• Island Information
• Map of the BVI
• Clearance Procedures
• BVI Visas
• Moorings
• Protection Programs
• Communications
• Marinas/
  Yacht Registration/
  Provisioning
• Weather
• Directory

• ISLAND INFORMATION
• PETS
• FIREARMS
• JET SKIS
• DRESS CODE
• GOVERNMENT OFFICES
• SAFETY
• TRANSPORTATION
• WEDDINGS

Island Information

Pets

All animals entering the Territory must be declared at Customs. All pets must have current health certificates and vaccinations, especially with respect to Rabies. Contact the Chief Agricultural Officer (284-494-3701, Extn. 6123) for details of clearance regulations before entering BVI waters. For further advice, call the Humane Society on 284-494-2284.

Firearms

Firearms are restricted imports and must be declared to Customs on entry into the BVI. Firearms and ammunition will be held at Police Headquarters until you leave the Territory.

Jetskis

Because it is important to maintain the BVI's pristine natural and peaceful environment, it is illegal to use imported jetskis whilst in BVI waters. As with firearms, these must be declared at Customs upon entry into the BVI. The penalties for using jet skis in the BVI are confiscation of the jet skis/wave runners and a $5,000 fine.

Dress Code

The British Virgin Islanders tend to dress more formally than other Caribbean islands, so please cover up the beachwear when going into Road Town or other stores.

Local Government Offices

Safety

Jellyfish

Jellyfish arrive every summer and sometimes give an unpleasant sting, occasionally resulting in shock. However, it is rarely fatal. DO NOT RUB, leave the tentacle in place, and dab the area with rubbing alcohol or vinegar to neutralise. Later, use an antihistamine cream. If shock occurs, keep warm, as it will pass in a few hours.

Fish Poisoning/Ciguatera

Ciguatera is caused by a neurotoxin which is only present in reef fish. Symptoms include tingling of the lips, mouth and tongue, itching skin, fever, chills, muscle and joint aches, muscular weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. Severity depends on several factors and medical attention should be obtained immediately. There is no way to tell if fish are contaminated so itís best to avoid eating reef fish such as barracuda, grouper, snapper and parrot. Stick to deep water fish such as swordfish, dolphin, tuna and wahoo.

Water Safety

Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are truly among the most pleasurable activities in the BVI, but among the vast and beautiful marine life exist the barracuda, sharks and moray eels. There have been only isolated incidences of attacks. For the most part, theyíll be respectful of you if youíre respectful of them. Theyíre mainly curious of your presence, so donít act quickly or move suddenly towards them, and theyíll leave you alone. It also helps if you donít wear shiny jewelry in the water. If youíre fishing, get bloody fish out of the water as soon as possible or youíll attract these potentially dangerous predators.

Before deciding to dive off your yacht or jump from the shore, check the depth of the water to avoid serious injuries.

People get more injuries from fire coral (bright orange) than from anything else, so it helps to wear protective footies and gloves if youíre swimming around coral reefs. Also, please donít touch any type of coral as it is very delicate and can easily break.

Manchioneel Trees

These dangerous trees grow along the shore and their toxin can cause a rash, and in severe cases, death. Do not eat the fruit of this tree or sit under it in the rain.

The trees are characterised by their tiny apple-like fruit, yellowish or yellow-green in colour, often with a tinge of red, about an inch in diameter.

Transportation

Driving

We drive on the left in the British Virgin Islands, so always remember to think left! To rent a car you need a current driverís licence in order to purchase a local BVI licence. All rental car agencies sell these for $10.00, valid for up to 3 months. Add an additional 5% for government tax to the rental, plus optional insurance.

Local drivers tend to be friendly and frequently stop without warning to greet a friend or drop off/pick up someone, so please drive with caution and stay well behind vehicles.

Taxis

There are a number of different taxi companies with official taxi rates. In general, the open-air taxis charge less than private cabs, and there is sometimes room for negotiation of prices.

Weddings

The BVIís are amongst the most romantic places in the world to be married, whether it is on a secluded beach, in a tropical garden or on a yacht. But before you sail off into the sunset there are a few details you need to cover:

First ñ you must register at the Registrarís office between 9 am - 3.30 pm, Monday-Friday, or 9 am-12 noon on Saturday. Information required includes date and time you wish to be married, full names as you wish them to appear on the marriage license, location of the ceremony, your occupations and names of two witnesses.

The fees are - $35 if the wedding is performed in the office; $100 if performed elsewhere, plus travel expenses.

Note: You may be married on a beach, in a garden or on a yacht. If you plan to be married in a church, you must make arrangements with the Minister in advance and publish bans for three consecutive Sundays in that church. Normally there is an additional fee required, so be sure to check with the Minister in advance.

Secondly ñ you must go to the Road Town Post Office where you purchase wedding stamps; these are used to pay the fee at the Attorney Generalís office. The fees vary depending on your length of time in the Territory - Between 3-14 days - $110; Over 15 days ñ $50.

Thirdly, you must take the stamps to the Attorney Generalís office where you will complete a form, pay the fee and present your passports as identification. Original copies of birth certificates may be used if passports are not available. Remember, approval of your request will take three working days to be processed before the ceremony may take place.

Proof of marital status/previous marriage is required. The divorce decree or death certificate must be a certified copy and must show your names as they are shown on your identification. No blood tests required.

Note: Hours for marriages performed by the Registrar are: Monday-Friday: 10 am to Sunset or, Saturday: 9 am to 12 noon. The Registrar is not available Sunday or public holidays.

The most convenient times for the Registrar are either Thursday or Friday around 5 pm or, on Saturday mornings.

Contact numbers are: Registrar of Marriages 284 468 3701 Ext 5015, and Attorney General 284 468 3701 Ext 2160.