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About the BVI's
History of island
~ Travel
Information
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History of island the
British Virgin Islands
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The first people to come to these pristine isles were
the Amerindians, who originated in Venezuela and settled
throughout the Windward and Leeward Islands, migrating
via dugout canoe. They arrived in The British Virgin
Islands around 900 BC.
The Virgin Islands remained untouched for over 100 years
. . . or at least until its many sheltered coves were
discovered by the pirates and privateers of the 17th and
18th centuries. Some of the era's most famous scalawags
are reputed to have launched their raids from The BVI's
shores, including Black Beard, Norman and Jost Van Dyke.
Several of the islands here, including Norman, Jost Van
Dyke and Great and Little Thatch, are named after these
legendary characters.
A hardy group of Dutchmen are believed to have constructed a fort at the West
End of Tortola, but their stay here was short-lived as well. They were soon replaced
by British settlers, and in 1672, The BVI was annexed by Britain and administered
by the Government of the Leeward Islands. Although the islands' hillsides were
steep and rocky, the English quickly set up plantations to grow cotton and sugar.
Sugar eventually became king and by the end of the 18th century, sugar, molasses
and rum were The BVI's main exports. |
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By the mid-1800s, the plantation holdings were sold to the islands' former slaves,
who turned to fishing and farming as a way of life. Over the next century, the
territory was administered by a British governor and the people had little say
in the running of their own affairs. Although there were intermittent calls for
greater local autonomy, it was not until 1950 that the people's voices were heard
and a permanent Legislative Council was established. In 1966 a new constitution
was implemented.
Today, The BVI government is comprised of a Legislative Council of elected at-large
and district representatives, and an Executive Council formed from the majority
government. This territorial government is headed by a Chief Minister chosen
by the members of the majority party. A British Governor is appointed by the
Queen and acts as her representative here. |
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Cruising
permits: A Cruising permit is required for all cruising in The British Virgin Islands.
Seasonal Rates: (December 1- April 30). All recorded Charter
Boats - $2.00 per person per day. All non-recorded Charter Boats - $4.00
per person per day. Out of Seasonal Rates: (May 1 -
November 30). All recorded Charter Boats - $0.75 per person per day. All
non-recorded Charter Boats - $4.00 per person per day.
Dive, day charter and sport fishing boats should contact The British Virgin
Islands Customs Department at (284) 494-3475 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2533
for current permit requirements. |
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Currency:
The currency of The British Virgin Islands is the $US dollar. Major credit
cards are accepted in many- but not all establishments. There is a 10¢
stamp duty on all cheques and travel cheques.
Customs/Duty:
All imports are subject to varying rates of duty.
Imports entering The British Virgin Islands on a
temporary basis will not be subject to duty. |
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Dress:
We are more than just a beach and beach attire worn elsewhere tends to offend
residents. Therefore, please wear proper attire (no bare chests or midriffs)
in residential and commercial areas. There are no nude beaches in The British
Virgin Islands. |
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Driving:
A valid British Virgin Islands Driving License is required by all those
seeking to drive in The British Virgin Islands. For a fee of $10.00, a temporary
British Virgin Islands Driving License can be obtained from the Traffic
Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies with a valid Driver License from
another country. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road in The British
Virgin Islands. Minimum age for Car Rentals is 25. |
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Fishing
Permits: The removal of any marine organism from British Virgin Islands waters is
illegal for non-BVIslanders without a recreational fishing permit. Contact
The Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour, Tel: (284) 468-3701 ext.
2147 for information. |
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Immigration:
The following measures are to be adhered to in respect of all non-British
Virgin Islanders entering the Territory:
Bona fided visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports
of entry, provided that they possess return (or ongoing) tickets, evidence
of adequate means of support and pre-arranged accommodations during their
stay. Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension
from the Immigration Department in Road Town, Tortola or at the Government
Administration Building in Virgin Gorda.
Valid passport is the principal requirement for entry into The British Virgin
Islands.
Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. If in doubt
about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office,
the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration
Department, BVI Government at: Tel (284) 494-3471 or (284) 468-3701 ext.
2538. |
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Marine Conservation:
The use of National Parks Trust mooring without a permit is illegal. Call
the National Parks Trust Office at (284) 494-3904 for information.
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Marriage
License & Regulations:
For information regarding requirements on getting married in the Territory,
contact: Registrar's Office, P.O. Box 418, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin
Islands or phone (284) 468-3701 ext. 5001or (284) 494-3492. |
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Medical:
An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory in The British
Virgin Islands. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and laboratory facilities;
there is a private plastic surgery clinic as well several private medical
centres. A chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous meets regularly. Call (284) 494-4549/
(284) 494-3125. |
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Photos and
Island Courtesy: While we encourage visitors to photograph our beautiful islands, please
remember it is polite to get permission before photographing the people
of The British Virgin Islands. Also, a smile and a "good morning"
or "good day" to islanders is a simple courtesy, which encourages
pleasantness in return. |
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Departure Tax:
$20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea and $7.00 for cruise
ship passengers. |
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Hotel
Tax:
In The British Virgin Islands there is a 7% Hotel Accommodation Tax payable
by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels, apartments, houses,
cottages, villas and similar accommodations |
For reservations
and information,
please call 1 800 353-3419 (in the US) 954-453-5040
(all other countries) Fax 954 351 9740
or send us an e-mail at
diving@divetortola.com
To contact Dive Tortola directly on island: Telephone
284-494-9200 |
