Documentation & Fees
| Document/Fee Type | Requirement | Notes & Purpose |
| Valid Passport | MANDATORY for all travelers (including US and UK citizens) arriving by air or sea. | Must be valid for the duration of your stay. Recommended to have at least 6 months validity past your travel dates, though BVI requirements are officially less strict. |
| BVI Online E/D Form (Embarkation/Disembarkation) | MANDATORY (As of Jan 1, 2025, for all travelers). | This replaces the old paper forms. It must be completed online within 72 hours prior to your arrival. Save the receipt/confirmation on your mobile device. |
| Return/Onward Ticket | Required by Immigration. | Proof of your scheduled departure (e.g., flight ticket, or the crew’s manifest showing your charter departure date). |
| Visa | Required for citizens of certain countries. | US and UK citizens generally DO NOT require a visa for stays up to one month. If you hold a passport from a country that requires a BVI visa, ensure it is secured before travel. |
| Environmental & Tourism Levy | $10 USD per person, payable upon arrival. | A mandatory fee collected at the port of entry (airport or customs office). |
| BVI Departure Tax | $50 USD per person (if departing by air from EIS) OR $20 USD (if departing by sea/ferry). | This tax must be paid upon departure from the BVI. |
Etiquette
| Points | DO’s (Recommended Etiquette) | DON’Ts (Etiquette to Avoid) |
| 1. Social Interaction | Greet Everyone: Start every interaction with “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening” before asking a question. | Be Impatient: Do not complain or rush service (“Island Time” is real). Aggressiveness or visible frustration is highly discouraged. |
| 2. Dress & Attire | Wear Cover-Ups: Always wear a shirt, dress, or cover-up when leaving the immediate beach/pool area and when walking through towns (like Road Town, Spanish Town, or West End). | Wear Swimwear in Public: Do not wear just a bikini, swim trunks, or walk bare-chested anywhere other than the beach, pool, or right at a beach bar. |
| 3. Marine Environment | Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Opt for sunscreens that are free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate to protect coral reefs. | Touch or Stand on Coral: Never touch, stand on, or anchor on living coral reefs or seagrass beds. |
| 5. Fishing & Wildlife | Obtain Permits: Ensure your charter has a valid fishing license if anyone plans to fish. This is required for anyone over the age of 18. | Spearfishing or Trap: Spearfishing is illegal in the BVI. Do not trap lobster, collect live conch, or remove any live coral/marine artifacts. |
| 6. Resource Use | Conserve Water: Be mindful of water usage (e.g., take short “boat showers”) and power consumption, as these resources are limited on a yacht. | Pollute: Never throw trash, food scraps, cigarette butts, or sewage overboard in populated anchorages. Use designated onshore facilities. |
| 7. Departure | Tip Your Crew: Plan to give a customary gratuity to your Captain and Chef ($15% – 20%$ of the charter fee) for excellent service. | Skip Customs: Do not attempt to sail to or from the USVI or any other territory without following all proper BVI and foreign customs and immigration clearance procedures. |
At Dynamic Charters, we are one of the leading providers of crewed sailing charters in the BVI. We will help you plan and book a vacation of a lifetime in one of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations. We offer a great selection of yachts for you to choose from, making your vacation that much more personal and special. Contact us to arrange for your complimentary quote.
Etiquette as a Tourist on the Islands
The BVI is a warm and very safe place for tourists. It thrives on the tourist industry, especially chartered sailing, so it’s very safe for visitors. It’s essential to maintain proper etiquette on the islands and show respect and courtesy to the locals.
Respecting the Slow Pace of the Islands
The BVI is a popular destination for its laid-back atmosphere. It’s important to relax when you visit the islands, and it’s just not going to be the same as the hustle and bustle of cities that you are probably used to. If minor issues do occur, remember to relax, as you are on your vacation and deal with them calmly.
Laws & Regulations on the Islands
The taking of illegal drugs and smuggling are highly regulated and frowned upon on the islands. Possession of even very small quantities carries heavy fines and prison sentences. Trafficking has penalties of many years of imprisonment and 1000s of thousands of dollars in fines. Medical marijuana was passed by a bill in 2020 by the government, but has not been enacted due to a lack of assent from the UK-appointed governor.
The Environmental Act 2021, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Control of Pollution Act 1974 protect the island’s beauty and ecosystems from pollution and environmental negligence. These cover a range of issues from pollution control to invasive species management. Tourists must follow BVI ecological laws, including respecting marine life and habitats by obtaining permits for activities like fishing or using National Park moorings, and by avoiding the removal of coral or shells. The environmental and tourism levy also applies to protect the environment.
