Foreign travel advice

British Virgin Islands

Health

Before you travel, check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call  911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

For emergencies at sea call 767 to contact the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

See what health risks you’ll face in the BVI, including:  

  • Zika virus
  • biting insects and ticks
  • dengue

Healthcare in the BVI

There is only one hospital in the BVI – the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital – and medical facilities are limited. Complex medical problems are often referred to hospitals in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or mainland USA.

If you need medical evacuation to the US mainland and have no US visa, you will need special arrangements.  The US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver programme does not automatically apply on one-off charter flights. Make sure you have travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover any possible costs.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro