British Virgin Islands: Authorities extend nationwide COVID-19-related curfew through April 15 /update 33

Event

Authorities in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have extended an existing 02:00-05:00 curfew through April 15 as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Only workers in essential and critical services are exempt from the curfew. All other restrictions on domestic activity and international travel remain unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Long-standing pandemic-related operating requirements will likely remain in place for an extended period. Businesses must continue to enforce social distancing guidelines, require that facemasks be worn, and adhere to sanitization protocols. Persons operating vessels within BVI territorial waters may only do so between the hours of 05:01-22:00. Gatherings may not exceed 75 people, except for relgious gatherings, which may not exceed 100 people. Beaches may be subject to regulated hours of operation and additional capacity limits.

International Travel Restrictions
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is open for international travel. Persons intending to enter the BVI, including those authorized to enter from nations on the banned country list, must obtain prior approval and adhere to health protocols. They must also comply with the following additional requirements:

• Travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway Traveller Authorisation Certificate. The application must be completed at least 24 hours before travel.

• Travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within five days before travel.

• Travelers must undergo additional health screenings at the airport, including taking a PCR test.

• Travelers must install and use contact-tracing software on their mobile phones and wear a tracking bracelet.

• Travelers must remain quarantined within the compound of their accommodations or yacht for the first four days and take another PCR test on the fourth day. If the test is negative, movement throughout the territory will be permitted.

• Persons who test positive upon arrival must complete a 14-day quarantine at a government-approved location.

Travelers from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, South Africa, and the UK face the following additional measures in response to variant COVID-19 strains in those countries:

• A mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government-approved location

• PCR tests on day seven and day 14 of the traveler's stay, which must produce negative results to allow full movement

• A mandatory tracking bracelet, which must be worn at all times

• A USD 175 fee, which must be paid to cover the cost of testing

Ferry ports remain closed to vessels from outside the BVI through at least April 15.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of the British Virgin Islands
BVI Gateway Travel Authorization