In a significant step for the reopening of its tourism sector, the British Virgin Islands has removed the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers.

The country had recently eased its regulations, imposing a quarantine for vaccinated travelers only as they await the results of an arrival PCR test.

Under the new rules, vaccinated travelers don’t need to get tested upon arrival. They do, however, still have to show proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test within five days before arrival — and show proof of complete vaccination.

Partially vaccinated travelers (meaning they’ve taken only one of two doses) need a test within five days before travel, evidence of partial vaccination and then a PCR test or antigen test on arrival — and a quarantine for four days.

The British Virgin Islands has also lowered its “gateway administrative fee” for fully vaccinated travelers to $35 from $105.

So what about fully vaccinated travelers arriving with unvaccinated children?

Children aged 5-17 will be tested on arrival. Children will need to remain with their fully vaccinated parents while they await their test results, and then take an additional test on day four of their stay.

The BVI has also expanded its quarantine period for unvaccinated travelers, up to 7 days from 4 days.

The new rules went into effect on June 15.

“All things being equal, we anticipate that the revision of the entry portal to effect these changes will be a work in progress. We therefore ask travelers to be patient with us as we anticipate there will be processing issues in light of these amendments. Safety must remain our first priority for this teritory and we crave your indulgence during this period,” said BVI Health Minister Carvin Malone.

For more, visit the British Virgin Islands.

– CJ