British Virgin Islands: Government eases entry restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals as of Oct. 6 /update 43

Event

Authorities have eased entry restrictions as of Oct. 6 for fully vaccinated travelers as part of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fully vaccinated individuals whose last vaccine dose occurred at least two weeks prior to entry are no longer required to register for a BVI Gateway Travel Authorisation Certification; the exemption also applies to unvaccinated or partially vaccinated minors aged 17 and under who are accompanied by a vaccinated parent or guardian.

The territory's 01:00-05:00 curfew remains in effect at least through Oct. 18. 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 unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway Travel Authorisation Certification to travel to the islands. Individuals must begin their application at least 48 hours before travel and must complete their application at least 24 hours before travel.

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; for fully vaccinated daytrippers, this time period is reduced to between 24 to 48 hours prior to arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers will also undergo a rapid COVID-19 antigen test upon arrival in BVI. Unvaccinated children aged 17 and under may enter with their fully vaccinated parents without the need to quarantine, but must adhere to all testing requirements. As an exceptional measure, fully vaccinated cruise ship passengers who are in port for less than 24 hours are exempt from testing requirements, although they will be subject to stricter safety protocols while in port unless they opt to undergo a rapid antigen test within 24 hours before arrival.

Partially vaccinated travelers - individuals who have taken at least one dose of a vaccine - must present a negative result from a PCR test taken three to 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 two seaports - the Road Town Jetty and the West End Jetty. 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