{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1710875453,"date":"2024-03-19 15:10:53"}},"data":{"country-iso":"VG","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"British Virgin Islands","url-slug":"british-virgin-islands","geo-group":"Americas","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 13, 2024 14:32 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)","advisories":"
Take normal security precautions<\/a> in the British Virgin Islands<\/p><\/div>","security":" The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.<\/p> Coastal waters can be dangerous. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.<\/p> Water safety abroad<\/a><\/p> Road conditions and road safety are generally good throughout the islands. Mountain roads may be steep and narrow.<\/p> Road signage is limited. Roaming livestock pose further hazards, especially at night.<\/p> Drivers are reckless, particularly at night. Roadside assistance is not widely available. If you plan to drive across the islands:<\/p> Public transportation is available, but service is unreliable.<\/p> Bus services are available from the ferry dock to the most popular tourist areas on Tortola and Virgin Gorda islands. However, there is no official schedule or route. There is no government-managed public transportation<\/p> Taxi service is reliable, but can be expensive. Prices are often based on the distance and the number of passengers.<\/p> Agree on a fare with the driver before departure to avoid being overcharged.<\/p> Ferry services within the larger islands are available and frequent.<\/p> Ferry schedule<\/a> – British Virgin Islands Tourism<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from the British Virgin Islands.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days If you wish to stay longer than 30 days in the British Virgin Islands, you must obtain proper authorization from the Chief Immigration Officer.<\/p> Stays can be extended up to 6 months.<\/p> Immigration department<\/a> – Government of the British Virgin Islands<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n * It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a><\/p>\n Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/details> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> In this destination, rabies<\/a> may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. <\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. <\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.<\/p>\n Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. <\/p><\/details> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya<\/a> is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.<\/p><\/details> Zika virus<\/a> is a risk in this country. <\/p>\n Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.<\/p>\n During your trip:<\/p>\n If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. <\/p>\n For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.<\/a><\/p><\/details> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)<\/a> <\/span>is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). <\/p>\n High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.<\/p><\/details> Medical facilities are adequate but limited. There is one public hospital and one private hospital on Tortola. Private medical clinics provide healthcare services on other islands of the archipelago.<\/p> Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) provides first aid and transport to Tortola for individuals requiring emergency medical assistance.<\/p> Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> The British Virgin Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. However, it is a separate legal jurisdiction and has its own laws.<\/p> Canada and the United Kingdom are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and British authorities. This process can take a long time and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.<\/p> The islands are sometimes used as a drug-trafficking hub between South and North America.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and the British Virgin Islands.<\/p> If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the British Virgin Islands by an abducting parent:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> You must obtain a fishing licence for commercial, sport and pleasure fishing.<\/p> It’s prohibited to fish in a marine park and forbidden to capture or remove any marine animal or coral.<\/p> If you plan a fishing trip with a chartered vessel, make sure the company or captain already has a permit.<\/p> Department of Agriculture and Fisheries<\/a> – Government of the Virgin Islands<\/p> Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or exportation of items such as:<\/p> You may also not be allowed to take from the island a number of marine and animal specimens.<\/p> Check with local authorities before buying or attempting to import or export such items.<\/p> <\/span>Immigration Department<\/a> – Government of the Virgin Islands<\/span><\/p> Traffic drives on the left.<\/p> If you are staying less than 30 days, you can use your Canadian driver’s licence. Otherwise, you must obtain a local temporary driving permit to drive in the British Virgin Islands.<\/p> You can obtain a permit at any car rental agency or from the Traffic Licensing Office. To do so, you will need to present a valid Canadian driver’s licence or an international driving permit.<\/p> International Driving Permit<\/a><\/p> The currency in the British Virgin Islands is the U.S. dollar (USD).<\/p> Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are widely available.<\/p>","disasters-climate":" Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.<\/p> These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.<\/p> If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:<\/p> There is no resident Canadian government office in the British Virgin Islands. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, in Bridgetown.<\/span><\/p> Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Sint Maarten.<\/p><\/div><\/details> For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, in Bridgetown, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre<\/a> in Ottawa.<\/p>","offices":[{"country":"British Virgin Islands","city":"Bridgetown","country-iso":"VG","lat":"13.09511","lng":"-59.59998","honorary-consul":0,"has-passport-services":1,"type":"High Commission of Canada","address":"Bishop's Court Hill, St. Michael, P.O. Box 404, Bridgetown, Barbados BB11113","postal-address":"","tel-legacy":"+246 629 3550","emergency-toll-free-legacy":"","fax-legacy":"+246 437 7436","email-1":"bdgtn-cs@international.gc.ca","email-2":"","email-3":"","internet":"https:\/\/www.Canada.ca\/Canada-And-Barbados","note-1-title":"","note-1-text":"","note-2-title":"","note-2-text":"","note-3-title":"","note-3-text":"","facebook":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CanadainBarbados","facebook-label":"High Commission of Canada in Barbados","twitter":"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CanHCBarbados","twitter-label":"@CanHCBarbados","consular-district":" Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Sint Maarten.<\/p>"}]},"fra":{"name":"\u00celes Vierges britanniques","url-slug":"iles-vierges-britanniques","geo-group":"Am\u00e9riques","flag":null,"friendly-date":"13 mars 2024 14:32 HAE","advisory-text":"Prendre des mesures de s\u00e9curit\u00e9 normales","recent-updates":"La section Sant\u00e9 a \u00e9t\u00e9 mise \u00e0 jour - renseignements de sant\u00e9 aux voyageurs (Agence de la sant\u00e9 publique du Canada)","advisories":" Prenez des mesures de sécurité normales<\/a> dans les Îles Vierges britanniques<\/p><\/div>","security":" Le taux de criminalité est faible. Il se commet des crimes mineurs comme des vols à la tire et des vols de sac à l’arraché.<\/p> Les eaux côtières peuvent être dangereuses. Suivez les instructions et les avertissements des autorités locales.<\/p> Sécurité nautique à l'étranger<\/a><\/p> L'état des routes et la sécurité routière sont généralement bons dans toutes les îles. Les routes de montagne peuvent être raides et étroites.<\/p> La signalisation routière est limitée. Le bétail errant constitue un danger supplémentaire, surtout la nuit.<\/p> Les conducteurs sont imprudents, surtout la nuit. L'assistance routière n'est pas très disponible.<\/p> Si vous prévoyez de traverser les îles en voiture :<\/p> Il existe des transports en commun, mais le service n’est pas fiable<\/p> Des services de bus sont disponibles depuis le quai des traversiers vers les zones touristiques les plus populaires des îles de Tortola et Virgin Gorda. Cependant, il n'y a pas d'horaire ou d'itinéraire officiel. Il n'y a pas de transport public administré par le gouvernement.<\/p> Le service de taxi est fiable, mais peut être cher. Les prix sont souvent basés sur la distance et le nombre de passagers.<\/p> Convenez du prix avec le chauffeur avant le départ pour éviter d'être surfacturé.<\/p> Les services de traversier dans les grandes îles sont disponibles et fréquents.<\/p> Horaire de traversiers<\/a> - Tourisme Îles Vierges britanniques<\/p> Nous n’évaluons pas dans quelle mesure les compagnies aériennes intérieures étrangères respectent les normes internationales de sécurité.<\/p>Crime<\/h3>
Water activities<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Buses<\/h4>
Taxis<\/h4>
Ferries<\/h4>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Other requirements<\/h3>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Student visa: not required for stays up to 30 days<\/p>Children and travel<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
\n
\n
\n
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
\n
Rabies <\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
\n
Typhoid <\/summary>
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
\n
Chikungunya<\/summary>
Dengue <\/summary>
\n
Zika virus <\/summary>
\n
Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
\n
HIV <\/summary>
Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Drugs<\/h3>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Fishing permits<\/h3>
Imports and exports <\/h3>
Driving<\/h3>
Money<\/h3>
Hurricane season<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
<\/h4>","offices-help-abroad":{"opening-text":"","closing-text":""},"offices-html":"
Local services<\/h3>
Emergency services<\/summary>
Consular assistance<\/h3>
Bridgetown<\/strong> - High Commission of Canada<\/summary>
Îles Vierges britanniques - Prenez des mesures de sécurité normales<\/h3>
Criminalité<\/h3>
Activités aquatiques<\/h3>
Sécurité routière<\/h3>
Transports publics<\/h3>
Bus<\/h4>
Taxis<\/h4>
Traversiers<\/h4>
Transport aérien<\/h3>