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Territory of United Kingdom

Caribbean

British Virgin IslandsTravel guide

Explore British Virgin Islands visa rules

The British Virgin Islands are a self-governing British overseas territory in the Caribbean, north-east of the U.S. Virgin Islands. They attract sailors, fishermen and beach lovers, but are not a low-cost destination. Road Town is the capital.

Why go

  1. Explore dozens of small islands by boat.

  2. Enjoy white sandy beaches and coral reefs.

  3. Visit seaside villages and historic churches.

  4. Find shade in the Botanic Gardens or the rain forest on Sage Mountain.

Getting there

By air

  • The main airport is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. A bridge connects Beef Island to Tortola.
  • Many visitors from North America change planes in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You may need to check in again for the flight to Tortola.
  • Flying to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and taking a ferry is usually the cheapest route from North America. A late arrival may mean staying overnight in Charlotte Amalie.

By sea

  • Most ferries from the U.S. Virgin Islands connect Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas with Road Town or West End on Tortola.
  • Some ferries serve St. John or Virgin Gorda. Routes depend on the season and day of the week.

Getting around

  • Boat

    Sailing boats and motorboats can be rented from major harbours. Boats with a crew are also available. Conditions vary with the season, and anchoring can be difficult. Hire a crew if you lack experience. Most boat rental companies require proof of sailing experience. This may be a sailing certificate or a detailed record of your sailing experience. Road Town on Tortola is a major centre for renting yachts without a crew.

  • Car

    Cars can be rented on larger islands such as Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Drive on the left. Roads are very hilly, and road conditions and driving standards are poor. Drive with great care and expect mistakes from other drivers. On Tortola, rental cars can be collected and returned at the airport.

  • Walking

    On many smaller islands, foot trails and goat paths are the main ways to get around. A car is often unnecessary.

What to see and do

  • White sandy beaches

    The beaches are one of the islands' main natural attractions.

  • Coral reefs

    The reefs are another major draw for visitors.

  • Seaside and historic villages

    Explore scenic coastal settlements and historic churches.

  • Botanic Gardens

    The shady gardens offer a break from the sun.

  • Sage Mountain, Tortola

    Visit the rain forest for a change from the beaches.

  • Road Town museum

    The museum offers an indoor option when you want a break from the sun.

Food and drink

  • Fresh seafood

    Lobster and locally caught fish are widely available, from beach cafes to high-end restaurants.

  • Fish and fungee

    This is considered the national dish.

  • Rotis and curries

    Local versions draw on food traditions from Guyana and Trinidad.

  • Local bakeries

    Look for Johnny cakes, coconut bread, roti and fish soup.

  • International food

    Restaurants also offer food with Italian, French and Asian influences.

  • Water

    Bring water to the beach. Many beaches have no refreshment stands, although some have nearby bars and restaurants.

Money

United States dollar (USD), written as $. One dollar is 100 cents.

  • The islands use U.S. dollars despite being a British overseas territory.
  • Shoprite in East End and OneMart in Purcell offer food at better prices than shops in Road Town.
  • Supermarkets sell wine, beer and rum, so a separate liquor shop is not needed for a few bottles.
  • Shopping on Anegada is limited mainly to basic necessities and a few gift shops.

Typical costs

  • Ferry tickets cost $25–30 one way or $45–52 return for adults.
  • Ferry tickets cost $19–25 one way or $30–42 return for children.
  • Rum starts at $3 a bottle in supermarkets.
  • Most healthcare is private and expensive. Emergency care is free.

Staying safe

  • Crime is less common than in many other Caribbean destinations. Still use good judgement when exploring.
  • Possessing or supplying illegal drugs is a criminal offence, with potentially severe penalties.
  • Take extra care when driving because roads are steep and driving standards are poor.
  • Sailing conditions change with the season, and anchoring can be tricky. Use an experienced captain or crew if needed.

Staying healthy

  • Bring drinking water when visiting beaches without refreshment stands.
  • Most healthcare is private and expensive, although the quality of care is good compared with other Caribbean islands.
  • Patients with serious medical problems are usually transported to Puerto Rico.
  • Emergency treatment is usually provided at Peebles General Hospital in Road Town. Emergency care is free.

Phone and internet

  • Serendipity Bookshop on Main Street in Road Town has an internet cafe upstairs.

Where to stay

  • A rented boat also provides a place to sleep.
  • The larger islands offer resorts, budget bungalows and other accommodation.
  • Tortola has larger hotels and small, locally owned inns.
  • Virgin Gorda has high-end resorts, villas and smaller hotels.

Outdoor adventures in British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are known for sailing among small islands, wreck diving and white sandy beaches. Surfers can find breaks at Josiah's and Apple Bay, while Tortola has rainforest on Sage Mountain. Travel here can be expensive.

  • RMS Rhone wreck diving

    Scuba divingWest of Salt Island

    Join a guided dive with a local dive operator. Most operators can also collect guests staying on boats.

    • Cost: Typical guided diving prices in the islands: US$80–100 for two dives or US$50–60 for one dive.
    • The wreck sections lie at depths of 6–24 metres.
    • Diving without a guide requires confident diving and navigation skills.

  • Sailing among the British Virgin Islands

    SailingBritish Virgin Islands

    Travel by boat among the dozens of small islands, many of which are uninhabited.

    • Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur in the low season.

  • Apple Bay surfing

    Surfing

    Surf at the breaks at Apple Bay.

  • Josiah's surfing

    Surfing

    Surf at the breaks at Josiah's.

  • Lambert Beach

    BeacheTortola

    Visit Lambert Beach on Tortola.

  • Wreck Alley diving

    Scuba divingOff Cooper Island

    Arrange a guided wreck dive with a local dive operator.

    • Cost: Typical guided diving prices in the islands: US$80–100 for two dives or US$50–60 for one dive.

  • Chikuzen wreck diving

    Scuba diving

    Arrange a guided wreck dive with a local dive operator.

    • Cost: Typical guided diving prices in the islands: US$80–100 for two dives or US$50–60 for one dive.

  • Inganess Bay wreck diving

    Scuba diving

    Arrange a guided wreck dive with a local dive operator.

    • Cost: Typical guided diving prices in the islands: US$80–100 for two dives or US$50–60 for one dive.

  • Fearless wreck diving

    Scuba diving

    Arrange a guided wreck dive with a local dive operator.

    • Cost: Typical guided diving prices in the islands: US$80–100 for two dives or US$50–60 for one dive.

  • Great Dog Island aircraft wreck diving

    Scuba divingOff Great Dog Island

    Arrange a guided dive with a local dive operator to visit the aircraft wreck off Great Dog Island.

    • Cost: Typical guided diving prices in the islands: US$80–100 for two dives or US$50–60 for one dive.

  • Parmatta wreck diving

    Scuba diving

    Ask a local dive operator about a guided visit to the Parmatta wreck.

    • Cost: Typical guided diving prices in the islands: US$80–100 for two dives or US$50–60 for one dive.

  • Sage Mountain rainforest visit

    More to doTortola

    Visit the rainforest on Sage Mountain on Tortola.

Airports, metros and trains in British Virgin Islands

Airports with scheduled flights

  • EISTerrance B. Lettsome International AirportBeef IslandMain international airport

People and safety in British Virgin Islands

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian85%
  • Folk religions8%
  • No religion4%
  • Muslim1%
  • Hindu1%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 53 of 101 countries can visit British Virgin Islands easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required53
  • Visa required48

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Americas17 of 19 countries
  • Europe2 of 4 countries
  • Africa17 of 54 countries
  • Asia3 of 10 countries

Questions

Is the British Virgin Islands part of United Kingdom?

British Virgin Islands is a territory linked to United Kingdom, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit United Kingdom.

Does a United Kingdom visa let me visit the British Virgin Islands?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United Kingdom may not cover British Virgin Islands. Check the British Virgin Islands visa page for your passport.

Where are the British Virgin Islands?

They are in the Caribbean, north-east of the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are a self-governing British overseas territory.

What money should I use?

Use United States dollars, written as $. The islands are not a low-cost destination.

How can I get there from North America?

Common routes are through San Juan by plane or through St. Thomas followed by a ferry. A late flight into St. Thomas may require an overnight stay.

Do ferries run in the evening?

Most services stop after 5pm. Check the schedule with the company you plan to use.

Can I rent a boat without a captain?

Yes, but most companies require proof of sailing experience. You can hire a captain or crew if you need help.

Which side of the road do people drive on?

Drive on the left. Roads are very hilly, and road conditions and driving standards are poor.

What local food should I try?

Fresh fish and lobster are popular. Other choices include fish and fungee, rotis, curries, Johnny cakes and coconut bread.

What accommodation is available?

Choices include resorts, hotels, small inns, budget bungalows, villas and private guest houses. Visitors renting a boat can also sleep aboard.

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