British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands reward a little preparation before you fly or sail in. Most visitors arrive through Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, connected to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, or by ferry from nearby St. Thomas. From 1 January 2025, travellers must complete the online embarkation card within 72 hours before arrival, so save confirmation details before leaving home. Check visa rules for your nationality and ensure your passport covers the full stay. An environmental and tourism levy of US$10 is payable on arrival; air departures also carry a US$50 departure tax, while ferry departures generally cost US$20 per person. Keep accommodation details and onward travel information accessible at immigration. Download your boarding passes, reservations and a copy of your itinerary before take-off. Hello’s trip-planning tools can keep ferry times, hotel addresses and activity bookings together, while Hello eSIM lets you activate connectivity before landing instead of relying on expensive roaming.

Travel in the BVI is shaped by the sea. Scheduled ferries connect Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, while private water taxis and boat excursions open up quieter coves and snorkelling spots. Timetables can change with weather, weekends and seasonal demand, so confirm the final sailing time and leave a buffer when connecting with a flight. On Tortola and Virgin Gorda, taxis are widely used around airports, ferry docks and resorts; fares are commonly set by zone or destination, so agree on the price before departure. There is no extensive public transport network, and buses may not follow a fixed schedule. A rental car is useful for exploring Tortola’s beaches and viewpoints, but remember that vehicles drive on the left and roads can be steep and winding. For a short stay, combine taxis with ferries; for a longer visit, rent a car on your base island. Use Hello’s trip planning to map ferry days, and keep offline directions available in case reception drops.

Meals in the British Virgin Islands are best enjoyed slowly, preferably with sea views and time for a second drink. Look for grilled local fish, conch fritters, johnnycakes, fungi, and Caribbean-style stews on menus across Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Anegada is especially known for charcoal-grilled spiny lobster, often served simply with sides and a squeeze of lime. On Jost Van Dyke, beach bars around Great Harbour and White Bay are part of the experience, with casual seafood, rum drinks and live music. Ask whether a menu price includes service, and remember that imported ingredients can make restaurant meals noticeably more expensive than expected. The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency, and cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for small beach bars, taxis, tips and remote islands. Hello’s budget tracking can record spending in USD, while expense splitting makes it easier to divide shared boat charters, taxi rides and group dinners without guesswork.

The BVI’s highlights are often on or beside the water. Visit The Baths on Virgin Gorda early to explore its granite boulders before the busiest hours, snorkel in calm bays around Norman Island, or spend a day sailing between sheltered anchorages. White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is lively, while Anegada offers a flatter, quieter landscape and excellent reef scenery. Pack reef-conscious sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, sun protection and shoes with good grip for rocky trails. Conditions can change quickly, so check marine forecasts and follow local guidance before swimming, paddleboarding or taking a small boat out. Treat beaches and reefs gently: do not touch coral, collect shells or feed fish, and take rubbish with you. Keep your phone protected in a waterproof pouch, especially on dinghies and ferry decks. An activated Hello eSIM helps with weather updates, navigation and contacting boat operators, but download key maps and reservations in advance for areas with limited signal.