British Virgin Islands Removes Entry COVID Test Requirement
Effective 15th July, 2022, all entry COVID-19 testing requirements have been revoked. Travellers are no longer required to provide upon entry:
a RT-PCR or approved antigen SARS CoV-2 negative test result no later than 48 hours;
or a Recovery Certificate from a licensed medical professional certifying COVID-19 recovery within 90 days prior to arrival in place of a negative test.
Travellers are no longer required to be screened upon arrival for the COVID-19 virus.
The U.S. Virgin Islands has its doors open for all domestic travelers from the USA without restriction.
Important to Know: As this sailing closes until it starts again in November, private charter boats in the USVI are still not traveling into the BVI for term charters. This has been hard to accept and understand for many people who've been accustomed to hopping between the two territories for many years...including us!
We were reminded today that many of the charter yacht owners and crews are working diligently to complete all the paperwork and requirements to sail from the USVI to the BVI in 2023. Below is a sampling of yachts that hope to be ready meet you in St. Thomas, USVI and sail to the British Virgin Islands next year:
For inquiring minds: Here's a list of what professionally crewed and licensed charter yachts based in the USVI are required to have in order to visit the BVI with guests onboard:
Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) Letter of Recognition via Safety Inspection for Blue/Yellow Code
Charter Authorization
Commercial/Recreational Vessel License
Trade License for Individual/Company – This application must be used and be accompanied by the following documents:
One Passport size photograph (owner of vessel)
Boat Registration Certificate (From USVI or country of origin)
Commercial Operating Insurance
Photo Or Brochure/Description of boat
Charter Operational Plan:
Intended charter operation (day, trip, term charter) include a map of iteniary.
Is it for a season or a short period?
VISR Letter of Recognition
USVI or country of origin Vessel registration
Vessel Insurance
Copy of Captain’s License(s)
Valid STCW Basic for ALL crew members- Yes, that is Captains too.
Passport bio page for all crew (signature and photo pages)
Safety Certificate (VISR Letter of Recognition from above)
For persons not having Belongers (BVI resident) status, two character references, a statement of financial ability and police record must be submitted.
The Trade License must be redone, not renewed, every three months and two weeks prior to expiration at $200 per issuance. ($800 annually if operating year round)
Commercial Recreational Vessel License (CRVL) – This application must be submitted with the following supporting documents.
Charter Operational Plan (see above)
Agreement between the boat owner and operator/charter company
Trade License
Charter Authorization Letter
And afterward that list is completed, these items must be renewed each year:
Work Permit- A five page application for the work permit with the following documents:
One Passport sized photo
Cover letter to the Commissioner explaining the need for the employee
CRVL
Trade License
Charter Operational Plan
Signature page and bio page of Passport
Job Description
VISR Letter of Recognition for STCW and Captain’s Licenses
To be submitted to Department of Labour and Workforce in the Ashley Ritter Building in Road Town with a $50 application fee and additional expediting fee (where applicable).
Processing time: 14 working days without expedite fee or seven working days with the added $150 per application
Police Certificate/Background Check
Medical Exam- BVI Medical Examination Form filled out by a certified entity– The examination is comprehensive and requires x-rays, urinalysis and blood work among other things.
Results of Background Check
Completed Medical Examination Form
Copy of applicant’s bio page of passport
Copy of Charter Operational Plan
About Us-Your Charter Yacht Brokers: Capt. Randy & Shelly Tucker!
We do not sell yachts like many other agencies so there is no conflict or distraction in our focus for your yacht charter. Our service is free to you. We travel extensively to boat shows and yacht charter shows year-round to personally view and inspect as many of the yachts.
6 Reasons Why We are Qualified: 1. As Members of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association and the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Yacht League, we maintain contact with the yachts to keep abreast of the very latest information on crew/yacht conditions and new yachts entering the arena. 2. We stay on top of local and Federal Governments to keep informed about changes in our industry, as well as involve ourselves with the changes in the environment in which we offer charters. 3. We engage in open dialogue with local publications to help keep the government and the public aware of this important industry in our islands. 4. We attend multiple charter yacht industry shows in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, go aboard each of the yachts, meet the crews, attend association meetings and seminars. We'll happily share our notes about changes to the boats and crews and confirm any newly added features and upgrades as well as re-fits to the boat’s decor like new carpets, interior and exterior soft goods & fun new water toys. 5. As a seasoned charter yacht Owner & Crew, we have access to the "inner circle" and know all the insider facts. 6. We've developed a longtime friendship with vendors of services such as local taxi drivers, ferry companies, good places to stay on land, great restaurants, and much more. Contact us for more info!
