October 25, 2023 - Meagan Palmer
The British Virgin Islands have quickly become a go-to Caribean vacation spot for those seeking a relaxing, (or adventurous!) scenic trip. Before you start planning your getaway, make sure you’re familiar with British Virgin Islands travel safety information like travel requirements, safety guidelines, and recommendations to make your stay stress-free. Check out our other travel safety guides for other popular tourist destinations.
Are the British Virgin Islands open for travel?Yes, the BVI is open for tourists as of May 15, 2021.
Are the British Virgin Islands safe?Use the links below to find up-to-date British Virgin Islands travel safety information to help you assess risks and better plan your getaway.
Before departing for your trip, be sure to check on any travel health updates from the CDC.
US State Department Travel Advisory
This department regularly provides travel safety updates on each country.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program allows you to receive specific updates on your destination and connects you to the embassy there in case of an emergency.
There may be other events happening at your destination worth noting that could pose a risk.There may be other events happening at your destination worth noting.
U.S. Embassy in British Virgin Islands
You can find how to contact the embassy in the BVI, which is important for an emergency situation.You can find how to contact the embassy in the BVI, which is important for an emergency situation.
What travel restrictions are in place?Click the links below to learn what you’ll need to prepare prior to your departure date. These sites are regularly updated, so you can be better informed.
You can find out if you’ll need to take any tests prior to departure.
Learn if you’ll be required to quarantine at any point during your travel.
How do you get there?The best way to travel to the BVI is by airplane, but you might have to take a couple of connecting flights and/or ferries to get there depending on where you’re traveling from or which island you’re visiting. For example, sometimes using St. Thomas as your main flight destination and then taking a ferry from there to the British Virgin Islands could save you some money.
When is the best time to visit the British Virgin Islands?You’ll find the best weather during the months of December through February. However, this is also when prices are highest. If you’re looking to score a deal on travel, try booking a trip to the BVI between March and August. The later months of the year are cheaper as well, but is also when this area experiences the most rain.
Do you need a passport to travel to the British Virgin Islands?Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport to travel to the British Virgin Islands. Since it’s travel to a British overseas territory, it will be considered international travel out of the country. Check out our guides on how to purchase or renew your passport and where you can get a passport photo taken.
What’s open to tourists?Pretty much everything is open, so use the lists below to plan something exciting during your journey to the BVI.
Check out this resource to find restaurants available.
The British Virgin Islands have much to offer when it comes to different types of activities.
What are some things to do in the British Virgin Islands?There is a plethora of ways to spend your time in the BVI, making your vacation worthwhile. Here are some ideas to get you started planning your getaway:
World-Famous British Virgin Islands Beaches:
The Baths at Virgin Gorda: Swim or wade through this maze of giant granite boulders in crystal clear water.
Anagada Island: Most travelers sail here or choose to dive and explore the hundreds of shipwrecks under the water.
Yacht Charters: Speaking of sailing, the BVI is well known for its yachting and sailing scene. It’s a great way to island hop and enjoy some luxury.
Sage Mountain National Park: If you’re wanting to get away from the beach for a while, this national park is full of foliage and wildlife worth seeing.
Are the British Virgin Islands Family-Friendly?Absolutely! Here are some activities the whole family would love.
Where to stay in the British Virgin Islands?Check out these top-rated hotels based on your style of travel ranging from luxury to eco-friendly!
Travel Insurance For the BVIAlthough the BVI no longer requires travelers to purchase travel insurance, it’s always a wise idea to protect your travel costs. This is especially true if you plan on chartering a yacht. Most yacht charter contracts have strict cancellation policies. So if something unexpected causes you to cancel, you’ll still be expected to pay for your charter.
In addition, since COVID-19 is treated like any other illness, COVID-19 would be a covered medical event if you tested positive during your trip. This means that your medical expenses could be reimbursed if you had to receive medical care or needed a medical evacuation or repatriation. Having travel insurance gives many travelers peace of mind and is just another aspect of British Virgin Islands travel safety preparedness.
For example, if you had to be medically quarantined because you contracted COVID-19 during your vacation to the BVI, you could be reimbursed for additional accommodation, meals, and local transportation expenses under trip delay.
British Virgin Islands vs. US Virgin IslandsObviously, if you are a US citizen, it will be simpler to travel to the US Virgin Islands, given that you won’t need a passport. However, there are some other distinct differences between the BVI and USVI to note.
The US Virgin Islands will offer more familiar chains, hotels, and plenty of entertainment options. The British Virgin Islands offers a more bespoke experience with fewer accommodations, local bars and restaurants, and more untouched land than the USVI.
Both destinations are beautiful and have much to fill your vacation with. You’ll find that the USVI will have more comforts of home while the BVI is a more quiet destination. However, we recommend having the best of both worlds by visiting both since inter-island travel is pretty accessible.
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As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance. Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.
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