Getting Here
As there are no direct, commercial flights to the British Virgin Islands from the USA, Canada or Europe, you must first connect to a regional carrier through a larger, neighboring Caribbean port. The most common connecting ports are Puerto Rico (SJU), St. Thomas (STT), Antigua (ANU) or St. Maarten (SXM) serviced by LIAT, Seaborne, Air Sunshine or Cape Air.
As connections to regional carriers are often rife with delays and cancellations, we recommended you consider chartering a private aircraft from an airline such as Island Birds. The seamless, VIP service provided by companies such as this, are both safe and dependable.
Alternatively, Private Jets ranging in size from a Lear Jet to a Global Express are readily available for private charter to Tortola (EIS) and able to fly directly from as far away as Eastern Europe.
Upon your arrival, a smiling Mango Manor staff member will greet you and within minutes you will be on your way in VIP, air conditioned comfort in one of the Estate’s Range Rovers. You and your party will have an assortment of refreshments and snacks to choose from as you kick back, relax and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.
Useful Info
Entry Requirements
Visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports of entry, provided that they possess a valid passport, return (or ongoing) tickets and pre-arranged accommodations during their stay. Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension.
Visitors that are residents of certain countries, require a visa in order to enter the BVI. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa; contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.
Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most hotels, shops and larger restaurants. American Express being the least popular. Some establishments often pose a $25 minimum transaction.
Sales Tax
There is no sales tax in the British Virgin Islands
Accommodation Tax
In the British Virgin Islands there is a 7% Hotel Accommodation Tax payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels, apartments, houses, cottages, villas and similar accommodations
Dress Code
Dress code on the islands is casual (shorts & t-shirts) and only the most exclusive restaurants require elegant clothing. The wearing of swimsuits is considered offensive if worn around town or in residential areas. Please cover up!
Location
The British Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea – Latitude 18.25 degrees North and Longitude 64.36 degrees West – approximately 90 miles east of Puerto Rico.
Driving
A valid driving license is required by all those seeking to drive in the British Virgin Islands.
Persons staying in the territory under 30 days are not required to purchase a temporary driver’s license. However, if your stay is over 30 days, a license is required. A temporary BVI driving license can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies provided a valid driver’s license is produced from another country
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road throughout the islands and the minimum age for renting a vehicle is 21 years.
Language
English
Telephone
The International Dialing Code for the British Virgin Islands is +1-284 followed by a 7-digit number.
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time (AST): 4 hours behind GMT and 1 hour ahead of EST.
Voltage
The electrical current is 110 volt, 60 cycles
Marriage
For information on requirements for getting married in the British Virgin Islands, contact the Registrar’s Office, Road Town. Tel: (284) 468-3701 ext 5001 or (284) 494-3442/5650. You may also visit the Civil Registry & Passport Office website for more information.
Pets
Pets are allowed entry into the Territory only after an import permit is issued by the Department of Agriculture. For regulations governing animal importation, contact the Department of Agriculture, Paraquita Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Tel: (284) 495-2532 or Fax: (284) 495-1269.
Smoking
Please be aware that smoking in public spaces is strictly prohibited according to a law passed by the Legislative Council. This includes bars, restaurants, nightclubs, airports, offices and arenas, and within 50 feet of any public area.
British Virgin Islands Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire & Ambulance 999 or 911 Virgin Islands Search & Rescue (VISAR) 767 (SOS)
Medical Services
- B & F Medical Clinic, Mill Mall, Wickhams Cay, Road Town, Tortola – Tel: 284.494.2196
- Bougainvillea Clinic, Russell Hill, Road Town, Tortola – Tel: 284.494.2181
- Eureka Medical Clinic, Geneva Place, Road Town, Tortola – Tel: 284.494.2346
- Peebles Hospital , Road Town, Tortola – Tel: 284.494.3497
* We would recommend calling these clinics first!
Dental Services
- Dr Andrew Buckley
B & F Medical, Mill Mall, Wickhams Cay, Road Town, Tortola – Tel: 284.494.2196 - Premier Dental
Building 8 Skelton Bay Lot, Warehouse Complex (near Drakes Traders) Fish Bay, Tortola – Tel: 284.494.8062
Things to Do
Where the past of the West Indies meets the present, Tortola has it all, culture, adventure, excitement and tranquility. Tortola is the largest island of the BVI chain and offers a variety of activities for you to enjoy:
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Surfing
- Kite Boarding
- Paddle Boarding
- Swim with Dolphins
- Fishing
- Learn to Sail
- Day Sails
- Motor Boat Rental
- Hiking – Sage Mountain
- Island Tours/Historic Sites
- Yoga
Mango Manor offers full concierge services and will be happy to make any necessary arrangements during your stay.
Tortola, with its many facets of fun, is the perfect place for a truly memorable Caribbean vacation.
Tortola
Tortola is the capital of the British Virgin Islands and, at 13.5 miles long and 3 miles wide, the largest of more than 50 islands, islets and cays.
Formed by volcanic activity, Tortola is a mountainous island. Its highest point is Sage Mountain National Park, standing at 1,750 feet above sea level. A walk through this lush, tropical rainforest will reveal amazing trees, flowers, wildlife and stunning views of the other islands and their coral reefs.
Stroll or swim the powdery, white sand and crystal clear water of the north shore beaches. Sail, surf, scuba dive, kite board, windsurf, explore historic sites, hike and eat at great restaurants. With its many facets of fun, Tortola is the perfect place for a truly memorable, Caribbean experience.