Statement

BVI London Office
Release Date:
Friday, 20 March 2020 - 6:06pm

BVI Nationals and Belongers in the United Kingdom (UK) are asked to monitor and adhere to the UK Government's guidance on the COVID -19 outbreak which is available at www.gov.uk.

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all non-essential travel worldwide and the BVI’s London Office is advising persons who are considering travel to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to ensure that they keep up to date on all guidance/restrictions from the BVI Government and any in-transit countries. They are reminded that due to the nature of the pandemic, guidance is changing frequently and may change while they are in route to the Territory.  

The BVI has listed the United Kingdom as a "Very High Risk Country" on its “List of Affected Areas of Concern”.  BVI Nationals, Belongers, Work Permit Holders or persons ordinarily resident in the Territory, or their dependents can enter the Territory but may be subjected to strict quarantine measures upon assessment on their arrival.   

The following BVI ports are open but restricted to international passenger arrivals for persons who are BVI Nationals, Belongers, Work Permit Holders and persons ordinarily resident in the Territory, or their dependents, only: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Road Town Ferry Terminal and Sopher’s Hole, West End. Further restrictions may be put in place as the situation evolves. Persons are asked to monitor the BVI's updates at https://bvi.gov.vg/covid-19.

This is a challenging time for many. Our regular way of life has been impacted by school and university closures, remote working, and social distancing which can add to some of the anxiety that you may already be experiencing.  The BVI London Office remains available to offer support and advice to the BVI Community in the UK throughout this period. Persons who are alone or experiencing difficulties may also be connected to fellow BVIslanders by phone for support or simply to have a listening ear for encouragement.

The BVI London Office remains operational Mondays to Fridays during its usual hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In light of public health concerns and Public Health England’s guidance, persons are asked to refrain from visiting BVI House until further notice. The office can be contacted  by telephone at +44(0)2073559570 or email  at enquiries@bvi.org.uk.  The office is also  accessible via its Facebook and Twitter pages @BVIintheUK and regular updates will be posted to its website www.bvi.org.uk.

 I trust that you will remain safe and in good health over the coming weeks.