Frustration is mounting among travellers using the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) in the British Virgin Islands, with growing complaints that several airport and security requirements are outdated, stressful and inconsistent with modern regional and international travel standards.

Passengers travelling through EIS have increasingly voiced concerns over what they describe as excessive screening procedures, confusing rules and added inconveniences that many larger international airports have already streamlined or eliminated.

Among the biggest complaints is the continued requirement for passengers to separate liquids into small containers and place them into transparent litre-sized plastic bags during security screening. Travellers argue that the practice feels outdated at a time when many international airports are moving toward advanced scanning technology that no longer requires liquids and electronics to be removed from carry-on bags.

Frequent flyers say the process creates unnecessary stress, particularly for families, elderly travellers and persons making tight regional connections through San Juan, Antigua, St. Thomas and other Caribbean hubs.

“At many airports now you walk through with your liquids and electronics still in your bag, but at EIS people are still scrambling for little plastic bags and repacking luggage at the last minute,” one regional traveller complained. “It feels ten years behind.”

The litre-bag requirement stems from longstanding international aviation security rules introduced globally after security threats involving liquid explosives in the mid-2000s. However, many modern airports in North America, Europe and parts of the Middle East have begun phasing out the requirement through the use of upgraded CT scanners capable of detecting threats without requiring passengers to remove liquids.

Critics argue the BVI has been slow to modernize its airport security infrastructure, leaving travellers subject to procedures that are increasingly disappearing elsewhere.

Worldwide Trends

Research shows that the vast majority of airports worldwide still enforce some version of the “1-liter clear bag” rule for carry-on liquids.

Current picture in 2026:

• Most airports in the United States still require the TSA “3-1-1” rule:
  • liquids in containers of 100ml / 3.4 oz or less
  • all fitting inside one quart-size (roughly 1-liter) clear bag.  
• Most airports across Europe still enforce the 100ml rule, though some are phasing it out with new CT scanners.  
• In the UK, rules now vary airport by airport:
  • several airports like Heathrow Airport and some others have relaxed or removed the 1-liter bag requirement thanks to upgraded scanners.  
  • but at least 18 UK airports were still enforcing the traditional 100ml/1-liter system earlier this year.  

Globally, there are over 17,000 airports, but only a few hundred major commercial airports handle most international passengers. Of those major passenger airports, likely well over 80–90% still enforce either:

• the full 1-liter transparent bag rule, or
• the 100ml liquid restriction in some form.

The number of airports that have fully abandoned the rule is still relatively small and concentrated in:

• parts of the UK,
• some European hubs,
• a limited number of airports with advanced CT scanners.

The confusion today is that enforcement is no longer consistent:

• some airports still require the clear bag,
• some allow liquids to stay inside carry-ons,
• some allow larger containers up to 2 liters,
• and some have mixed rules depending on the terminal.  

Immigration and Customs Frustrations 

Passengers have also pointed to additional frustrations involving immigration forms, customs declarations and repeated document checks throughout the travel process. Since 2025, travellers entering the BVI have been required to complete online Immigration and Customs forms before arrival, a move government officials said would modernize the border entry process.

But some visitors argue the digital system has instead created confusion for less tech-savvy travellers and has added another layer of stress to an already complicated journey into the Territory.

Tourism stakeholders say the issue is particularly damaging because reaching the BVI already involves multiple connections for most international visitors. With no major direct long-haul flights into EIS, many travellers must transit through other jurisdictions before finally arriving in Tortola.

Business owners and charter operators warn that first impressions matter, and they fear complicated airport procedures may discourage repeat visitors.

“The BVI markets itself as luxury and relaxation, but many visitors arrive exhausted and frustrated before they even reach their villas or boats,” one tourism industry representative said.

Comparisons are increasingly being drawn with neighboring destinations such as Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico, where several airports have invested heavily in automated kiosks, upgraded scanners and simplified passenger processing systems.

Some travellers also question why the BVI maintains stringent screening rules for short regional flights while other Caribbean destinations have adopted more flexible approaches to intra-regional travel.

Social media discussions and travel forums have become filled with complaints about long lines, repeated security checks and inconsistent enforcement of airport rules. Some passengers have described being forced to discard toiletries or beverages because they were unaware of the litre-bag requirement before arriving at security.

Others argue the issue reflects a broader challenge facing the Territory — balancing strict security and border controls with the need to remain competitive in the regional tourism market.

Government officials and airport authorities have defended security procedures as necessary for passenger safety and compliance with international aviation standards. They also point to ongoing efforts to improve the Territory’s airport infrastructure, including plans connected to runway expansion and broader airport modernization.

Guavaberry Media reached out to Clive Smith, Ag. Managing Director of the BVI Airport Authority on the matter:

“The BVI Airports Authority understands that some passengers may find the current liquids, aerosols and gels screening requirements inconvenient. However, the one-litre bag requirement is not a local policy choice; it forms part of the aviation security framework applicable to airports in the UK Overseas Territories.

Passengers are generally required to place liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100 ml or less, packed in one clear, sealable plastic bag not exceeding one litre. Limited exceptions apply for items such as medicines, baby food, special dietary needs, and approved duty-free purchases.” Smith said. 

He also stated that “the Authority remains committed to improving the passenger experience and continues to assess modern screening technologies that may make the process easier. Any change, however, must be supported by approved equipment, staff training, procedures, testing, and regulatory acceptance.”

“While other airports may use newer screening systems that reduce the need to remove liquids from bags, similar liquid restrictions remain in place internationally, including under the TSA’s “3-1-1” rule in the United States. The Authority will continue working toward a more efficient and modern passenger screening process while ensuring aviation security and regulatory compliance are maintained.” he further stated. 

Still, calls are growing for authorities to revisit some of the airport’s procedures and invest in newer technology that would bring the Territory more in line with evolving global travel standards.

For many travellers, the frustration is not simply about plastic bags or liquid limits. Instead, they say it is the cumulative stress of navigating multiple outdated requirements in a destination that is heavily dependent on tourism and international business travel.

As the BVI seeks to expand airlift and improve its international image, pressure is mounting on airport officials and policymakers to modernize the travel experience and reduce what many now see as unnecessary obstacles at the Territory’s main airport gateway.