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Entering by boat: British Virgin Islands

What to do to enter British Virgin Islands by sea: the procedures, the papers to present and the ports where you can clear in.

Based on official sources, checked on 28 October 2026.

Before you arrive

  • Notify the authorities 72 hours before arrival.
  • Online procedure: SailClear (pré-déclaration en ligne recommandée par HM Customs) — sailclear.com

The steps

  1. Create the SailClear file and complete the customs/immigration form 72 h before arrival.
  2. Go straight to a port of entry with the Q flag up.
  3. Report to Customs and Immigration with passports, ship's papers and the SailClear ID.
  4. Pay Customs (Treasury), Ports Authority and any cruising fees.

Papers to have on board

  • Passports for the whole crew
  • Boat papers (registration certificate)
  • Crew list
  • Outward clearance from the previous country

Good to know

  • Clear in immediately on arrival; anchoring off Road Town customs without clearing can bring a fine of US$2,500 to 10,000 (noonsite report).
  • Gun Creek (Virgin Gorda) is listed as 'reopening soon': do not rely on it.
  • Immigration charges a US$40 overtime fee on Sundays and public holidays (April 2026 report).
  • National Parks mooring permits are not sold by Customs: buy online or at a National Parks Trust office.
  • The skipper may clear the whole crew only with all documents; some offices ask every passport holder to attend.

Ports of entry

The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.

Jost Van Dyke

Tortola

Virgin Gorda

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Sources

This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.