The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority has resumed its Ferry operations, with new protocols for vaccinated travellers, which took effect Saturday, May 15th. Fully vaccinated travellers are now afforded a limited quarantine period. They can now enter the British Virgin Islands, get tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, after which they proceed to quarantine for up to two days pending the result of the test. 

While the BVIPA continues to scale its operations, the current restriction of 50 passengers per ferry remains firmly in place, to ensure continued efficiency in processing travellers. Adjustments to this limitation will be announced in coming days. 

The BVIPA wishes to, therefore, clarify that the situation which arose Saturday 15th was a breach of the BVIPA’s transportation and travel protocol on the part of the ferry operator. One of the incoming ferries failed to cap its passengers at the required limit of 50. In fact, that ferry transported in excess of 100 passengers into the territory, which breached the COVID-19 protection protocols, and caused a backlog in the immigration and customs processing of those passengers. This resulted in overcrowding at the terminal, discomfort and inconvenience of the passengers and staff, thus negatively impacting the service and image of the Ports.  

The BVIPA apologizes for the inconvenience caused to passengers over this breach and assures that the system, as implemented and required of all ferry operators, is designed to provide for a smooth experience, while ensuring the safety and security of all passengers, as well as the staff of the Ports. 

Further, the BVIPA advises all ferry operators that they must abide within the COVID-19 mandates of the Ports’ operations so as to not endanger the lives of its passengers. A full investigation is underway into Saturday’s incident, and appropriate action will be taken with that ferry operator, as the Ports cannot afford a possible repeat of such an occurrence. In this time of heightened security, the Ports Authority takes seriously and prioritizes the safety of all passengers, staff, and by extension, the people of the British Virgin Islands. 

ABOUT THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS PORTS AUTHORITY

The BVI Ports Authority is the managing authority for all official Sea Ports within the British Virgin Islands inclusive of the 60ft wide, 1,312 ft. long cruise pier that can berth ships up to a maximum tonnage of 180,000 GRT. The BVIPA is responsible for the welcoming and safe arrival of seafaring passengers, as well as the reception, handling and security of cargo and sea based trade.

For more information please visit www.bviports.org