Fully vaccinated will NO longer be required to apply for entry through the BVI gateway portal application, effective October 1.
Travelers will only be exempt provided that their second COVID-19 vaccine was administered at least two weeks before entry into the territory. Secondly, the vaccine must be a World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine.
Further, upon entry into the territory, each vaccinated traveler must provide the results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen rapid test that is no older than five days.
They are also required to present valid proof of vaccination.
These travelers will also be subjected to an antigen rapid test upon arrival in the territory but will not be subjected to quarantine protocols once this result is determined to be negative.
Passenger carriers and minors not out of the woods
Each passenger carrier – whether boat or plane – must verify before embarkation that each vaccinated traveler has valid proof of vaccination and the requisite results of their negative PCR test or antigen rapid test.
Vaccinated minors – travelers under the age of 18 who are traveling with vaccinated parents or guardians — will also be exempted from the BVI gateway portal while being subjected to similar stringent measures.
Stiff penalties for breaches put in place
The new fines are expected to see carriers being fined up to $10,000 for each passenger that violates the entry protocols; while passengers found in breach will be fined up to $5,000 or face imprisonment of up to six months.
Portal still required for other categories of travelers
Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers as well as unaccompanied minors (who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated), or any other persons not covered by the fully vaccinated portal exemption protocols, will still be subject to using the gateway portal to obtain entry to the BVI.
Persons with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are considered fully vaccinated and are therefore not subject to the gateway portal as an entry requirement.
