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For further information on British Virgin Islands, please check out Expat British Virgin Islands, an excellent resource on BVI living.
Location
Caribbean, Leeward Islands.
Time
GMT - 4.
Area
153 sq km (59 sq miles).
Population
27,000 (FCO estimate 2005).
Population Density
176.5 per sq km.
Capital
Road Town, Tortola. Population: 9,400 (2004 estimate).
Geography
The 50-plus islands, rocks and cays of the British Virgin Islands, only 16 of which are inhabited, make up the larger part of an archipelago forming the northern extremity of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. They are situated approximately 100km (62 miles) east of Puerto Rico, adjoining the US Virgin Islands. The islands are volcanic in origin, with the exception of Anegada, which is formed of coral and limestone and is the lowest lying. The topography is otherwise mountainous, the highest point being Tortola's Sage Mountain, which rises to 550m (1,800ft). There are remnants of a primeval rainforest on Tortola.
Government
British Overseas Territory since 1672. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor David Pearey since 2006. Head of Government: Chief Minister Orlando Smith since 2003. Recent history: The National Democratic Party (NDP) won the most recent general elections in 2003, defeating the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) which had been in power since 1986.
Language
English.
Religion
Mainly Christian, including Methodist (45%), Anglican (21%) and Roman Catholic (6%).
Social Conventions
The British Virgin Islands remain linked to the British Commonwealth, and the islanders follow many British traditions and customs. The development of tourism proceeds with great caution; hence the unspoilt charm of these islands and cays remains the chief attraction. The pace of life is very easygoing. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Dress is informal for most occasions apart from the formal requirements of some hotels. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside.
Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz. American two-pin plugs are used.
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Passport
Required?
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British
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Yes
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Australian
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Yes
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Canadian
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1
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USA
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1
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Other EU
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Yes
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Visa
Required?
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British
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No
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Australian
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No
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Canadian
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No
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USA
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No
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Other EU
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No
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Return
Ticket Required?
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British
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Yes
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Australian
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Yes
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Canadian
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Yes
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USA
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Yes
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Other EU
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Yes
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Passports
Passport valid for duration of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in chart above except:
1. nationals of Canada and the USA with an original birth certificate and official photo ID.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 30 days.
Currency
US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Credit / Debit Cards and ATM's
Major credit cards are accepted in some establishments. There are ATMs in Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Travellers Cheque Advice
Accepted in most places, particularly US Dollar cheques. All cheques are liable to a 10c stamp duty.
Banking Hours
Mon-Thurs 0900-1500/1600, Fri 0900-1700.
Hotels
A wide range of hotel accomodation is available, from luxury resorts to boutique inns; the British Virgin Island Tourist Board has a comprehensive list (www.bvitourism.com). A 7% hotel accommodation tax is added to all bills.
Self Catering
Villas, houses and cottages can be hired on a weekly or longer basis. Information on properties is available from the tourist board.
Food and Drink
There is no shortage of excellent restaurants and inns serving local and international dishes. Most food is imported but local island specialities are often available. In addition to the hotels, eateries can be found on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.
National specialities:
- Seafood dishes, including lobster (the Anegada lobster is reputedly the best in the Caribbean), fish chowder, snapper, whelks, mussel pie, conch stew and shark.
- Roti (a flavourful East Indian flat bread, filled with meat or vegetables).
- Pate (a dish baked or grilled, containing spiced meat, seafood or vegetables, stuffed into pita bread).
- Fungi (not actually related to the mushroom but instead refers to a delicious mixture of cornmeal and okra, usually served with seafood and probably closest to Italian polenta in flavour and consistency).
- Delicious local fruits such as soursop, papaya, mango, pineapple, guava, sugar apple, passion fruit and tamarind.
National drinks:
- All kinds of rum punch and cocktails.
- Local spirits include Pusser's Rum (originally produced for the Royal Navy's pursers).
Legal drinking age: 18.
Tipping: All hotels add a 10 to 12% service charge.
Nightlife
Many hotels have special nights with live music or dancing. There are several bars offering live music and/or DJs on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola. A full moon party takes place on the beach at Apple Bay, Tortola every month. There is one cinema (on Tortola).
Shopping
Special purchases include carved wooden items, straw-work, jewellery made from conch (pronounced 'konk') shell, rum, local spices and sauces and the attractive batik material, designed and made locally. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700.
Business
- GDP: US$824 million (2003).
- Main exports: Rum, fresh fish, fruit, animals, gravel and sand.
- Main imports: Building materials, cars, food and machinery.
- Main trade partners: US Virgin Islands and USA.
Economy
Tourism and financial services are the islands' main economic activities. Tourism employs around one-third of the working population directly or indirectly and accounts for about 45% of GDP.
The offshore financial sector, which has been operating since the mid-1980s, has been a spectacular success, by virtue of the British connection, benign legislation and political uncertainty in rival centres.
Agricultural production is limited by poor soils, and relies mainly on livestock rearing, but some fruit and vegetables are produced for export. Rum is an important export commodity, and its distilling is the principal industrial activity.
Business Etiquette
A shirt and tie are required for the summer months; lightweight suits are normally worn at other times. Best time to visit is December to April. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830/0900-1630/1700.
Telephone
IDD is available. Country code: 1 284 49. There are no area codes.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent. Handsets can be hired.
Internet
Internet access is available in some hotels. There are a few Internet cafes and free Wi-Fi hotspots. BVI Marine WiFi (www.bvimarinewifi.com) offers a subscription service giving wireless access at the main harbours.
Post
Airmail to Europe takes up to a week. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630.
Main Airports
Terrance B Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is on Beef Island, 14.5km (9 miles) from Road Town, Tortola; the islands are connected via a road bridge. To/from the airport: Taxis are available (journey time - 20 minutes). Many hotels and marinas provide a shuttle service. Facilities: Light refreshments/bar, restaurant, left luggage, tourist information and hotel reservations.
Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is 3.5km (2 miles) from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. To/from the airport: Taxis are available.
There is also an unpaved airport on the island of Anegada.
Approximate flight times
From London to Antigua is 8 hours 40 minutes and from Antigua to Tortola is 1 hour 5 minutes. From San Juan, Puerto Rico to Tortola is 50 minutes.
Please remember, there is no need to actually travel to the country. All services can be carried out remotely by us!
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