Experts make informative presentation on procedures for entering the BVI

With the upcoming Poker Run on May 27, and Christmas in July on July 22, The BVI Tourist Board continues to enhance the welcoming experience extended to visitors from Puerto Rico, at its various ports of entry.  On May 9, boaters in Puerto Rico attended a very informative presentation by Her Majesty’s Customs, and the Immigration Departments of the BVI.  The “Customs and Immigration Procedures Presentation” in Puerto Rico, provided pertinent information to 150 Puerto Rican private pleasure boaters.

The delegation included Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Wade Smith; Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Tashima Martin; BVI Tourist Board’s Marketing Manager, RaeNisia Scatliffe; Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Rosemary Callwood; and Inspector of Police, Mr. Ivor Fraser. 

During Mr. Smith’s presentation, boaters received detailed information on the ports of entry, the hours of operation, and procedures they should follow if they arrived to the territory after hours.  Mr. Wade Smith noted, “Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have always had a cordial relationship and part of our mission is to ensure that this relationship continues to grow and becomes stronger."

Ms. Rosemary Callwood explained the importance of completing declaration forms when entering the territory.

Ensuring the security and safety of guests, Mr. Fraser informed the attendees that compared to 2017, the BVI has seen fewer crimes this year. He also mentioned the procedures in place to discourage any criminal activity. Mr. Fraser emphasized that the BVI is a safe place for guests to visit and provided safety tips when traveling to the islands.

Pleased with the collaborative efforts of the government agencies, Mrs. Sharon Flax-Brutus said, “The success of the tourism industry in the BVI is dependent on a concerted and collaborative effort by all government departments. Keeping our guests informed of procedures and processes, creates a better experience for all”. 

About the British Virgin Islands

An archipelago comprised of 60 islands and cays, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located approximately 50 miles east of Puerto Rico, in the northwestern region of the Caribbean Sea. The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Road Town, located on Tortola, is the British Virgin Islands’ capital.

Renowned as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations, the BVI’s dynamic and vast topography provides a unique opportunity to “island hop” with ease — with each island characterized by its own cultural and natural wonders. Among these attractions are The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Anegada’s Flamingo Pond, White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola’s Sage Mountain. Destination highlights also include world-class yachting, snorkeling, hiking, sustainable tourism and, for diving enthusiasts, the Caribbean’s most stunning wreck dives, such as the RMS Rhone.

A pristine and romantic island paradise evoking a bygone era, the British Virgin Islands are nonetheless easily accessible for U.S. travelers flying into Tortola/Beef Island’s Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) via frequent connecting service from nearby Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Maarten/St. Martin. Visitors traveling to the BVI from St. Thomas can also travel via ferry. Despite its status as a United Kingdom territory, the BVI conveniently uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.

For more information on all that the British Virgin Islands have to offer, visit the official BVI Tourist Board website at www.bvitourism.com or contact 1-800-835-8530.