Question 1

Do I need to provide birth certificate, if the applicant is a child?

Accepted Answer

If the application is for a minor, the Government lists a birth certificate.

Question 2

Do I need to provide one recent passport-size photo?

Accepted Answer

One recent passport-size photograph on a white, light grey or cream background. The Government links to further photo requirements, which we could not read.

Question 3

Do I need to provide passport bio page, valid for at least six months when you apply?

Accepted Answer

The Government lists your passport bio page with at least six months' validity, and says passports must have six months or more of validity when you make a visa application. For entry itself, the Government says it is NOT a requirement to hold a passport with at least six months left, but you do need a valid passport (and, if one is required, a valid visa).

Question 4

Do I need to provide police record?

Accepted Answer

The Government lists a police record for the applicant. It does not say how recent it must be.

Question 5

Do I need to provide bank reference?

Accepted Answer

A bank reference for the applicant is on the Government's list. If bank statements are submitted (for example for a sponsor), they must cover the past six months.

Question 6

Do I need to provide sponsorship or invitation letter, or a hotel confirmation?

Accepted Answer

The Government lists a letter of sponsorship or invitation letter, or a hotel confirmation. The 'sponsor' is the person you plan to visit, who is treated as responsible for you for your whole stay. If your travel is sponsored, the Government also asks for the sponsor's proof of employment and bank reference, and any bank statements must cover the past six months.

Question 7

Do I need to provide proof of your employment or studies?

Accepted Answer

The Government lists proof of employment or studies for the applicant.

Question 8

Do I need to provide at the port: return ticket, enough money and somewhere to stay?

Accepted Answer

The Government says bona fide visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports of entry, provided they have completed the ED form, hold return (or onward) tickets, have evidence of adequate means of support and have pre-arranged accommodation for their stay. To stay up to six months, apply for an extension through the Department of Immigration in Road Town. This applies to every visitor, including UK citizens.

Question 9

Do I need to provide check whether you need a visa, and if you do, apply by email before you book?

Accepted Answer

The Government publishes a list of nationalities that need a visa to enter the Virgin Islands. If yours is on it, download the British Virgin Islands Visa Application Form and email it with your supporting documents to the BVI Visa Unit at bvivisas@gov.vg. If your application is complete you get a payment request by email; once the payment clears the Visa Office finishes processing, and an electronic visa (e-Visa) is emailed to you if approved. The Government says travel should not be booked until the visa has been issued. Two exceptions are published: nationals of visa-required countries who hold a valid UK, US or Canadian visa (with more than six months' validity before travel) may visit for work, business or tourism for under six months, and a cruise passenger who stays 24 hours or less does not need a visa. The Government's own list of visa-required countries was not readable on gov.vg when we checked; confirm with the BVI Visa Unit (+1 284 494 3443) if you are unsure.

Question 10

Do I need to provide online embarkation/disembarkation (ed) card, for every traveller?

Accepted Answer

Since 1 January 2025 every traveller entering the Virgin Islands by air or sea must complete the free online ED card at www.BVIedcards.gov.vg, the only authorised platform, regardless of nationality or status. The Government says it can be submitted within 72 hours before travel, and its FAQ recommends doing it at least 24 hours before arrival. You need a valid email address, your passport bio page (photo or scan), your travel details (dates, airline or vessel) and your address in the Virgin Islands. If you need a visa, get it first. Show the confirmation email (digital or printed) to the immigration officer at the port.

Question 11

Do I need to provide certified english translations, and foreign documents apostilled and notarised?

Accepted Answer

Documents in a foreign language (the Government gives Spanish and French as examples) must come with a certified English translation. All foreign supporting documents should be apostilled (legalised) and notarised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country. The Civil Registry and Passport Office can ask for more documents after it reviews your application, and the Government says all visa applications are subject to approval.

Question 12

Do I need to provide completed visa application form and the $175 fee?

Accepted Answer

The Government lists a completed BVI Visa Application Form and a fee of $175.00 (USD) that is non-refundable whatever the decision. You pay only after the Visa Unit has checked the application is complete and sent you a payment request with instructions. The form itself could not be opened when we checked, so its questions are not listed here.

Question 13

Do I need to provide processing time: about four weeks; visa validity and stay length not published?

Accepted Answer

The Government gives a processing time of 4 weeks if all documents are in order, and says it may take longer when applications are heavy. The page doesn't say how long a visa is valid or how long it lets you stay, so ask the BVI Visa Unit (bvivisas@gov.vg) before you book. The Government is not responsible for money lost on travel booked before a visa is issued.

Burundi → British Virgin Islands: Short-stay tourist

Required documents

Identity

Financial

Accommodation

Employment

Travel

Other

Why applications on this route get refused

Sources