British Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Often referred to as 'Nature's Little Secrets', visitors to the British Virgin Islands will not be hard pressed to find out why. Abounding in natural beauty, the 36 islands making up the Caribbean archipelago (16 of which are uninhabited) have kept the affects of tourism at bay and offer unblemished beaches, numerous unspoilt anchorages, exotic fauna and flora and a low-key lifestyle.Situated about 50 miles (80km) east of Puerto Rico and just north east of the US Virgin Islands, the islands and cays that make up the British Virgin Islands are clustered around the Sir Francis Drake Channel, which is renowned for its sheltered, crystal clear waters. Its location has made the archipelago a Mecca for yachting enthusiasts and the islands are known as one of the best and safest sailing destinations in the world, with reliable trade winds, near perfect weather and a choice of secluded and intriguing bays to visit.The largest island, Tortola, is the yachting capital of the Caribbean and the territory's main commercial centre, its beautiful mountainous slopes endowed with tropical fruits and flowers. It is an ideal base from which to explore some of the other inhabited islands such as Virgin Gorda, noted for its spectacular geological formations and one of BVI's most famous landmarks - The Baths. Travellers in search of a remote and rustic retreat, with the smell of freshly baked banana bread and the sounds of the famed calypso-singing in the air, should head for the friendly beach haven of Jost Van Dyke, while the reefs surrounding Anagada's low-lying coral atoll and its miles of deserted white beaches shouldn't be missed by divers, snorkellers and sun worshippers. Besides these major islands, there are also dozens of secluded islets and cays to explore, each blessed with its own special charm and unique beauty.

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British Virgin Islands Climate and Weather

The islands have a sub-tropical climate with high humidity, although temperatures are moderated by trade winds. Temperatures in summer average from 79-88°F (26-31°C) and between 72-82°F (22-28°C) in winter. Rainfall is erratic with occasional droughts.

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British Virgin Islands Currency

Money: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Most establishments on the larger islands accept credit cards and travellers cheques, but on Anegada it is best to have cash. Banks and exchange facilities can be found in Road Town, Tortola. ATMs are available in Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Currency Exchange Rates
US$ 1 =	US$ 1.00	£ 0.48	C$ 0.95	A$ 1.08	R 6.54	EUR 0.69	NZ$ 1.30

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

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British Virgin Islands Health Overview

Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Bottled water is recommended although tap water is usually chlorinated. There is a risk of dengue fever. Limited medical facilities can be found on all the main British Virgin Islands, but there is only one hospital located in Road Town, Tortola, and complicated medical conditions are usually referred to the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or the USA. Comprehensive medical and travel insurance is recommended.

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British Virgin Islands Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US passport holders require a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:UK passport holders need a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadian passport holders require a passport or original birth certificate together with an official photo ID. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australian passport holders need a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans need a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals need a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
Passport/Visa Note:Travellers need a return or onward ticket and all the documents required for their next destination, as well as sufficient funds. Since January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from the BVI by air require a passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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British Virgin Islands Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 60 Hz. Plugs are the same as in the US with two-pin flat blade attachments common.
Language: English is the main language spoken on the islands.
Health: Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Bottled water is recommended although tap water is usually chlorinated. There is a risk of dengue fever. Limited medical facilities can be found on all the main British Virgin Islands, but there is only one hospital located in Road Town, Tortola, and complicated medical conditions are usually referred to the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or the USA. Comprehensive medical and travel insurance is recommended.
Tipping: For good service, a 10 to 15% tip is usual. Hotels often add a service charge to the bill, usually between 10 and 12%, so it is best to check before tipping. Bellhops and porters usually expect $1 per item of luggage. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped as most own their own vehicles.
Safety: The British Virgin Islands have a low crime rate, but sensible precautions should be taken regarding valuables, especially on beaches. The islands are susceptible to hurricanes particularly during the months between June and November, but tropical storms can occur throughout the year.
Customs: It is considered impolite to take photographs of the local people without asking their permission beforehand.
Business: Business attire is fairly formal and conservative; a lightweight suit is appropriate for most meetings, unless in an informal outdoor setting where smart-casual dress is more appropriate. Handshaking is customary for introductions between both men and women; women are considered equals in the business world and should be treated as such. Business cards are exchanged on introduction. Being late for meetings is considered offensive despite the laid back impression of the island, although meetings are usually fairly unstructured. The language of business is English, and hours of business generally from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international dialling code for the British Virgin Islands is +1 284. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01127 for South Africa). No area codes are required. A GSM 900/1900 network covers the islands. Internet cafes are available throughout the islands and many hotels provide Internet connections. Phone boxes are widely available and accept coins and phone cards, which can be purchased in most shops.
Duty Free: Travellers to the Virgin Islands over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco; and wine or spirits up to 1 litre.

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British Virgin Islands Airports

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport

Location: The airport is situated nine miles (15km) from Road Town, Tortola.
Time: Local time is GMT –4.
Transfer to the city: Taxis are available. Many resorts provide water launches or courtesy vans for their guests.
Car rental: There are no car rental companies at the airport.
Facilities: There is a restaurant and bar, and tourist information is available.
Departure tax: US$15 tax and US$5 security charge payable on leaving the BVI by air.

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