Monarch

Queen Elizabeth II

Governor

David Pearey

Premier

Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal

National Anthem

"God Save the Queen"

Flag

Union Jack

Territory status

Non-Sovereign, overseas territory of the United Kingdom, internal self-governing

Legal system

English Law

Judicial Branch

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Largest Island

Tortola

Capital

Road Town, Tortola

Language

English (official), Spanish

Population

28, 882 (2009 est. based on 2005 census)

Religion

Christianity (major), Hinduism, Islamic Faith

Airport & Code

Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS)

Monetary Unit

US Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in many- but not all establishments.

Calling Code

1 (284)

Economy

One of the most prosperous in the Caribbean; highest income generators – tourism and financial services.

Banks

Bank of Nova Scotia, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, VP Bank (BVI), First Caribbean International, First Bank Virgin Islands.

Sales Tax

No Sales Tax

Departure Taxes

$20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea and $7.00 for cruise ship passengers.

Hotel Accommodation Tax

7% Hotel Accommodation Tax payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels, apartments, houses, cottages, villas and similar accommodations.

Driving

Persons staying in the territory under 30 days are not required to purchase a temporary driver’s license. However, if your stay is over 30 days a license is required. A temporary BVI driving license can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies provided a valid driver's license is produced from another country.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Male: 70.2 years Female: 78.6 years

Medical Centres/ Hospital

One Public Hospital - Peebles Hospital; various public and private health clinics and medical centres; Medivac (medical airlift) is readily available. An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory in The British Virgin Islands. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and laboratory facilities; there is a private plastic surgery clinic as well several private medical centres. A chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous meets regularly. Call (284) 496-8422.

Unemployment rate

3%

Literacy rate

98.2% (15 years plus)

Internet TLD

.vg

National Flower

Oleander

National Bird

Turtle Dove

National Tree

White Cedar

Cruising Permits

A cruising permit is required for all cruising in The British Virgin Islands SEASONAL RATES: (December 1- April 30). All recorded Charter Boats - $2.00 per person per day. All non-recorded Charter Boats - $4.00 per person per day. OUT OF SEASON RATES: (May 1 - November 30). All recorded Charter Boats - $0.75 per person per day. All non-recorded Charter Boats - $4.00 per person day. Dive, day charter and sport fishing boats should contact The British Virgin Islands Customs Department Tel: (284) 494-3475 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2533 for current cruising permit requirements.

Customs Duties

All imports are subject to varying rates of duty. Imports entering The British Virgin Islands on a temporary basis will not be subject to duty.

Fishing Permits

The removal of any marine organism from British Virgin Islands waters is illegal for non-BVIslanders without a recreational fishing permit. Contact The Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour, Tel: (284) 468-3701 ext. 2147 for information.

Immigration

The following measures are to be adhered to in respect of all non British Virgin Islanders entering the Territory: Bona fide visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports of entry, provided that they possess return (or ongoing) tickets, evidence of adequate means of support and pre-arranged accommodations during their stay. Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension from the Immigration Department in Road Town, Tortola or at the Government Administration Building in Virgin Gorda. A valid passport is the principal requirement for entry into the BVI. U.S. citizens travelling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. 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 Officer at the Immigration Department of the BVI Government at: Tel (284) 494-3471 ext. 4700 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2538.

Marine Conservation Permits

The use of National Parks Trust mooring without a permit is illegal. Call the National Parks Trust Office at (284) 494 3904 for information.

Marriage License and Regulations

For information regarding requirements on getting married in the Territory, contact: Registrar's Office, P.O. Box 418, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands or phone (284) 468-3701 ext. 5001 or (284) 494-3442/5650.

Pets

Pets are allowed entry into the Territory only after an import permit is issued by the Department of Agriculture. For regulations governing animal importation, contact the Department of Agriculture, Paraquita Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Tel: (284) 495-2532 or Fax: (284) 495-1269.

Smoking Policy

Smoking in public places has been banned in the BVI as a result of a law passed by the Legislative Council. The law bans smoking in public places including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, airports, offices, and sports facilities. It also bans smoking within 50 feet of any public space.

Electricity

Voltage in the BVI is 110/220v. Visitors can use American appliances without an adaptor.