British Virgin Islands entry requirements for 2025: ED card, passport and more

Planning your 2025 escape to the British Virgin Islands? Before you head off for beachside cocktails or island-hopping by ferry, it’s worth checking what you need to actually get in.

Whether you're flying into Tortola, sailing in from St. Thomas, or arriving by private yacht, immigration is a real stop, not just a formality.

Use this checklist to avoid surprises and keep your entry smooth.

✅ Your 2025 entry checklist

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months' validity recommended)
• British Virgin Islands ED card – required for all travelers
• Return or onward ticket
• Accommodation details or local contact
• Visa if applicable (see below)
• USD 10 environmental entry fee
• Departure tax: USD 50 by air, USD 20 by ferry (usually included in ticket)

💡 Traveling as a group or family? You can apply for everyone’s ED card at once with us.

🧾 The ED card: What it is and why it matters

The ED card is a digital pre-arrival form required for anyone entering the British Virgin Islands. It applies to every arrival type: plane, yacht, or ferry.

• Submit it at least 72 hours before arrival
• Delivered as a PDF with a QR code
• Required for all nationalities, including children

“We were given a QR code link at the ferry terminal, but it didn’t let us finish the form until we entered the vessel number. iVisa flagged this early, so we knew what to ask,” said Enrique D., traveler from San Juan.

🛂 Who needs a visa?

Travelers from many countries do not need a visa to enter the British Virgin Islands, especially if they hold a passport from a visa-exempt country. However, if your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need a visa unless you already have one of the following:

• A valid multiple-entry visa for the United States, Canada, or Schengen Area, valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

If you do not meet these criteria, a British Virgin Islands visa is required, in addition to the ED card.

Here’s a simplified guide:

✈️ Where do travelers enter the BVI?

Most travelers arrive through these ports:

• Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Tortola
• Road Town ferry terminal from St. Thomas or Puerto Rico
• Yacht and ferry ports on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke

“We visited Jost Van Dyke on a day trip and still had to show the ED card. Even short visits count,” said Eliza M., traveler from Antigua.

If you're arriving by ferry, use the ferry code and departure time when completing your ED card. For example:

• RTTF = Road Town Fast Ferry
• NSF = Native Sons Ferry

Some ferry terminals provide this info via QR code or paper ticket.

🧳 Customs, fees and final tips

• You’ll pay a USD 10 environmental fee when you arrive.
• Departure taxes are USD 50 (by air) or USD 20 (by ferry).
• There’s no official COVID vaccine requirement at the moment.
• Some travelers report passport issues if it’s close to expiration. Aim for at least 6 months validity.

“The airline agent nearly didn’t let me board because my passport was expiring in three months. Always check before you go,” said Mateo J., traveler from Santo Domingo.

✍️ Final checklist

✔️ Submit your ED card at least 72 hours before travel

✔️ Print or download the QR code

✔️ Make sure your passport won’t expire soon

✔️ Have your ferry or flight info ready

✔️ Prepare to show return tickets and accommodation details

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to the British Virgin Islands or the ED card application. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.