ROAD TOWN, Tortola, British Virgin Islands – Nationals of visa-restricted countries who hold valid Entry Permits in the British Virgin Islands will no longer be required to obtain a separate eVisa to travel to the Territory, following Cabinet approval of a new immigration measure set to take effect on 15 November 2026.
The Department of Immigration announced the change, which is intended to streamline travel for individuals who have already received immigration approval while making it easier for businesses to recruit and access overseas workers.
Under the new arrangement, eligible Entry Permit holders may travel to the Virgin Islands without securing an additional eVisa, provided their Entry Permits remain valid and they continue to comply with all applicable immigration conditions.
The exemption will also extend to qualifying dependants of Entry Permit holders who would otherwise be required to obtain an eVisa. However, their exemption is tied to the status of the principal permit holder and the validity of their own Entry Permits.
If the principal holder’s permit expires, is cancelled or revoked, the dependants will lose their exemption. The same applies if a dependant’s own Entry Permit expires, is cancelled or revoked, or if that dependant obtains independent immigration status.
The Government has also addressed a category of workers who have received Work Permit approval through an Immigration Clearance Letter but have not yet travelled to the Territory or collected their physical Work Permit and Entry Permit. These individuals will not be required to obtain a visa under the initiative.
However, persons whose visa applications are already in progress must still complete the application process and pay all applicable fees.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, who has responsibility for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, said the decision fulfils a commitment to simplify immigration procedures for qualifying permit holders.
“We made a commitment to simplify the immigration process for qualifying entry permit holders, and this decision is part of my government’s commitment to deliver on that promise,” the Premier stated.
He added that removing the additional eVisa requirement would make it easier for businesses to access workers and improve the travel experience for eligible individuals, while preserving the Territory’s immigration requirements.
The measure was approved by Cabinet on September 30, 2026, and formalised through a Visa Exemption Order gazetted on October 29, 2026.
The Department of Immigration and the Civil Registry and Passport Office are collaborating on implementation.
Persons seeking clarification about eligibility may contact the Department of Immigration at immigrationinfo@gov.vg or (284) 468-4705. The Civil Registry and Passport Office may also be reached at bvivisas@gov.vg or (284) 468-3036.
The new arrangement takes effect November 15, 2026.