Tourists visiting the British Virgin Islands may be granted entry for up to one month as long as they can show return (or ongoing) tickets, evidence of enough funds for their stay and pre-arranged accommodations during their time there.

A tourist visa is not required of U.S. and Canadian tourists visiting the British Virgin Islands, but U.S. citizens require a passport to re-enter the States.

U.S. citizens should take special care to secure their passports while traveling as it can be time-consuming and difficult to acquire new proof of citizenship to facilitate return travel should the passport be lost or stolen.

Cruise visitors must show a shipboard ID to exit and re-enter the ship.

Prior to departure from the U.S., sea travelers must have a valid U.S. passport or other original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID.

All Americans traveling by air outside the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

While a U.S. passport is not mandatory for sea travel, it is recommended since it is a more readily recognized form of positive proof of citizenship.

The U.S. Consulate General recommends traveling with a valid U.S. passport to avoid delays or misunderstandings. A lost or stolen passport is also easier to replace when outside of the United States than other evidence of citizenship.

For information on travel to the British Virgin Islands, travelers should contact the BVI Department of Immigration at 1-284-494-3471. Visit the Embassy of the British Government web site for the most current visa information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the United Kingdom and its domains. The passport should be valid for at least the expected duration of their stay. Canadians may also be asked to show proofs of sufficient funds and accommodation for the duration of their stay.

These requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveler’s responsibility to check with the country’s embassy or its consulates for up-to-date information.

• U.S. State Department Travel
• Canadian Consular Affairs
• British Virgin Islands tourism