BVI at a Glance
Language: English
Government: British Overseas Territory since 1672. Head of State: HM Queen
Elizabeth II, represented locally by a Governor
Capital: Road Town, Tortola
Size: 153 sq km (59 sq miles)
Location: 153 sq km. Comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited
islands; includes the island of Anegada
Climate: Subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds
Electricity: 110/60 volts AC, 60Hz. American 2-pin plugs are used
Currency: USD
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.
Getting to BVI
If you’re arriving by air, keep in mind that there are no direct flights
from the USA, Canada, Europe or South America to the main airport - the Terrence
B. Lettsome Airport (EIS). All flights must connect through another Caribbean
airport such as San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Maarten/St.
Martin. When booking air travel, remember to request flights to Tortola or
use the airport code, EIS. The airport code for the Virgin Gorda Airport is
VIJ.
If you fly to Tortola and are traveling on to Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Peter
Island, or Jost van Dyke - check with your hotel, resort or villa to make
sure that charter flights or ferry service will be available if you arrive
after 4pm. Otherwise, plan to spend the night in Tortola.
Flights via San Juan, Puerto Rico Airport Code SJU:
The most direct way to arrive to The BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico. Frequent
connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Caribbean Sun, Cape Air,
and Liat, with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights.
Flights via St. Thomas - Airport Code STT:
If you choose to arrive via St. Thomas, you'll have to arrange a charter flight
to Tortola, Virgin Gorda or Anegada. Most travelers take one of the frequent
ferries that travel between downtown Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, St. Thomas
and Tortola.
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