Boats off the Coast of the British Virgin Islands
Largest Island
Tortola
Capital
Road Town, Tortola
Language
English (official), Spanish
Population
28,882 (2009 est. based on 2005 census)
Religions
Christianity (major), Hinduism, Islamic Faith, Other
Airport & Code
Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS)
Monetary Unit
US Dollar, major credit cards are accepted in many, but not all establishments.
Calling Code
From the US: Dial 1 (284). From the UK: Dial 001 (284)
Banks
Bank of Nova Scotia, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, VP Bank (BVI), First Caribbean International, First Bank Virgin Islands.
Sales Tax
None
Departure Taxes
$20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea and $7.00 for cruise ship passengers
Accommodation Tax
7% Hotel Accommodation Tax payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels, apartments, houses, cottages, villas and similar accommodations
Driving
Persons staying in the territory under 30 days are not required to purchase a temporary driver’s license. However, if your stay is over 30 days a license is required. A temporary BVI driving license can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies provided a valid driver’s license is produced from another country
Life Expectancy at Birth:
Male: 70.2 years
Female: 78.6 years
Aerial Photo of The British Virgin Islands
Medical Centres/Hospital
One Public Hospital – Peebles Hospital; various public and private health clinics and medical centres; Medivac (medical airlift) is readily available. An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory in The British Virgin Islands. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and laboratory facilities; there is a private plastic surgery clinic as well several private medical centres. A chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous meets regularly. Call (284) 496-8422
Unemployment rate
3%
Literacy rate
98.2% (15 years plus)
National Flower
Oleander
National Bird
Turtle Dove
National Tree
White Cedar
Cruising Permits
A cruising permit is required for all cruising in The British Virgin Islands SEASONAL RATES: (December 1- April 30). All recorded Charter Boats – $2.00 per person per day. All non-recorded Charter Boats – $4.00 per person per day. OUT OF
SEASON RATES
(May 1 – November 30). All recorded Charter Boats – $0.75 per person per day. All non-recorded Charter Boats -$4.00 per person day. Dive, day charter and sport fishing boats should contact The British Virgin Islands Customs Department Tel: (284) 494-3475 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2533 for current cruising permit requirements.
Customs Duties
All imports are subject to varying rates of duty. Imports entering The British Virgin Islands on a temporary basis will not be subject to duty.
Fishing Permits
The removal of any marine organism from British Virgin Islands waters is illegal for non-BVIslanders without a recreational fishing permit. Contact The Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour, Tel: (284) 468-3701 ext. 2147 for information
Electricity
Voltage in the BVI is 110/220v. Visitors can use American appliances without an adaptor.
List of Available Transportation
