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General Information On The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands were discovered when Christopher Columbus sailed the Caribbean in 1493. For some reason, he was less than impressed with the area and the islands were annexed by Britain in 1672. They have remained part of the United Kingdom ever since. Today the islands have their own elected government and rely on the U.K. only for defense and foreign affairs.
Much of the British Virgin Islands remain unpopulated. There are three major inhabited islands along with several small, unpopulated areas. It is on these smaller islands where many visitors come to dive or to enjoy the wonderful beaches. It is are also one of the world’s most popular sailing destinations. The islands have a laid-back atmosphere that is reminiscent of colonial times. For more information, check out the BVI's major newspaper, the Island Sun, and for more general information visit the CIA World Factbook for the BVI. Visit the British Virgin Islands Tourism Board for additional travel and tourism information. Or, call 1-800-835-8530.
Entry Requirements
The People of the BVI
Geography of the Islands
Health and Safety
Currency
Electricity
Entry Requirements
For those from the U.S.* and Canada, an original birth certificate and
official photo ID are acceptable, but a valid passport is preferred and
recommended. I always travel with my passport. Citizens of all other countries, including those of the Caribbean,
are required to have a valid passport.
| *The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes United States citizens! In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. For additional information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. |
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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The People of the BVI
The people of the British Virgin Islands are a peaceful and casual lot. You will
find they are warm and kind to tourists. You will have no need worry about the defensive hostility towards tourists
that may sometimes be found in some other areas of the Caribbean. Although most
of the other Caribbean
islands have emphasized and developed tourism, here the islanders have pretty
much kept to
themselves. They know what they have a wonderful place to live and that people
will come often for vacations and holiday. Here you will find little of the hustle and bustle of
other areas of the Caribbean. Culturally, the people are Caribbean, despite an African
heritage, are very much like their homeland, the UK. Most residents have lived on the island for
generations. As part of their British heritage, Islanders consider
hospitality of the utmost importance, and any visitor is guaranteed a wonderful
stay on these friendly islands.
Geography
The geography of the British Virgin Islands makes it a popular location for fantastic sailing, with small
bays, hidden coves, and "secret" hideaways scattered in between the mostly
uninhabited islands. The 40 islands that make up the British Virgin Islands are located in the northeastern corner of the
Caribbean, about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. Most islands are
small slivers of undeveloped land. The three main islands are Tortola, Virgin
Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, with Tortola being the central metropolis of the country and
is home to Road Town, which is the B.V.I.'s capital and largest city.
Health and Safety
Although I always recommend that you drink bottled water when traveling, all of the water in the B.V.I. is potable, meaning it is safe for
consumption. You will find that this island is one of the safest in the Caribbean
with crime
is a rare occurrence. Still, follow the same precautions as you would in your
hometown, Safeguard your valuables and lock your hotel room.
Currency
Because of its close business relationship with the U.S. Virgin Islands, the
British Virgin Islands use the U.S. Dollar (USD).
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Electricity
Like most of the North American continent, the B.V.I. use a
110-volt electrical system. If your country uses another type of an electrical
system, you should being along an adapter and converter.
Climate
The relatively stable temperatures here make it a very popular vacatin
destination. The British Virgin Islands experience a moderate 40 inches of rainfall
annually, which is average when compared to the rest of the Caribbean.
Temperatures are range from 73 to 80 in January, and 84 to 89
in July.
Getting To and Around The British Virgin Islands
Travelers to the island of Tortola typically arrive via air at Tortola's Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport. The island is also accessible by ferry from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Although there are not any direct flights from the United States mainland or Canada, connecting flights are available from Caribbean regional carriers through the airports at St. Johns and San Juan. American Eagle, Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun, Cape Air, and LIAT offer connecting service into Tortola.
Ferries depart approximately every 45 minutes from Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Road Town. Tortola has two ferry docks, one at Road Town and one at West End, both of which are easily accessible from most places on Tortola. Sailing to the Virgin Islands
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
One of the better ways to get around is in one of the government regulated taxi services. They can meet you at the airport or the docks to take you to your final destination. A trip to Road Town will generally cost less than $20.
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Suggestions For Accommodations In The British Virgin Islands
Visit Getting Away Accommodations, world-wide reservations available on line. And, if you are looking for a nice resort, check the Getting Away Resort Accommodations page or ResortDiscounts.com where you can find discounts at some of the world's most desirable resort locations.
Virgin Gorda
| Little Dix Bay - Centered around a secluded, crescent-shaped beach on the island of Virgin Gorda, Little Dix Bay rewards its discerning guests with an instantaneous retreat from their fast-paced lives. A stroll around Little Dix is like a walk through an enchanted garden. Shaded walkways curve through verdant lawns that roll down the sea. The resort is a sanctuary for soft adventurists and water sports enthusiasts seeking aquatic activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing and hiking. It is also a gourmand’s fantasy with world-class dining in spectacular settings. For additional information or reservations, contact Jim at Getting Away. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
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Suggestions For Things To See And Do In The British Virgin Islands
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Coming Soon. In the mean time, if
you have something of interest you believe should be added to this section,
please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Suggestions For
Dining in The British Virgin Islands
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if
you have something of interest you believe should be added to this section,
please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Favorite Places And
Things To Do In The British Virgin Islands
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if
you have something of interest you believe should be added to this section,
please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Books, Magazines and Other Information
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Caribbean Travel & Life - Escape to the Caribbean with Caribbean Travel & Life. Visit romantic hideaways and luxurious resorts and discover secluded beaches and teeming coral reefs. This magazine helps you find your own perfect place in the sun. For additional information, or to purchase a subscription, click on Caribbean Travel & Life. You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
is a travel magazine for REAL people. This magazine is not just for those of
you on a budget - it's for everyone. Each issue comes packed with articles
on affordable and enjoyable vacations to just about everywhere.
For additional information, or to purchase a
subscription, click on
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel.
You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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The British Virgin Islands Links
British Virgin Islands Travel and Tourism.
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
The British Virgin Islands Travel Guide.
Your On-Line Caribbean Destination Guide for the British Virgin Islands.
The British Virgin Islands.
2007 Travel Alert - Passports Needed for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean. Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport. As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Click here for the State Department Summary. And, if you need a passport in a hurry, because you forgot to apply months ago when you should have and your trip is almost upon you, click on Passports In A Hurry, or on Passport Visa Express!
