British Virgin Islands: Government extends existing COVID-19-related restrictions until Nov. 30 /update 45

Event

Authorities in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have extended existing COVID-19-related restrictions until Nov. 30. Authorities had last altered restrictions in mid-October by ending a nightly curfew due to the low level of viral spread in the territory. The islands' entry restrictions remain as follows:

Entry Restrictions
All unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway travel authorization certificate 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 (i.e., those 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 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 (i.e., those 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 period 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 period 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