The Virgin Islands is only recognising COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Photo: techstory.in

Acting Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has emphasised that partially and unvaccinated travellers coming into the Virgin Islands are still required to quarantine. Photo: Facebook

Fully vaccinated travellers to the Virgin Islands no longer have to apply for permission to enter on the Gateway Portal. Photo: VINO

In an update on the territory’s entry protocol coming into effect on October 1, 2021, Honourable Wheatley said those were some of the Cabinet decisions taken during a recent meeting.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we want to ensure that persons understand that quarantine measures for partially vaccinated and unvaccinated persons remain. Partially vaccinated persons and unvaccinated persons will be PCR tested upon arrival. The unvaccinated will be quarantined for seven days, and the partially vaccinated will be quarantined for four days. After receiving a negative result from a PCR test, they will be released,” he said.

He said, if a traveller is fully vaccinated, that individual does not have to apply for permission to enter on the Gateway Portal, but partially and unvaccinated travellers must apply and have a travel authorisation certificate to present upon arrival.

Vaccine must be approved by WHO

Nonetheless, “You must have received the second COVID-19 vaccine no less than two weeks before entry to the Virgin Islands, and the vaccine must be approved by the World Health Organisation. If you are a fully vaccinated traveller arriving in the Virgin Islands. You must pre-register for a rapid antigen test via the Hummingbird portal.”

The link to the various portals are: for the West End Ferry Terminal – https://westend.bvi.care/, for the Road Town Ferry Terminal – https://rtferry.bvi.care/, for the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport – https://airport.bvi.care/.

Hon Wheatley said, when entering the Virgin Islands, each vaccinated traveller must provide results of a negative PCR test or antigen rapid test no older than five days; proof of vaccination (card or otherwise); travel insurance which is required for visitors only includes a minimum approved coverage for: COVID-19 medical costs including hospitalisation, doctor’s visit and prescriptions medical repatriation quarantine accommodation costs.

That category of travellers would also be required to take an antigen rapid test upon arrival. If the test results are negative, they would be free to enjoy the Virgin Islands.

Day Trippers

He added: “Fully vaccinated day trippers visiting the Virgin Islands are to provide upon entry a rapid antigen test or a RT-PCR negative test result completed between 24 to 48 hours before arrival in the Territory. In addition, day-trippers are to furnish the results of the test, which must be negative, and provide valid proof of vaccination (card or otherwise).”

He said for airline and ferry carriers or operators, establishments are to verify that each vaccinated traveller provide a negative PCR or antigen rapid test no older than five days and show proof of vaccination (card or otherwise).

Rules for travelling minors 

In the case of fully vaccinated parents/guardians travelling with a minor, they must present a negative PCR test or antigen rapid test no older than five (5) days. Once the results are negative, the minor accompanied by the vaccinated parent/guardian will be allowed to board the aircraft or vessel. The vaccine must be approved by the World Health Organisation.

Minors 17 years and under do not have to apply to enter on the Gateway Portal. 

The minister stated that partially vaccinated, unvaccinated, unaccompanied minors who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, any other person not covered by the fully vaccinated portal exemption entry protocols must apply via the BVI Gateway Portal https://bvigateway.bviaa.com/.

For partially vaccinated travellers, they are to register and provide the relevant information on the Gateway Portal and obtain the requisite approval from the Environmental Health Division at http://bvimonitor.info/homequarantine if the expectation is to quarantine in a private residence, hotel or vessel.

These persons are to take a RT-PCR SARS COV-2 test 3 to 5 days before arrival and submit a negative test result to the Gateway Portal at https://bvigateway.bviaa.com/.

He also said, all fully vaccinated travellers must be prepared to pay a fee of $50.00 for the rapid antigen SARS COV-2 test result via cash or card at the ports of entry: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, West End Jetty and Road Town Jetty.

“To ensure clarity here regarding the different ports of entry, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and Road Town Jetty are accepting vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers. The West End Jetty is only accepting fully vaccinated travellers. Apart from the entry requirements, the recommended measures include wearing masks, washing hands, sanitising frequently touched surfaces, social distancing and so forth,” he said.