BVI - General Information
Geographic coordinates: 18 30 N, 64 30 W
Capital city: Road Town, on the island of Tortola
Total area: 150 square kilometers (including the island of Anegada)
Highest point: Mount Sage, 521 meters
Population: 21,000
Currency: US Dollar
The British Virgin Islands are a group of over 50 islands located in the Leeward Islands, about 65 miles from Puerto Rico and 10 miles east of the US Virgin Islands. Connecting through San Juan P.R. on all major airlines can make easy access to BVI. Several airlines fly to Beef Island BVI and departures are usually every 30-45 minutes.
Christopher Columbus came across the Virgin Islands on his second voyage to the "New World" in 1493. The islands went untouched for the next 100 years until pirates and privateers of the 17th century discovered them. The BVI shores were home to Black Beard, Norman and Jost Van Dyke who have islands named after these legendary characters.
In the mid century the European settlers arrived and it was actually a hardy group of Dutchmen who are believed to have constructed a Fort, on Tortola. In 1672, the islands were made up of mostly British settlers and was therefore annexed by Britain and administered by the Government of the Leeward Islands. In 1834, the emancipation of slaves in the British West Indies, a hurricane and a series of bad economic years put an end to the plantation system in the BVI.
Today, the BVI Government is comprised of a legislative Council of elected at-large and district representatives, and an Executive Council formed from the majority government. A Chief Minister chosen by the members of the majority party heads this territorial government. A British Governor is appointed by the Queen and acts as her representative.
BVI Useful Information:
Medical:
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) 494-4549/ (284) 494-3125.
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 per 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.
Driving:
A valid British Virgin Islands Driving License is required by all those seeking to drive in The British Virgin Islands. For a fee of $10.00, a temporary British Virgin Islands Driving License can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies with a valid Driver License from another country. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road in The British Virgin Islands. Minimum age for Car Rentals is 25.
Drugs:
The possession, sale, use or distribution of illegal drugs constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law and conviction on drug charges can lead to stiff fines and jail sentences.
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:
Bonafide 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 although US and Canadian citizens are currently allowed to enter using an authenticated birth or citizenship certificate (with raised seal) along with current picture identification. However, effective December 31, 2006 as a result of the US government Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative which requires all US citizens to reenter the United States with passports, passports will be required by all visitors entering the Territory.
Valid passport is the principal requirement for entry into The British Virgin Islands; however, Canadian and US citizens may also enter using an authenticated birth or citizenship certificate along with current picture identification. 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 & 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) 494-3492.
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.
Sales Tax:
There is no Sales Tax in the British Virgin Islands.
Departure Tax:
$20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea and $7.00 for cruise ship passengers.
Hotel Tax:
In the British Virgin Islands there is a 7% Hotel Accommodation Tax payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels, apartments, houses, cottages, villas and similar accommodations.
BVI Facts - People - Culture
BVI FACTS
Official Name: British Virgin Islands or (BVI)
Capital: Road Town, Tortola
Status/Affiliation: British Dependent Territory
Citizenship: British Virgin Islander
Official Language: English
BVI Currency: US Dollar
BVI Time Zone: EST (summer), EST+1 hr (winter), GMT-4 in summer & GMT-5 (winter) Daylight Saving Time is not observed - AST
BVI Main Industries: Tourism, Yacht Charters & Offshore Financial Services
Official Flag: Union Jack
National Bird: Humming Bird
National flower: Oleandor
Population: 23,000
Head of State: Queen ElizabethII (England or UK)
Head of Government: Chief Minister Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith
Governor: Thomas Macan
Country Code: 284
Economy
The BVI has one of the strongest economies in the Caribbean. Dependant on offshore banking and tourism, the 2006 Gross Domestic Product was $1.008 billion. Tourism accounts for 45% of the national income while nearly 50% of the Government's revenue comes directly from license fees for offshore companies. The BVI is the number one domicile in the world for International Business companies and top five in the world for hedge funds and captive insurance operations.
Geography
The British Virgin Islands are volcanic in origin, with the exception of Anegada (a coral island). As a result, most of the islands are mountainous, with wide bays fringed by pristine white beaches.
Medical Services
An $80 million hospital with 137 beds is planned with completion estimated December 2008 on Tortola. The first phase of the hospital, completed in 2006, has a modern dialysis unit, CT scan, and a new emergency care unit. Medical/Emergency Services include Peebles Hospital, Tortola with surgical, x-ray and lab facilities and private ex-ray and lab facilities are offered by B&F Medical Complex, Eureka Medical Clinic and Medicure Ltd. The Bougainvillea Clinic is a small private surgical clinic. Located on Virgin Gorda, the recently expanded Nurse ONeal clinic in Spanish Town is open 24hrs and has surgical, x-ray and lab facilities. Island Helicopters International has a 24 hour emergency medical evacuation plan from Virgin Gorda/ Tortola to San Juan, Puerto Rico. A heli-pad is available at Oil Nut Bay for emergencies. Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is a voluntary organization providing a 24-hour marine search and rescue service in the BVI waters.
Taxation
There is no income, corporate or personal tax in the BVI. In addition, there is no withholding tax, sales tax, value added tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, or succession tax. Every employer who carries on business in the BVI is charged a payroll tax. When land is purchased, the purchaser pays a one time Stamp Duty of 12% of the price or the appraised value of the land in addition to a yearly Land and House Tax.
The BVI has a favorable tax regime with the U.S. Dollar being the local tender. The Government levies corporate tax at 15% and personal income tax on a sliding scale to a maximum of 20%. Apart from the low level of personal taxes there are no capital gains, estate, inheritance, succession or gift taxes levied under existing legislation.
Transportation
There are four official passenger seaports in the BVI; Road Town and West End on Tortola; Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke; and Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. The airports are found on Beef Island, Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda; and Anegada.
The People
Although named by Columbus, many diverse groups of people have called the Virgin Islands home. The Arawaks emigrated from South America over a thousand years ago, and they were followed by the Caribs, Africans, and Europeans. Each community has contributed to the islands, creating the rich cultural tapestry that is the British Virgin Islands.
The Culture
Our fungi, calypso, reggae and gospel festivals are distinctly Caribbean but firmly rooted in Africa. At hotels, bars, and parks, the lively beat of fungi, steel pan and calypso celebrates our heritage. The Easter Festival and the Emancipation Festival are held every spring and summer, and during the Christmas Festival, Main Street in Road Town comes alive with lights and festivities. At these and other craft fairs held throughout the year, local artists and artisans display their amazing work in rattan, terracotta, and wicker, as well as sculptures, watercolours, oil paintings, and photography. Our exquisite cuisine reflects the BVI's location at the crossroads of the world. Delicious local seafood, fruits, vegetables, and spices are complimented by European, African, and Indian influences. Enjoy conch, whelk, West Indian roti, Johnny cakes, bush tea, grape-tree wine, exotic rum drinks, and many other West Indian specialties.
The British Virgin Islands are overflowing with stories and secrets. Anegada has its tales of shipwrecks, Salt Island's history tells of taxes paid with bags of salt, and on Norman Island and Deadman's Chest, stories of pirates and lost treasure abound. Even tiny Marina Cay was the inspiration for a book and film.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
