How to breeze through British Virgin Islands immigration: A step-by-step guide to the new digital ED card

Want to skip the immigration line? Start here.

Whether you're heading to the British Virgin Islands for a quick escape or a full-on family reunion, one thing stands between you and paradise: the ED card. This digital entry form is required for all travelers, and yes, it’s one of those things that’s surprisingly easy to mess up if you’re in a rush.

We’ll show you exactly how to get it done, stress-free.

What is the ED card again? 🛂

It’s a mandatory pre-arrival form for entering the British Virgin Islands. You won’t need a visa if you're from a visa-exempt country, but you will need this form, and airlines and ferry operators are starting to ask for it at check-in.

Note: The ED card is required whether you’re arriving at Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, or Anegada; even if it’s just for a day trip.

Details about the ED Card to keep in mind:

• Must be submitted at least 72 hours before arrival
• Delivered as a PDF with a QR code
• Required for all nationalities, including kids

Your step-by-step guide 🚶‍♀️

Step 1: Fill in your trip info

Open our website or mobile app and start your application. Add your passport details, arrival date, and travel method (plane, ferry, or private boat).

✔️ Note: Ferry travelers must enter the ferry company code and departure time. For example, use RTTF for Road Town Fast Ferry or NSF for Native Sons Ferry. Ask the terminal staff if you're unsure.

“We were handed a QR code link when we checked in for the ferry from St. Thomas. The form wouldn’t let us finish until we entered the vessel number, but iVisa’s form flagged that for us so we knew exactly what to ask,” said Enrique D., traveler from San Juan.

Step 2: Upload your documents

You’ll need to upload a passport scan; no fancy phone required. Our tool works with any camera, even on older devices.

✔️ Check your passport: While there’s no official 6-month rule, some travelers have reported issues at boarding or immigration if their passport was close to expiring.

Step 3: Submit and relax

Once everything looks good, submit your form. The ED card is delivered as a PDF with a QR code.

Step 4: Show it at the border

At the airport or ferry terminal, open the PDF or show a printed version. Some officers will scan it, others may pull your information using your passport number.

“Applied for myself and my parents in one go on the iVisa app. The QR codes came in by email, and we breezed through immigration at the ferry terminal,” said Luis G., traveler from Santo Domingo.

Pro tips for a smooth arrival ✈️

✔️ Apply early: Do it as soon as your travel dates are set. Don’t wait for check-in to realize you need it. ✔️ Print a copy: Save the PDF to your phone and print a backup. Some ferry terminals don’t have great Wi-Fi. ✔️ Apply for the whole crew: With us, you can apply for family or group members all in one go. ✔️ Double check your name: Accents or punctuation issues in names can cause mismatches. We help catch those before submission.

💡 Did you know? The British Virgin Islands charge a small environmental fee on arrival, and most ferry terminals charge a $20 USD departure tax. These are separate from the ED card but are collected at entry and exit.

Why apply with iVisa? 🧩

You could go through the government site, but travelers have reported:

• Glitchy forms that don’t recognize names or symbols
• No save-and-return feature
• No help if you make a mistake

With us, you get:

• Chat and WhatsApp support
• Built-in error checks
• Secure passport scanning
• Group applications in one flow

Before you go 💡

This is one form you don’t want to forget. Submitting it early means less airport stress and more time on the beach.

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.