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Travel Insurance British Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Country Guide

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Quick Facts

Official Name: Virgin Islands
Capital: Road Town
Official Languages: English
Spoken Languages: English
Population: 28,054 (2010 est.)
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone: AST (UTC-4)

The Virgin Islands is a territory that is owned by Britain. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea next to the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands. There are four main islands and fifty small islands; the four main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Most of the population of all the islands live in the capital, Road Town, which is located on Tortola.

Virgin Islands Travel Insurance

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Most of the islands are volcanic and are mostly mountainous. The North Atlantic Ocean is north of the islands and Puerto Rico lies to the east. The Virgin Islands have a tropical climate which results in rainfall but warm weather in the summer and dry but cooler air in the winter period. Temperatures can be as high as 36°C (96°F) or as low as 16°C (60°F).

Geographic data: 18°25.883 N 64°37.383 W

Natural hazards: Hurricanes and tropical cyclones are risks.

Birth rate: 10 births/1000 people (2012 est.)

Death rate: 3 deaths/1000 people (2011 est.)

Life expectancy: 77.26 (2009 est.)

You are allowed to drive up to 30 days with a UK driving license. You cannot get a temporary driving license whilst on the islands. You must drive on the left. Taxis are available and will take you to most tourist hotspots, though it is advised to agree on the cost of the taxi trip prior to the start of your journey.

Crime is low on the British Virgin Islands. However, there has been some reportage of rare, serious cases. Petty crime is also reported such as pickpocketing. General care is advised. It is also advised that you avoid large crowds and avoid travelling alone where possible.

You do not require a visa if you are a British national. You will be allowed to stay for a month, this can be extended for another month but is decided by the chief immigration officer.

Your passport will need to be valid for the entirety of your stay. No further extensions are required. There is a departure tax that you will have to pay if you intend to leave by air, it is $20 altogether.

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

Visit your health professional before travelling. There is only one medical centre within the British Virgin Islands and the supplies are limited. You may have to be transferred to the US if you have any complex medical issues. It is strongly advised to get good medical travel insurance before travelling to the islands.

Currently, FCDO have not advised to avoid travelling to the British Virgin Islands. There is a low threat from terrorism.

However, this information could change at any time. It is advised that you check the FCDO website before you travel: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Direct Travel Insurance cannot offer cover for any areas or countries to which the FCDO advise against travel.

The British Virgin Islands are highly influenced by British culture. They have also been influenced by Africa and other parts of Europe. Music is popular with locals and tourists that visit the islands. ‘Fungi’ is the traditional music that locals play, it is a mix of African and European music. There are many festivals in which this music type is played. Sailing is another popular pastime that locals take part in.