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Getting to the BVI

travel tips to make your trip easier

Getting to the BVI is fairly easy and can be accessed via Aeroplane or Boat / Ferry using the following carriers:

Flights to the BVI

Flights from the USA/Canada to BVI

When travelling from the USA or Canada to the British Virgin Islands we recommend travelling via:
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) or St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (STT)

Carriers from North America include:
– American Airlines
– Air Canada
– Delta
– Jet Blue
– Spirit

Flights from the UK to BVI

When travelling from the UK to the British Virgin Islands we recommend travelling via:
Antigua (ANU), St. Maarten (SXM), Barbados (BGI), Puerto Rico SJU)

You will then catch a connecting flight on to the BVI.

Carriers from the UK include:

– British Airways
– Virgin Atlantic

Flights from Europe to BVI

When travelling from Europe to the British Virgin Islands we recommend travelling via:
St Maarten(SXM)

Carriers from Europe include:
– Air France
– KLM

Carriers to the BVI include

– InterCaribbean
– American Airlines
– Seaborne
– Cape Air
– Silver Airways

Boats to the BVI

Ferries to the BVI

Catching a Ferry to the BVI from St. Thomas

For our charter guests travelling from North America, the BVI ferries are particularly useful when flying into St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (STT).

On arrival into STT, you can catch a short taxi ride (taxis are outside the terminal) to the following ferry terminals:
– Charlotte Amalie (Approx. 10 mins by taxi)
– Red Hook (Approx. 30 mins by taxi)

Ferry journeys can take up to 1 hour dependent on the route to the BVI. Please note ferry schedules are subject to change with no prior notice).

Ferry companies include:

  • Aquatic Rentals
  • Native Son Inc
  • Inter Island
  • Smith’s Ferry
  • Road Town Fast Ferry

Water Taxi to the BVI

Catching a Water Taxi to the BVI from St. Thomas

Want to avoid long queues and the busy local ferry? Then choosing to book a water taxi is the best option for you. Water taxi’s offer a quick and efficient service with a personal touch.

On arrival into STT, your personal land taxi will be there to collect your group. You will then be driven to your private water taxi. From here you will be taken direct to your BVI charter company via customs. The team will organise your immigration process without you having to step foot off the boat.  This is a fantastic service we highly recommend to our guests.

Water taxi companies include:

  • Chillout Charters
  • Ocean Dreams Water Taxi
  • Island Time Water Taxi
  • Tender Too
  • Dolphin Water Taxi

Entry Requirements

From North America:

U.S. citizens travelling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States.

For Canadian and United States citizens, a passport is required.

From Europe:

European citizens need a valid passport to enter the British Virgin Islands. However visitors that are residents of certain countries require a visa in order to enter the BVI.

From the Caribbean:

Please note that citizens from some islands may need to obtain a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands. Visitors from these Caribbean islands need to have a visa in order to enter the BVI.

Customs & Immigration

Customs and Immigration offices are located on Tortola in Road Town and the West End, on Virgin Gorda in the Virgin Gorda Airport, St. Thomas Bay Terminal and on Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour.

Entry and Departure Taxes

Upon arrival to the BVI port of entry you will be charged an Environmental and Tourism Levy at a cost of $10pp. When departing the BVI you will be charged a departure tax at a cost of $20pp.

For more information on whether you require a visa and how to obtain one, please check the UK Border Agency or the Deputy Governor’s Office of the British Virgin Islands. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at:

Tel: 284-494-3471 or 284-494-3701 Ext. 4700.