You found us! Welcome to BVI NEWBIE, the go-to guide for loving and living in the British Virgin Islands. In these pages, you’ll find information about everything from immigrating to the islands to getting off the islands when rock fever sets in. We’ve laid the content out in its entirety in easy-to-navigate sections. To find exactly what you’re looking for, have a look at our summarized briefs below and click on the links to take you exactly where you need to be.
The British Virgin Islands is a territory of the United Kingdom located in the Caribbean, close to Puerto Rico. The BVI is comprised of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost van Dyke and many smaller islands and cays.
Our History of the BVI segment explains how names of the BVI Islands were created and summarizes the events in the territory from 1000 BC.
The Most Notable Historical Figures of the BVI section includes famous persons – Noel Lloyd, Sir Francis Drake and William Thornton, architect of the Capitol.
BVI public holidays share some of the same days as other UK territories, but additionally have specific vacation days.
A summarized Directory of the BVI contains contact details of restaurant, yacht charters and banks.
Map of the BVI entails all the important locations in the BVI.
Also in this section: Learn about the correct etiquette and interesting BVI information such as population or national motto.
Finding a job in the BVI is complicated as one can not actively search for work while on the Island. BVI Job is a good source of employment information and job vacancies.
The immigration requirements specifically require you to have been accepted by an organisation in the BVI before you apply for the work permit. Once you are in the BVI, there are specific steps you must take for your work permit to be approved.
Starting a business in the BVI is also subject to strict requirements, particularly ownership and inclusion of locals on the development of business.
If you are thinking about how to get to the BVI, the two preferred methods are Ferry and Airplane. Since American Airlines stopped flying to Tortola, you might consider flying to St. Thomas, then taking a ferry across when Preparing to Move to the BVI.
Finding a home in the BVI becomes increasingly easier, as the offer of properties increases while the prices drop.
Details on how to pick a bank can be found in the Money and Banking section. To get around, you will either need your own means of transportation or you can choose the adventurous option of hitch hiking.
There are several providers for phone and internet services – note that you don’t pay for incoming calls.
Utilities – all electricity in the BVI is provided by BVI Electricity Corporation; the water supply is utility water.
If you plan to import your pet to the BVI, you have to obtain an import permit.
Waste & Resource management in the BVI is increasingly going green.
If you wish to get married, you can start in the Registrar’s Office by the roundabout. Heads up, there is no anesthesiologist in the British Virgin Islands, which can complicate having a baby. For information about how to get your child enrolled in a BVI school, read the Education & Schools section. In case of emergency, Peebles hospital provides 24 hours emergency services and is the largest hospital in the BVI health care system.
BVI is a relatively safe place, but you might see the details about Laws, Police & Crime.
Prepare for the tropical weather, see what to do in event of a hurricane.
Watch out for unknown animals and fruits; even the national flower of the BVI – oleander, is poisonous.
BVI news websites, newspapers and television channels concentrate on local events.
Our ferry schedules for the BVI are updated for 2013.
There are more than 46 churches in the BVI. Religion is an important part of local community life. Many service organisations, like Rotary International, give back to the community.
Although there is no sales tax, there are duty charges ranging from 0%-20% (details in our duty calculator).
Location of department stores and notable differences from continental shopping are explained in the where to shop section.
Approximate cost of groceries and good tips to save money can be found in shopping and services.
Most restaurants and bars offer a traditional Caribbean experience, but the BVI is home to a worldly range of cuisine.
Culture, Festivals and Events are abundant, starting with the Old Government House Museum and HLSCC concerts. As for sport and recreation activities: rugby, soccer and cricket are among the most prominent – on land of course!
The world famous full moon party takes place every month in locations Bomba Shack and Trellis Bay.
The BVI is a great place for kids. Children activities include simple beach time, hiking and even an organized playgroup, meeting twice a week.
Local ingredients make spas and salons an exclusive experience.
After an extended period of time on the island, an island fever might develop, calling for getting off the rock.
All beaches in the BVI are public to the high water mark. Popular surfing locations include Cane Garden Bay and Josiah Bay.
During the high season–November to April–dozens of boats can be seen cruising the islands. The British Virgin Islands are the global Mecca for the yachting world, with the sailing events calendar peaking in March.
Fishing in the BVI requires a fishing permit, note also the fishing calendar.
Loading ...
Today, May 23 |
Port |
Capacity |
|---|---|---|
CARNIVAL FREEDOM | CP | 2974 |
Tomorrow, May 24 |
Port |
Capacity |
No ship in port tomorrow. | ||
Posterboard
Month 
