Travel Vaccines and Advice for British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands is a British territory in the Caribbean. There are 5 main islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke), as well as 50 smaller islands and cays. In total the islands comprise 90 square kilometres.
This popular tourist destination is known for its many beaches, making it easy to find your own area. On warm, sunny day you can sail from island to island, enjoying the cool ocean breeze and clear waters. Those who are a bit more adventurous may want to go scuba diving and see fish, turtles, or even sunken boats. Others may want to go surf, kiteboard, windsurf, or fish.
After a long day on the beach, relax by shopping for local-made treasures and have a fresh seafood dinner. Wash it all down with the rink of choice, rum, at one of the many local bars. Make sure to choose one with live music for a truly local experience. Finally, rest in a bungalow or luxury hotel and repeat everything again the next day.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the British Virgin Islands?
Do I Need a Visa for the British Virgin Islands?
What is the Climate Like in the British Virgin Islands?
How Safe are the British Virgin Islands?
Visit Devil’s Bay National Park
What Should I Take to the British Virgin Islands?
Canadian Embassy to the British Virgin Islands
Do I Need Vaccines for the British Virgin Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the British Virgin Islands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the British Virgin Islands: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the British Virgin Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for the British Virgin Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue and Zika are both present in the British Virgin Islands. Make sure to bring and use mosquito repellent. Zika is a larger risk for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Consider changing travel plans and take extra precautions if you are in this group.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa for the British Virgin Islands?
A passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of departure is required to enter the country. A tourist and business visa is not required for stays up to 6 months. A departure tax, which is payable by cash only, is charged even for cruise ship passengers.
British Virgin Islands Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to the British Virgin Islands? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of the British Virgin Islands and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in the British Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands has a tropical rain forest climate. There are warm temperatures year-round and trade winds blowing cool air.
The temperature stay in the 20’s year-round. January through March have the coldest temperatures and August and September the warmest.
There is a great deal of rain, with the islands receiving about 110 centimeters of rain each year. The wettest months are September through November and the driest are February and March. Between June and November, there is the threat of hurricanes.
How Safe are the British Virgin Islands?
Travel only in well-lit areas and avoid travelling alone if possible. Do not leave valuable items in public areas and consider using a hotel safe, if available.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing or bag-snatching, can also occur. Travellers should avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with them. Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, as they are good opportunities for pick-pocketing.
Visit Devil’s Bay National Park
If you’re looking for a gorgeous, sandy spot away from the crowds, Devil’s Bay National Park is the ideal spot.
A dirt road that is well-traveled may not be the best first impression. Warm sand and blue waters will greet you upon entering the Bay. There are tall trees that provide plenty of shelter from the son and serve as an excellent spot to lounge under.
If you bring your snorkeling gear to explore the beautiful rocks and colorful fish in the waters nearby. If you just want to rest, the water there is calm and perfect for closing your eyes and floating. After playing in the water for a while, head to the Beach Bar for a Piña colada to cool you off.
What Should I Take to the British Virgin Islands?
A trip to the British Virgin Islands is a must for many travellers. Make sure you have everything you need for your trip:
- Light Clothing – It can get very hot and humid on the islands. You will be most comfortable in light, flowy clothing.
- Sunscreen – Lounging on the beach or exploring the outdoors, make sure to lather up in sunscreen.
- Comfortable Footwear – Most travellers take a chance to walk around and explore. Make sure you have comfortable shoes.
- Bug Spray – Mosquitoes are common in the British Virgin Islands. Bring bug spray to avoid getting bitten.
Canadian Embassy to the British Virgin Islands
When travelling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the Canadian Embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
There is no Canadian Embassy on the British Virgin Islands. The embassy in Barbados serves this area:
High Commission of Canada to Barbados
Bishop’s Court Hill,
St. Michael,
P.O. Box 404,
Bridgetown, Barbados BB11113
Tel.: +246 629 3550
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the British Virgin Islands
“The nurse was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. All travel vaccine requirements and recommendations were explained clearly and all questions about the British Virgin Islands were answered thoroughly. Would highly recommend her and the clinic to others who need travel medication.”
“The nurse was very well informed about the travel advisories and the current health concerns in area I would be going to. She explained and answered all my questions. I feel better about going off to BVI.”
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