Practical Information

Formal Name: Virgin Islands

Country: Autonomous British Overseas Territory

Language: English

Location: The Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico

Size: Together the British Virgin Islands total about 153 kilometers squared. They consist of approximately 54 islands, the largest of which is Tortola at 20 km long and 3 km wide. The other main islands are Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Approximately 15 of the islands are inhabited.

Capital: Road Town, located on Tortola Island.

Population: There are approximately 23,000 people living in the British Virgin Islands, with 18,000 people in Road Town alone.

Visas: Most visitors will not need a visa for stays under six months so long as they have a return or ongoing ticket.

Embassies: There are no embassies or consulates located anywhere in the British Virgin Islands. If you have any problems, please head to the nearest police station.

Hospital: Peebles Hospital is located in Road Town on Tortola Island. Other islands will have small, part-time clinics available.

Emergency Number: 911

Telephone Country Code: 011-44

Telephone Area Code: 284

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (does not follow Daylight Savings Time)

Voltage: 110 V, 60 Hz

Power Outlets: Two-pronged Flat Blades (A)

Internet: There is internet access at most hotels on the islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda. The cost will be between $2 and $5 per hour. Other islands do not have internet access.

Alcohol: Please note that, unlike Britain, the legal drinking age in the British Virgin Islands is 21 years old.

Currency: US Dollar

Banking: There are several banks located in Road Town on Tortola Island. These banks have ATMs that accept Plus, Cirrus and Exchange. There are not banks available on the other islands.

Transportation: If you are driving in the Virgin Islands, please remember to stay on the left side of the road, as in Britain. The main harbor for the British Virgin Islands is in Road Town, with multiple ferries daily connecting the various British Virgin Islands and also the US Virgin Islands. It is also important to note that hitchhiking is illegal in the British Virgin Islands.

Airports: The main airport is Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport located on Beef Island. Beef Island is then connected to Tortola Island via bridge. There are also ferries available to the other islands.

Departure Tax: If you leave by sea, there is a 5 USD departure tax ($7 if you are on a cruise ship). If you leave by air, there is a 20 USD departure tax.