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Our British Virgin Islands visa application process

How to submit your British Virgin Islands visa with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions to find out whether you need a British Virgin Islands ED Card or another British Virgin Islands travel document. Then, upload your documents and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.

We’ll guide you through any unclear steps during the application process.

We review your application

The British Virgin Islands visa system is known for being a bit picky – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear.

Don’t worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the BVI government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

Get your British Virgin Islands visa

We’ll email your approved visa and let you know how to use it for your trip.

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Visa types needed for British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands ED Card
British Virgin Islands Entry Visa*
Student Visa*
Work Permit*

British Virgin Islands ED Card

Purpose: The British Virgin Islands ED Card is a mandatory pre-arrival travel registration required for travelers entering the British Virgin Islands for tourism or short stays.

When to apply: The ED Card must be completed before traveling to the British Virgin Islands. We recommend applying at least a few days before departure to avoid delays.

Processing time: Processing times are usually short, but travelers should apply in advance to ensure approval before boarding.

Duration and extensions: The ED Card is valid for a single entry and is linked to your specific trip details.

Entries: Single entry.

Delivery format: This is a digital document sent by email. You must present it, either printed or on your mobile device, upon arrival.

British Virgin Islands Entry Visa*

This is for travelers from visa-required countries visiting for tourism, holidays, or business meetings. The validity varies depending on the purpose of travel. It's generally issued for a single entry or multiple entries, valid for up to 6 months. You must obtain this before traveling through a BVI or British consular mission.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

Student Visa*

This is for foreign nationals seeking to live in the territory to attend a registered educational institution. It is valid for the duration of the academic program or school year. You must apply for this through the Immigration Department by providing an official acceptance letter from the school and proof of financial backing.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

Work Permit*

This is for non-nationals who have been legally hired by a registered local employer to engage in employment within the territory. It is valid for up to 1 year and must be renewed annually. You must secure this before arrival via an application submitted by your employer to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

*We currently don’t offer this permit.

British Virgin Islands visa policy

Some nationalities are visa-exempt and can receive permission to enter the British Virgin Islands on arrival. Others must apply for a British Virgin Islands Visitor Visa in advance unless they hold a qualifying valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the UK, US, or Canada.

All travelers must complete the required British Virgin Islands ED Card before arrival.

General British Virgin Islands visa requirements are:

Passport valid for the duration of stay
Proof of onward or return travel
Proof of accommodation in the British Virgin Islands
Evidence of sufficient financial means for the visit
Any required supporting documents depending on nationality or visa status

British Virgin Islands visa prices

British Virgin Islands ED Card

Prices starting from $59.99

Valid for 1 month after issued

Single entry

Stay up to 30 days per entry

Get it as fast as 15 minutes

Fast facts

iVisa approval rate

100%

Main reason for denials

Incorrect passport details

Average time it takes to apply

5 mins

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind.

Benefit	Applying by yourself	iVisa
Simple, easy forms	Not included	Included
24x7 support from visa experts	Not included	Included
Error detection to prevent rejections	Not included	Included
World's easiest passport scan	Not included	Included
Multiple payment methods	Not included	Included

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24/7customer support

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10 years of experience

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FAQs

Which visas allow you to enter the British Virgin Islands?

To visit the British Virgin Islands, travelers must either be visa-exempt, hold a valid BVI visa, or possess an accepted visa from another authority. The BVI accepts certain valid visas as substitutes, such as a UK Visitor Visa or ETA, or a valid US, Canadian, or Schengen visas or residence permits in some cases. These documents may allow you to enter the British Virgin Islands without a separate BVI visa, depending on your nationality and how long you plan to stay. We offer both the UK ETA and UK Visitor Visa if you qualify to enter the BVI using either of these options.

Do I need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for tourism?

It depends on your citizenship. Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Caribbean CARICOM nations do not require a visa for tourist stays (ranging from 30 to 180 days depending on nationality). If your nationality requires a visa, you must apply for one before booking your travel.

Can I use a UK ETA to enter the British Virgin Islands?

No, a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) cannot be used to enter the British Virgin Islands. The ETA is only valid for travel to the United Kingdom. To enter the British Virgin Islands, you must meet local immigration requirements, which may include being visa-exempt, holding a qualifying UK, US, or Canada visa or residence permit, or applying for a British Virgin Islands Visitor Visa if required.

Do children and minors need their own BVI ED Card?

Yes. There are no group submissions or age exemptions for this digital declaration. Each individual passenger, including infants and children, must have their own Online ED Card submitted. Parents or legal guardians can complete the electronic form on behalf of minors.

What is the difference between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands?

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory. Entry rules follow UK-aligned visa policies. The local currency is the US dollar, but immigration is controlled by BVI authorities. The US Virgin Islands (USVI)—including St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—are US territories. Travelers follow US visa rules, and US citizens do not need a passport to visit.

How long is the British Virgin Islands ED Card valid for?

The BVI ED Card is a pre-travel entry document for short visits. It typically allows stays of up to 30 days. Extensions may be granted by local authorities after arrival, depending on your situation.

Do I need a visa if I’m on a cruise stopping in the British Virgin Islands?

No, cruise ship passengers who stay less than 24 hours and remain within designated port areas are generally exempt from visa requirements. However, if you plan to explore beyond the port or stay longer, you may need a visa or ED Card depending on your nationality.

Can I work in the British Virgin Islands with a tourist or visitor visa?

No, tourist and visitor visas do not permit employment. If you plan to work in the BVI, you must first secure a Work Permit through an employer in the territory. Unauthorized work may lead to fines, removal, or denial of future entry.

How will I receive the British Virgin Islands ED Card?

Once your Online ED Card application is successfully submitted, you will receive it via email. We recommend saving it directly to your mobile device or printing a physical copy to present to transport operators at check-in and to immigration and customs officers at your port of entry.

How long does the British Virgin Islands ED Card processing take?

With iVisa, you can enter your details well ahead of time, and our system will securely queue your application to automatically submit it the exact moment the official 72-hour government window opens, delivering your confirmation receipt via email in as little as 30 minutes (depending on your chosen delivery speed). We recommend filling out the information 24 hours before your travel day to avoid last-minute connectivity issues.

Can I extend my stay in the British Virgin Islands?

Yes, you may apply for an extension while in the territory, but you must do so before your current authorization expires. Visit the Immigration Department in Road Town, Tortola, and bring the necessary documentation and fees.

Can I access my British Virgin Islands ED Card on my phone?

Absolutely. Once your ED Card is approved, we’ll email it to you – but you can also access it anytime through the iVisa app. It’s the easiest way to keep your travel documents in one place while you’re on the move.