British Virgin Islands: Authorities to ease restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers May 15; amend other travel restrictions /update 35

Event

Officials in British Virgin Islands (BVI) have issued orders to ease travel restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals entering the islands starting May 15, as part of the government's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, authorities have lifted specific restrictions for travelers entering from the UK, South Africa and Dominican Republic. Individuals who have been in Brazil or India within the 14 days prior to arrival to BVI (including fully vaccinated individuals) are still required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Under the new directives effective May 15, all travelers will continue to be required to obtain a BVI Gateway Traveller Authorisation Certificate. The application must be completed at least 24 hours before travel. All travelers must also obtain a negative PCR test, taken 3-5 days before traveling to BVI.

People who have gotten their last shot of an approved vaccine more than 14 days before traveling to BVI must follow these additional requirements:

• Provide proof of their vaccinations.

• Undergo additional health screenings and take a PCR test at the airport upon arrival.

• Quarantine for approximately 24 hours while awaiting results from the arrival test.

• End quarantine immediately if the arrival test is negative.

• These rules also apply for fully vaccinated adults traveling with unvaccinated children. The children may end their quarantine together with their vaccinated parents.

Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must also take a PCR test upon arrival, and must quarantine for seven days (an increase from a previous requirement of four days). If the arrival test is negative, they can end the quarantine on the eighth day after their arrival.

All individuals traveling in groups mixed of vaccinated and unvaccinated adults must complete a seven-day quarantine. Ferry ports have reopened to passenger vessels from outside the BVI.

Domestic Measures

Businesses must continue to enforce social distancing guidelines, require that facemasks be worn by customers and employees, and adhere to sanitization protocols. Persons operating vessels within BVI territorial waters may only do so 00:30-22:00. Gatherings are now limited to one person per every six square meters (64 square feet) or a maximum of 200 people. Faith-based gatherings, weddings, graduation ceremonies, or funerals can have up to 250 people.

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