One reason that the BVI has remained one of 'Nature's Little Secrets' is that there are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe or South America to our main airport - the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) which is located on Beef Island, a cay that is linked to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.

All flights must connect through another Caribbean airport such as San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Your travel agent or international airline will be able to assist booking flights. If you plan to make your own reservations on the internet, remember that you will have to request flights to Tortola or type the airport code which is EIS.

If you are traveling on to Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Peter Island, or Jost van Dyke - check with your hotel, resort or villa to make sure that charter flights or ferry service will be available if you arrive after 4pm. Otherwise, plan to spend a night or two in Tortola before exploring the rest of 'Nature's Little Secrets.'

Flights via San Juan, Puerto Rico Airport Code SJU:
The most direct way to arrive to The BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico. Frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Caribbean Sun, Cape Air, and Liat, with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights.

Flights via St. Thomas - Airport Code STT:
If you choose to arrive via St. Thomas, you'll have to arrange a charter flight to Tortola, Virgin Gorda or Anegada. Most travelers take one of the frequent ferries that travel between downtown Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, St. Thomas and Tortola.

Getting to the next ferry is very easy - just take a taxi at the St. Thomas Airport and let the taxi driver know that you need to take the next ferry to Tortola. The taxi drivers will know of any schedule changes and make sure you reach the proper terminal for your connection. Purchase your ticket and enjoy your mini-cruise past St. John (USVI), Jost Van Dyke and Little Thatch before arriving at the immigration station at West End, Tortola.

Remember that ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola only operate during daylight hours - so the last ferry is usually around 5pm. Make sure that your flight arrives in time for the transfer to Red Hook (approximately 45 minutes) or make arrangements to overnight in St. Thomas and catch the ferry the following morning. Ferry service starts at approximately 7:30am. The following companies provide ferry service between St. Thomas and Tortola if you want to check with them directly prior to your arrival in St. Thomas.

Flights via Antigua - Airport Code ANU:
Travelers from the UK (from London, Gatwick) and Canada may find it easiest to travel directly to Antigua and then take a connecting flight to Tortola on Liat, Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun, or private charter flights.

From other Caribbean Islands:
Limited service is also available from St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Kitts, and Barbados. Charter Airline Service can be arranged from almost anywhere in the Caribbean.

From North America: For a US & Canadian citizen a passport is preferred however you may also use an original birth certificate accompanied by a valid photo ID such as a driver's license.

From Europe: European citizens need a valid passport to enter The British Virgin Islands. However visitors that are residents of certain countries, require a visa in order to enter The BVI. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.

From the Caribbean: Please note that citizens from some islands may need to obtain a visa to visit The British Virgin Islands. Visitors from these Caribbean islands need to have a visa in order to enter The BVIs. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.

From Other Areas: The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association has a full listing of entry requirements click here for full details.

Customs and Immigration offices are located on Tortola in Road Town and West End, on Virgin Gorda in the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, and on Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour.

A valid passport and boat registration papers are required for entry into the BVI. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry.