccinated Travelers must apply for entry to the BVI via the BVI Gateway portal: https://bvigateway.bviaa.com. We recommend beginning the process of registration within 7 days of your planned travel date. Applications via the BVI Gateway Portal MUST be completed at least 24 hours prior to travel date and time. All applicants to have a Pending status who have not completed their necessary requirements 24 hours prior to travel will be Denied entry. Email [email protected] message via WhatsApp at (283) 496-6129 with questions.
  • Partially or Unvaccinated Travelers are permitted to leave the base however they must remain at quarantine approved anchorages and return to base to get their day 4 and day 7 re-tests.
  • If you are traveling in a group with a mix of unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals, the whole group will be recognised as unvaccinated, and will need to follow the guidance for unvaccinated individuals. This includes having to stay at quarantine anchorages.

All Travelers:

  • Submit your full guest list in advance of travel to us via the manage my booking link 
  • All travellers will be tested for Covid-19 on the day of arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers will receive a Rapid Antigen Test, while partially or unvaccinated travelers will receive an RT-PCR test. Total cost of the BVI Gateway Application and Arrival test is $85 USD.

(Back to Top)

When You Arrive

Fully Vaccinated Travelers:

  • Fully-Vaccinated Travelers will be required to take a rapid antigen test upon arrival if they did not manage to take a test 48 hours prior to arrival in the BVI
  • You must pre-register for a rapid antigen test via the Hummingbird Portal. This must be done in advance of your trip and can be completed via the links below. Select the link corresponding to your port of entry:
-  West End Ferry Terminal
  • Fully vaccinated travelers who were able to take their Covid-19 test no later than 48-hours prior to arrival in the BVI, you will not be required to be tested for Covid upon arrival, or pre-register via the Hummingbird portal. Note: if your travel is delayed and you miss the 48-hour window, you will be tested on arrival.

Partially or Unvaccinated Travelers:

  • Will receive an PCR Covid-19 test upon arrival in the BVI
  • Must apply for entry via the BVI Gateway Portal as outlined above.

All Travelers:

  • Must be prepared to pay a fee for the mandatory testing upon arrival at their port of entry
  • If you arrive to Sunsail's marina ahead of your scheduled boarding time, you are free to move about the marina as your results will be given before you leave the airport or ferry terminal
  • In the event a traveler tests positive during the Entry Test, they will need to return to the marina and remain in quarantine for up to seven days. Guests in quarantine can remain on their yacht or move to a hotel or villa (at their own expense) until a negative PCR test is obtained.

(Back to Top)

If entering the BVI via Puerto Rico

  • Passengers in transit less than 48 hours are not required to complete the Puerto Rico travel portal
  • If you are flying to/from Tortola (EIS) and San Juan (SJU) and are staying in Puerto Rico for more than 48 hours, you must complete a traveller declaration form
  • Print out copies of your Travel Documents
  • Where possible we recommend allowing 2 hours for connecting flights
  • Pre-Book your taxi transfer through Sunsail by calling (800) 334-2435 Note: it may be advisable to complete your Covid test 4 days out rather than 5, so should a flight cancellation cause you to stay overnight in San Juan, your test result will not expire. If it does, testing is available at the airport.
(Back to Top)

If entering the BVI via St. Thomas

  • Every traveler aged five or older entering the U.S. Virgin Islands must complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a negative Covid-19 test within five days of arrival (in addition to the BVI Gateway for partially and unvaccinated travellers). Visit www.usviupdate.com
  • Due to Covid-19, ferry capacities have been reduced, and there are 3 ferries per day in operation between the USVI and BVI. Be sure to pre-book your ferry tickets. Visit www.bviports.org/covid-19 for the latest ferry schedule and Book Here: Smith’s, Native Son, Road Town Fact Ferry
  • All vaccinated travelers travelling home through St. Thomas will need to provide a negative Antigen or PCR test within 48-hours of arriving in St. Thomas from the BVI
  • Pre-Book your taxi transfer through Sunsail by calling (800) 334-2435

During your Charter

  • Restaurants and bars are open with a maximum capacity of 65 people and will operate on normal opening times
  • Masks must be worn in public places, including at the base
  • Mariner Yacht Club is now open
  • Stores will be operating on regular opening times
  • Ferry capacities have now increased to 100 passengers with 3 ferries per day however we recommend you pre-book your ferry and leave a minimum of 2 hours between arriving in the USVI and your ferry to BVI as there are increased wait times.
  • 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.

VIEW SAFETY MEASURES

(Back to Top)

COVID Testing Centres in BVI

Re-entry to the US

  •  All US travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 24 hours before travel. All air passengers to the USA are also required to provide contact information to their airlines before boarding.
  •  We strongly recommend completing your Covid-19 Exit Test as soon as you arrive with the 72-hour window prior to departure to ensure enough time to receive your test results
  • All testing facilities will be open across the holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It is important that you check with the airline or ferry company to confirm entry requirements.
MD Link concierge testing (a medical nurse that comes to your boat):
  • Phone (284) 440-3070
  • Cost: $125 Rapid Antigen | $225 PCR
BVI’s: Penn Medical in Road Town, Tortola:
  • Phone (264) 495-3299
  • Cost: $80 Rapid Antigen | $100+ PCR
Wellness Center Clinic, Tortola Pier Park: 
  • Open M-F 9am-8pm, weekends by appointment
  • Phone: (284) 496-0838
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost: $75 Rapid Antigen | $100+ PCR
Dr. Dougan, Private MD:
  • Available across Tortola, the doctor does not have access to a boat to service other islands 
  • Phone: (284) 440-3070

Dr Emelandu from Emel Medical Centre 

  • Open 08:00am and 10:00 on Friday's Saturday's and Sunday's (This includes Christmas day and New Years day) Customers need to leave their names of all pax as well as email addresses with reception at the base who will then communicate with the Doctor.
  • Cost: $100 with results offered within 30 minutes.
Please note we are not affiliated in any way with any of the above services, but rather providing external assistance to ease the worry of our guests who need to abide by the 24 hour testing prior to entering US territory.

Useful Sources of Information

Choose Sunsail

20+
Stunning sailing destinations 
14
Flotilla routes
48
Types of yachts
44 yrs
Creating vacations
4 hr
Service guarantee