COVID-19 - Global travel advisory
Effective date: December 15, 2021
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada due to the risk of the Omicron variant that causes COVID-19.
This advisory overrides all other advisories on this page, with the exception of those where we advise against all travel.
Continue to avoid all cruise ship travel outside of Canada.
Useful links
British Virgin Islands Register Travel insurance Destinations
Last updated: ET
Still valid: ET
Latest updates: Editorial change
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada due to the risk of the Omicron variant that causes COVID-19.
This advisory overrides all other advisories on this page, with the exception of those where we advise against all travel.
British Virgin Islands - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in the British Virgin Islands.
Safety and security
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
In an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, most governments have implemented preventative measures and restrictions.
These could include:
- curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns
- the obligation to wear a face-covering, a surgical or respirator mask in some circumstances
- the obligation to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result to access public and private services and spaces, including transportation, restaurants and cultural sites
Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.
Before travelling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are in effect.
Crime
The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.
- Ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Don’t walk alone to deserted, unpatrolled beaches or poorly lit areas after dark
- Consult local authorities to find out which beaches are safe
Don’t bring valuable to the beach
Water activities
Coastal waters can be dangerous. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.
Road safety
Road conditions and road safety are generally good throughout the islands. Mountain roads may be steep and narrow.
Road signage is limited. Roaming livestock pose further hazards, especially at night.
Drivers are reckless, particularly at night. Roadside assistance is not widely available. If you plan to drive across the islands :
- rent a four-wheel drive vehicle
- carry a cellphone
Public transportation
Public transportation is available, but service is unreliable.
Buses
Bus services are available from the ferry dock to the most popular tourist areas on Tortola and Virgin Gorda islands. However, there is no official schedule or route. There is no government-managed public transportation
Taxis
Taxi service is reliable, but can be expensive. Prices are often based on the distance and the number of passengers.
Agree on a fare with the driver before departure to avoid being overcharged.
Ferries
Ferry services within the larger islands are available and frequent.
Ferry schedule – British Virgin Islands Tourism
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
Most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19.
Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.
Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
Restrictions imposed could include:
- entry bans, particularly for non-residents
- exit bans
- quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
- health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
- border closures
- airport closures
- flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
- suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options
Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. Consider even your transit points, as transit rules are in place in many destinations.
- Monitor the media for the latest information
- Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
- Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions
You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.
Useful links
- Travel restrictions and health requirements - United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from the British Virgin Islands.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Other requirements
Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 30 days
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 30 days
Student visa: Not required for stays up to 30 days
If you wish to stay longer than 30 days in the British Virgin Islands, you must obtain proper authorization from the Chief Immigration Officer.
Stays can be extended up to 6 months.
Immigration department – Government of the British Virgin Islands
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Health
- Omicron- SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern - December 15, 2021
- Global Measles Notice - September 16, 2021
- Zika virus: Advice for travellers - December 24, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series in Canada before travelling. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in the Caribbean, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Caribbean. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in the Caribbean, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Dengue
- In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.
Zika Virus
Zika virus is a risk in this country.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy should visit a health care professional before travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country.
Travel recommendations:
- Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
- If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this country for the duration of your pregnancy.
- Women: Wait 2 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy. If your male partner travelled with you, wait 3 months after travel or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer).
- Men: Wait 3 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy.
For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice: Zika virus: Advice for travellers
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing
Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.
Medical facilities are adequate but limited. There is one public hospital and one private hospital on Tortola. Private medical clinics provide healthcare services on other islands of the archipelago.
Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) provides first aid and transport to Tortola for individuals requiring emergency medical assistance.
Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
The British Virgin Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. However, it is a separate legal jurisdiction and has its own laws.
Canada and the United Kingdom are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and British authorities. This process can take a long time and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.
The islands are sometimes used as a drug-trafficking hub between South and North America.
- Pack all your luggage yourself
- Avoid carrying any items that do not belong to you
Useful links
Fishing permits
You must obtain a fishing licence for commercial, sport and pleasure fishing.
It’s prohibited to fish in a marine park and forbidden to capture or remove any marine animal or coral.
If you plan a fishing trip with a chartered vessel, make sure the company or captain already has a permit.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries – Government of the Virgin Islands
Imports and exports
Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or exportation of items such as:
- firearms
- agricultural products
- currency
You may also not be allowed to take from the island a number of marine and animal specimens.
Check with local authorities before buying or attempting to import or export such items.
Immigration Department – Government of the Virgin Islands
Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
If you are staying less than 30 days, you can use your Canadian driver’s licence. Otherwise, you must obtain a local temporary driving permit to drive in the British Virgin Islands.
You can obtain a permit at any car rental agency or from the Traffic Licensing Office. To do so, you will need to present a valid Canadian driver’s licence or an international driving permit.
More about the International Driving Permit
Money
The currency in the British Virgin Islands is the U.S. dollar (USD).
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are widely available.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Hurricane season
Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.
These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.
If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:
- know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
- be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
- stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
- carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
- follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Useful links
- Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons
- Large-scale emergencies abroad
- Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States’ National Hurricane Center
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
- Dial 999 for emergency assistance.
- Dial 911 from land lines
- For marine emergency, call VISAR at 767
Consular assistance
Due to the ongoing pandemic, our consular services could be limited. Contact us by email or telephone before visiting our offices.
There is no Canadian government office in the British Virgin Islands.
Bridgetown - High Commission of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown, Barbados, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.