If you’re arriving by air, keep in mind that there are no direct flights from Canada, Europe, or South America to our main airport - the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS). When booking air travel remember to request flights to Tortola or use the airport code, EIS. The airport code for the Virgin Gorda Airport is VIJ. The British Virgin Islands are an ideal location for taking advantage of charter flights both for your initial arrival as well as inter-island aviation.
 

However, several excellent connecting airports surround the islands. All flights to the BVI connect through another Caribbean island airport (such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, or St. Maarten). Your travel agent or international airline will be able to assist with booking flights.
 

The most direct flight from North America to BVI is Miami, FL to Beef Island, BVI on American Airlines. North America with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). Frequent connecting flight service is offered by:

- Cape Air
- Seaborne Airlines / Silver Airways
- interCaribbean Airways - Flights from, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Tradewind Aviation - Scheduled flights between San Juan and Virgin Gorda from November 16, 2023 through April 8, 2024. On-demand private charters available year-round to Virgin Gorda and Tortola.
- Charter airline service can be arranged from almost anywhere in the Caribbean, as well. See our Inter-Island Aviation section for more information on airline charter companies.

Travellers from the UK may find it easiest to travel directly to Antigua by way of the VC Bird International Airport. Connecting flights to Tortola can be booked via LIAT, a regional airline. In addition, interCaribbean Airways and VI Airlink offer non-stop flights for passengers on both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. Private charter flights are also available. Check each airline’s website for any fares and schedules.

VISAS
Under the British Virgin Islands’ visa policy: if a national of a country where BVI visas are required both holds a UK, US or Canadian visa, and is visiting the BVI for business or tourism related matters, that person will be allowed to enter the BVI — and remain for a period of six (6) months or less — without the need for a visa.

Holders of current and valid visas issued by the United Kingdom, United States or Canada should have six (6) months of validity or use prior to travel to the BVI. Furthermore, the exemption would only apply to visits of six (6) months or less.

For further information about the airlines and their routes, including flights from St. Thomas (STT) and St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) via Winair, please visit the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board at bvitourism.com/travel.

The British Virgin Islands have enjoyed a lengthy renown as being one of the most beautiful collections of isles and cays anywhere in the world. Each of the more than 60 separate landfalls nestled among the surrounding deep blue Caribbean waters has its own distinct texture and character. As a visitor to BVI, you’ll discover a friendly reception, incomparable beauty, and endless adventure.
 

Smoking in public places has been banned in the BVI as a result of a law passed by the Legislative Council. The law bans smoking in public places including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, airports, offices, and sports facilities. It also bans smoking within 50 feet of any public space.
 

Pets are allowed entry into the Territory only after an import permit is issued by the Department of Agriculture. For regulations governing animal importation, contact the Department of Agriculture, Paraquita Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Tel: (284) 495-2532 or Fax: (284) 495-1269.

The archaeological record in the British Virgin Islands shows evidence of human habitation in the area as early as 1,500 BC. The native Arawak people inhabited these lands for many centuries before the Carib tribes landed here. The Virgin Islands came by our name thanks to Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus — the first European visitor to these isles — who referred to them as “Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgenes.” This was subsequently shortened to simply “The Virgin Islands.”
 

Today, BVI is a British overseas territory that’s home to more than 30,000 people who’ve settled here from all over the world.
 

The British Virgin Islands (BV) are a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean, just east of Puerto Rico. The islands are a part of the Virgin Islands archipelago that also includes the US Virgin Islands and the remaining islands constitute the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands, which consist of the islands of Culebra and Vieques that are part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
 

The British government officially refers to the British Virgin Islands as the Virgin Islands and encourages the use of that name. Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke are the larger principal islands, with over fifty (50) additional smaller islands and cays. In total about 15 of the islands are inhabited.
 

Country Overview:

+ Population: 30,030 (2019 estimate. Source: Wikipedia)

+ Size Area: 153 km2 (59 sq mi)

+ Government: Parliamentary dependency under a constitutional monarchy

+ Motto: Vigilate (Latin)

+ Royal Anthem: God Save the King

+ Territorial Song: Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands

The main Public Hospital, Peebles Hospital, is located in the capital Road Town on the island of Tortola. There are various public and private health clinics and medical centres. Medivac (medical airlift) is readily available. An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory in The British Virgin Islands. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and laboratory facilities; there is a private plastic surgery clinic as well several private medical centres. A chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous meets regularly; call (284) 496-8422 for more information.