British Virgin Islands: Government extends restrictions through at least Oct. 3 /update 42

Event

Authorities have extended the territory's nightly curfew through Oct. 3 as part of their effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. The curfew has been relaxed by two hours; individuals must now remain within their residences 01:00-05:00. Persons employed in essential services, such as security, waste management, healthcare, and public safety, are exempt, as are individuals traveling to or from airports or ports. Outside curfew hours, individuals must wear protective facemasks, maintain social distancing, and respect all relevant capacity restrictions.

Travel Restrictions
All travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway Travel Authorisation Certification to travel to the islands. Individuals must complete their application at least 24 hours before travel. Exemptions apply for those returning to the BVI from the US Virgin Islands (USVI) as part of the official travel bubble to vaccinate BVI residents in the US territory; special procedures superseding those listed below apply to said travelers.

Fully vaccinated travelers - individuals who have received a complete course of a COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days before travel - must show a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than five days before arrival, along with proof of full vaccination. Vaccinated travelers will also undergo a rapid COVID-19 antigen test upon arrival in BVI. Unvaccinated children between 5-17 years of age may enter with their fully vaccinated parents but must take a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival, followed by a second test on day four of their trip.

Partially vaccinated travelers - individuals who have taken at least one dose of a vaccine - must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within five days before arrival, in addition to proof of being partially vaccinated. Partially vaccinated persons will undergo a PCR test upon arrival; they must also complete a four-day quarantine and take an additional PCR test on day four.

Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a PCR test taken three to five days before arrival and undergo another PCR test upon arrival. These travelers must also complete a seven-day quarantine and take a PCR test on day seven.

Fully vaccinated travelers may enter BVI through Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) and four seaports - the Road Town Jetty; Soper's Hole Dock, West End; Dog Hole Dock, Jost Van Dyke; and St. Thomas Bay Dock, Virgin Gorda. Partially and unvaccinated travelers may only enter through EIS or the Road Town Jetty seaport.

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