British Virgin Islands Facts & Travel Information
The British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the northeastern Caribbean. These facts are kept separate from the travel guide so that changing entry, transport and fee information can be updated without duplicating the destination description.
CapitalRoad Town
CurrencyUSD
TimeUTC−4
Main airportEIS
General
| Political status | Internally self-governing British Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. |
|---|---|
| Capital | Road Town, Tortola. |
| Language | English. |
| Population | 38,322 in the official 2023 estimate. |
| Currency | U.S. dollar (USD). |
| Telephone code | +1 284. |
| Time | Atlantic Standard Time, UTC−4, year-round. |
Geography & Climate
| Islands | Around 60 islands and cays. |
|---|---|
| Land area | About 153 km². |
| Highest point | Mount Sage on Tortola, 521 m. |
| Terrain | Most islands are volcanic, steep and hilly; Anegada is low coral and limestone. |
| Climate | Tropical and trade-wind moderated, with relatively small temperature variation. |
| Hurricane season | June through November. |
Entry Requirements
| Passport | Visitors need a valid passport. Visa requirements depend on nationality. |
|---|---|
| Online entry form | Since 1 January 2025 the former paper immigration/customs form has been replaced by an online Embarkation/Disembarkation form, which may be completed shortly before arrival. |
| Initial admission | Visitors are ordinarily admitted for a limited stay when entry conditions are met; extensions require immigration approval. |
| Onward travel | Immigration may request evidence of onward or return travel, accommodation and sufficient funds. |
Practical Travel
| Electricity | 110–120 V, 60 Hz, North American-style plugs. |
|---|---|
| Credit cards | Widely accepted, but some U.S.-dollar cash is useful for smaller transactions. |
| Cost level | Generally high by Caribbean standards, especially for accommodation, dining and imported goods. |
| Driving | Traffic drives on the left. Roads can be steep and narrow. |
Air & Sea Transport
| Main airport | Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, linked to Tortola by bridge. |
|---|---|
| Regional access | Many travellers connect via Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands and continue by air or ferry. |
| Main ferry ports | Road Town and West End on Tortola, Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke and St. Thomas Bay on Virgin Gorda. |
| Ferries | Regular services link the principal BVI islands and connect with St. Thomas and St. John in the USVI. Timetables change and should be checked close to travel. |
Useful planning:
Information reviewed: 18 September 2026. Practical conditions can change; verify transport, entry and safety information shortly before travel.