Traveling to
Tortola
To get here you'll have to fly or take a long ride on a large
boat. The island of Tortola is part of the British Virgin Islands
in the Caribbean. Often referred to as the BVI, the chain of islands
is a British overseas territory located about 60 miles east of
Puerto Rico. There are about 60 islands in total, 16 of which
are inhabited. The four major islands are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin
Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Tortola is the largest island in the
British Virgin Islands.
Airport and Air Travel
The main point of entry for vacationers is the East End Beef Island
Airport which is linked to Tortola's capital city of Road Town
by the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. Major airlines do not fly directly
to the British Virgin Islands. Visitors must fly to San Juan in
Puerto Rico or to St. Thomas or St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.
From any of these points you can take a small plane to Tortola.
There's a $10 air tax (US funds) when you are leaving the British
Virgin Islands.
Getting Around Tortola and the BVI
Once you are here you can take cabs to get around the island,
or you can rent a car. You cannot rent a car at the airport, you
must first take a taxi to your hotel. The cab ride will cost about
$15 (US funds). To rent a car you will need a valid driver's license
so that the rental agency can issue a temporary British Virgin
Islands driving license. Remember to drive on the left side of
the road! Chartering a sailboat is a great way to get around the
whole of the British Virgin Islands.
Visas and Passports
Visitors must carry a valid passport. Citizens of the US and Canada
can gain entry with an original birth certificate (with raised
seal), but a passport is the recommended travel document. Some
visitors may require visas. Your travel agent should be able to
help determine this, or you can contact the Government of the
British Virgin
Islands. Visitors can stay up to six months as long as they
have a return or ongoing ticket, accommodations for their stay,
and the means to support themselves.
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