Tortola Travel Tips
Things You Need to Know When Traveling to Tortola
Airlines
Getting to Tortola is made easy by major airline carriers. From the US fly via San Juan to Tortola, or fly direct to St. Thomas and enjoy a ferry ride to Tortola. Airlines from the US include American Airlines, US Airways, BWIA and others. International visitors will find excellent flight alternatives with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and BWIA.
Departure Tax
A departure tax is levied at the rate of $20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea and $7.00 for cruise ship passengers.
Immigration
The following measures are to be adhered to in respect of all non-British Virgin Islanders entering the Territory:
Visitors are welcome for a period of up to 6 months provided they possess return (or ongoing) tickets and prearranged accommodations during their stay.
All visitors with the exception of US and Canadian Citizens are required to carry a valid passport. Citizens of the US and Canada can enter the islands with an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a photo ID issued in the same name, however, a valid passport is the ideal travel document for ALL travelers when visiting foreign countries. Visitors from certain countries may also require visas. To confirm whether or not a visa is required, contact the Government of the British Virgin Islands, the nearest British Consulate or the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office.
Requirements for US and Canadian citizens are as follows:
- A US or Canadian passport; or
- *An original or certified copy of their birth certificate; or
- *A US or Canadian Naturalization Certificate
* Items 2 and 3 must be accompanied by a current picture identification e.g. a driver's license with matching name of birth certificate.
Banking
The following banks operate in the British Virgin Islands:
- Bank of Nova Scotia
- Barclay's Bank PLC
- Chase Manhattan Bank NA
- Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
- Guyerzeller Bank (BVI) Ltd
- Development Bank of the Virgin Islands
- VP Bank (BVI) Ltd.
Hours of Business- Mon- Fri: 9.00 am - 3.30 pm. Closed at weekends.
Capital
Road Town, located on the southern shore of Tortola, is the capital of the BVI. It is also the central administrative and business centre of the Territory.
Clothing
Casual dress is always acceptable, although some restaurants on the island do require 'elegantly casual' in the evenings. Visitors should not wear swimsuits or mini shorts in the streets or stores. Please ensure to cover up if you are venturing into the shops from the beach. There are no nude beaches in the B.V.I. Bring long pants and hiking shoes if you intend to hike.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards are accepted in many - but not all - establishments. There is a 10 cent stamp duty on all checks and travelers checks. An American Express office is located at Romney Associates in Road Town.
Currency
The currency of the B.V.I. is the U.S. dollar.
Customs Regulations
All imports are subject to varying rates of duty. Imports entering the B.V.I. on a temporary basis will not be subject to duty. Liquor prices in the B.V.I. are so low that - even with duty added - savings can be made by purchasing here.
Driving
Valid B.V.I. Driving Licenses are required by all those seeking to drive in the B.V.I. For a fee of $10.00, a temporary B.V.I. Driving License can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies provided a valid Driver's License from another country can be produced. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road in the B.V.I.
Electricity
Voltage in Tortola and throughout the BVI is 110 volts.
Government
The Governor of the British Virgin Islands is a representative of Her Majesty the Queen and is responsible for defense and internal security, external affairs, terms and conditions of service of public officers, and the administration of the courts; it possesses reserved legislative powers in these areas. The judicial system is under the direction of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, which includes the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal. Other bodies are the Magistrates' Court, a Juvenile Court, and a Court of Summary Jurisdiction.
Language
English is the official language.
Marriage Licenses
Prior to the ceremony the couple needs to visit Tortola’s registrar’s office, purchase $110 of postage stamps to declare residential status, and pay a $50 license fee. The couple must reside on the island for at least three (3) days before the ceremony takes place.
Population
16,748 increasing by 1.7 per cent per year
Telecommunications
Cable & Wireless (British Virgin Islands) provides a range of reliable services including cardphones, payphones and credit card calling facilities. Caribbean Cellular Telephone "Boatphone" offers a cellular phone service allowing you to keep in touch whether on a boat, in a hotel or on the road. VHF radio is also a widely used and Tortola & Virgin Gorda Radio can patch radio transmissions into the phone lines.
Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time less 4 hours.
Gratuities
If no service charge is added by your hotel or restaurant, please leave 10% of the bill for good service.
Water
The tap water is safe to drink. Do not drink from rivers or streams. Bottled water is available. |
