We’re all looking forward to the days we can travel again and continue exploring. As countries around the world begin to re-open and accept tourists again, we see that travel may look different in the future due to Covid-19. Additional precautions are being put in place to both ensure our health, and preserve the limited medical infrastructure in some of the smaller countries where we all love to travel. Below are updates by month regarding the re-opening of the BVI economy, travel, and tourism.
September 2020 | Expanded Border Reopenings & Date Announced for Tourists
On September 21st, the BVI Government made the exciting announcement that the BVI would be opening the borders to tourists beginning on December 1st, 2020! The government have not yet released what the protocols will be required for entry, more information will be forthcoming soon. During the same press conference the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board also announced the launch of the new #BVILove marketing campaign, designed to welcome both new and repeat tourists back to BVI!
BVI has transitioned into ‘Phase 4’ of the BVI Pandemic Plan, the ‘Manage It’ phase. As of September 1st BVI has expanded the border re-openings to now allow for the return of; Dependents, Work Permit Holders, Students, Maritime Crew, Aviation Crew, Healthcare Practitioners, and Diplomats to the BVI. At this time, the BVI borders are now opened to all people who live and reside in the islands.
August 2020 | An Economic Boost for the Virgin Islands on the Horizon
Many Nationals who rely on tourism income have asked the Premier & Minister for a target date to re-open the BVI to guests. They’ve requested to know by the end of September so businesses can plan for the upcoming year. As we all know the end of November marks the start of the charter season and we are hopeful that business will resume as usual providing a much needed economic boost to the BVI!
July 2020 | Government Releases Statement Regarding Tourism
The British Virgin Islands reports for the third consecutive month, with no active COVID cases in the territory. Meanwhile, all of Jost Van Dyke’s 1,253 inhabitants were tested for the virus—all tests returned negative. The BVIs remain open to returning nationals pending a two-week quarantine, but officials said the borders will remain closed to guest arrivals.
June 2020 | Restricted Beach Access, Private Vessels, and National Re-Entry
In June, the Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development extended beach hours by two hours daily, and allowed private vessels to operate within territory waters—all during the hours of 5 am-7 pm. Unfortunately for loyalists, only BVI nationals are allowed re-entry at this time.
May 2020 | BVI Reports No Active Cases of COVID-19
After having seen 9 cases of COVID in the country, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development in the BVI reported in May that there were no active COVID cases in the British Virgin Islands.
April 2020 | Phase I Reopening Plan Released
In April, BVI government officials announced phase I of re-opening to begin immediately. They said, ”to date, we have only endorsed Phase One of the plan which will take us up to June 1, 2020. This first phase only represents the internal reopening of the BVI. Please note that during this phase our borders will remain closed.”
March 2020 | Moratorium on Travel to the British Virgin Islands
- All Airports and Seaports are Closed to All Inbound Passengers
- Gatherings Limited to Under 20 People
- All Businesses, Services and Recreational Facilities Must Close Daily by 8PM
- ALL Visitors Cannot Enter the BVI
- All Cruise Ships Have Been Banned from Entering the BVI
- Ports of Entry To BVI Have Been Reduced to Three
- Anegada and Virgin Gorda Airports Have Been Closed to International Flights
For complete information please refer to the BVI Government website below:
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/covid-19
Did You Know?
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