The British Virgin Islands (BVI), with their pristine waters, steady trade winds, and beautiful anchorages, are the undisputed sailing capital of the Caribbean. Whether you're chartering a yacht, arriving by air, or island-hopping from the nearby US Virgin Islands, you'll need to complete the BVI ED Card before arrival.
This digital form streamlines your immigration experience by collecting your travel information in advance. DoVisa makes the process quick and error-free, so you can focus on planning your sailing adventure through these stunning islands!
What is the BVI ED Card?
The BVI ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is a mandatory digital immigration form for all travelers entering the British Virgin Islands. It collects passenger information for customs and immigration purposes, replacing the old paper arrival cards.
After submitting your information online, you'll receive a QR code confirmation to present at immigration. This digital system speeds up processing and ensures a smoother arrival experience for both air and sea travelers.
ED Card Quick Facts
Required for: All travelers (air and sea)
When to complete: Within 48 hours before arrival
Validity: Single entry
Cost: Free (government form)
Processing: Instant
Format: Digital QR code
Entry points: Road Town, West End, Great Harbour
Who Can Apply?
All visitors to the British Virgin Islands must complete the ED Card, regardless of how you're arriving. Understanding the eligibility requirements helps ensure a smooth entry process.
- Air travelers: All passengers arriving at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport
- Yacht crews & passengers: Everyone aboard private and charter vessels
- Ferry passengers: Travelers arriving from USVI or other Caribbean islands
- Day visitors: Even short-term visitors need to complete the form
- Children & infants: Each person requires their own ED Card
- Returning residents: BVI residents also complete the form
Sailing Groups
If you're chartering a yacht with a group, each person aboard needs their own ED Card. The captain should collect all QR codes before clearing customs at a port of entry.
Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport photo page details (number, expiry date, nationality)
- Flight or vessel information (airline/vessel name, arrival date)
- Port of entry (Road Town, West End, or Great Harbour)
- Accommodation details (hotel, villa, or yacht charter company)
- Contact email and phone number
- Emergency contact information
- Customs declaration (items to declare)
- Return or onward travel information
- Previous countries visited (last 14 days)
- Credit card for any applicable fees
How to Complete the Form
- Access the portal — Visit BVI Gateway or use DoVisa for guided assistance
- Create an account — Register with your email address
- Enter personal details — Full name, date of birth, nationality exactly as on passport
- Add passport information — Passport number, issue date, expiry date, issuing country
- Provide travel details — Flight number or vessel name, departure point, arrival date
- Select port of entry — Choose Road Town, West End, or Great Harbour
- Enter accommodation info — Hotel, villa address, or yacht charter details
- Complete customs section — Declare any restricted items (alcohol, tobacco, goods)
- Review all information — Double-check every field for accuracy
- Submit and receive QR — Your confirmation is sent instantly to your email
- Save multiple copies — Screenshot the QR code and print a backup
- Present at immigration — Show QR code on arrival
Costs & Timing
ED Card Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | Free |
| DoVisa Service | $9.99 (optional assistance) |
| Submit Window | Within 48 hours before arrival |
| Processing | Instant |
| Validity | Single entry |
| QR Code Delivery | Immediate via email |
Complete Your BVI ED Card
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid These Application Errors
Even small mistakes can cause delays at immigration. Here's what to watch out for when completing your BVI ED Card:
- Submitting too early: Forms submitted more than 48 hours before arrival may be invalid
- Passport typos: Passport number must match exactly — no extra spaces or wrong characters
- Wrong port of entry: Select the correct customs clearance location for your arrival
- Missing crew members: Every person on a yacht needs their own separate ED Card
- Yacht name errors: Use the official registered vessel name for charter boats
- Forgetting the QR code: Download and save your QR code — don't rely on email access at the dock
DoVisa Prevents Errors
Our system validates your information in real-time and flags potential issues before submission. This catches errors that could cause problems at immigration.
Travel Tips for BVI
Sailing Tips
If arriving by yacht, you must clear customs at designated ports of entry (Road Town, West End, or Great Harbour). Have your ED Card ready along with crew/passenger lists. The captain typically handles customs clearance for the entire vessel.
- Best time to visit: December - May (dry season with steady trade winds for sailing)
- Currency: US Dollar (USD) — no need to exchange money
- Getting around: Ferries between islands, charter yachts, water taxis
- Must-see destinations: The Baths (Virgin Gorda), Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Norman Island
- Famous beach bars: Soggy Dollar Bar (home of the Painkiller), Foxy's, Willy T's
- Sailing conditions: Trade winds 15-25 knots, protected anchorages, short island hops
- Snorkeling spots: The Indians, Norman Island caves, Loblolly Bay (Anegada)
- Budget tip: BVI is expensive — budget $200-400+/day per person
Why Use DoVisa?
Simple guided process
Real-time error checking
Instant QR code delivery
24/7 customer support
Mobile-friendly application
Trusted by thousands of sailors
Expert assistance available
Secure data handling
Frequently Asked Questions
Do yacht crews need ED Cards?
Do I need a visa for BVI?
Where do yachts clear customs?
Can I island-hop from USVI to BVI?
Is the BVI expensive?
What if my ED Card application is rejected?
Can I apply for my family at once?
How will I receive my ED Card confirmation?
What's the difference between clearing customs at different ports?
Do I need the ED Card for inter-island travel within BVI?
Ready for Your BVI Sailing Adventure?
The British Virgin Islands offer the ultimate Caribbean sailing experience — crystal clear waters, protected anchorages, steady trade winds, and legendary beach bars. Whether you're an experienced sailor or first-time charterer, the BVI delivers unforgettable memories.
Complete your ED Card with DoVisa and set sail for paradise! With your paperwork sorted in advance, you'll breeze through customs and be anchored in a turquoise bay before you know it.
British Virgin Islands
Capital: Road Town
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Language: English
Timezone: UTC-4
Processing: Instant
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: December - May
- Famous for: Sailing, The Baths, beach bars
- Power: 110V, Type A/B plugs
- Country code: +1-284
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Complete your BVI ED Card on your phone.
Comments(12)
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Just finished a week sailing the BVI! ED Card took 3 minutes online. The Baths at Virgin Gorda are absolutely magical - don't miss them!
Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke is LEGENDARY! Swim up to the bar from your yacht and order a Painkiller. Paradise found!
Best sailing waters I've ever experienced. Steady trade winds, protected anchorages, and water you can see 50 feet through. BVI is special.
If you're clearing customs by yacht, arrive early! The customs office can get busy, especially during high season. Have all your paperwork ready.
Don't skip Anegada - it's different from the other islands. Flat coral island with amazing lobster, flamingos, and the most pristine beaches.
Is chartering a yacht difficult for beginners?
DoVisa made the ED Card process so simple! Filled it out for my whole family in under 10 minutes. Their error checking caught a passport number typo before I submitted.
What's the best island to base yourself on if not chartering?
Willy T's floating bar is an experience you won't forget! Jump off the top deck, great food, and hilarious atmosphere. BVI knows how to party.
How reliable is the ferry between USVI and BVI? Planning to combine both on one trip.
The snorkeling at The Indians is incredible — schools of fish everywhere! Norman Island caves are also amazing. BVI waters are pristine.
Budget warning: BVI is NOT cheap! A basic dinner out is $50-80+ per person. Stock up on provisions from the grocery before sailing. Worth every penny for the beauty though!