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.

U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation (valid at least 6 months from arrival date) to enter or depart from the United States.

Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at: Tel: 284-494-3471 or 284-494-3701 Ext. 4700.

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.

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