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Hello,
I am going for my first USVI vacation this May, and I would like to go from STT to BVI daily trip on a ferry to Virgin Gorda.
Unfortunately, I am not from US/Canada/West Europe and normally it would require a British overseas territories visa in advance for my country (Russian Federation).
However, in a Moon's Virgin Islands handbook, in a part about Virgin Gorda, it says
"Immigration and customs officers meet all international flights and ferries arriving on Virgin Gorda.
Tourists must have a return ticket and prearranged accomodations and can receive a tourist visa of up to 30 days in the first instance."
Anybody has had experience to get visa upon arrival there, is return ferry ticket to STT and further tickets back to mainland USA and to my home country enough, about accomodation - hopefully if return is planned on same date they'll not require it?
it's really pity to pass on the opportunity to visit such a beautiful place and making visa in advance will cost around 50 british pounds here and a lot of efforts and time... any comments/suggestions welcome.
thanks in advance,
Mike
Mike,
Our experience in the BVI has been this:
Upon arrival, you pass through immigration and customs. During immigration check, they ask you how long you will be staying. Since we were not staying longer than thirty (30) days, we did not require any type of visa. They will ask you both verbally and on the immigration form where you will be staying. They have never asked us if we have a return ticket of any type.
I suspect that as long as you are not staying longer than thirty (30) days, you will not be required to obtain/have any other paperwork. They will want their five ($5) U. S. dollar departure tax from you.
Here is their website:
Thank you for info! Are you from US/Canada (it could be easier process for you than for my case, but I'll also try to call them and ask directly my question).
Mike
Mike,
Here is the link to the BVI Authorities brochure for your info. It appears that you will have to apply for a visa in order to enter the BVI. It also appears to states that the visa must be obtained in advance and the processing time is from 1 to 3 months. Please read the attached and apply as soon as you can for your trip in May.
http://www.dgo.gov.vg/spawpdfs/Visa%20General%20Info%20Brochure.pdf
