Latest revision as of 17:25, 9 March 2025

How to Arrive in Tortola[edit | edit source]

Here is a comprehensive explanation for how to arrive in Tortola, British Virgin Islands:

Air Travel[edit | edit source]

The main airport serving Tortola is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), located on Beef Island and connected to Tortola by a small bridge1^[1]. There are no direct flights from the US, Canada, Europe or South America to Tortola[6]. Most travelers will need to connect through another Caribbean island.

Common Connection Points:[edit | edit source]

- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) - Popular for US travelers9^[2] - St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (STT)1^[2] - Antigua (ANU) - Popular for UK travelers[9] - St. Maarten (SXM)1^[1] - Barbados (BGI)[9]

Airlines serving Tortola (EIS):[edit | edit source]

- American Airlines (from Miami starting June 2023)[1] - Cape Air (from San Juan and St. Thomas)1^[3] - LIAT (from Antigua)6^[1] - Seaborne Airlines (from San Juan)6^[2] - InterCaribbean Airways[10]

Ferry from St. Thomas[edit | edit source]

A very common and often more affordable option is to fly into St. Thomas (STT) in the US Virgin Islands, then take a ferry to Tortola1^[4][6].

Ferry Process:[edit | edit source]

1. Fly into St. Thomas (STT) 2. Take a taxi from the airport to the ferry terminal (10-15 minutes)[6] 3. Take a ferry to either Road Town or West End, Tortola1^[4] 4. Ferry ride is about 45-60 minutes3^[3]

Ferry Terminals in St. Thomas:[edit | edit source]

- Charlotte Amalie (downtown, closer to airport) - Red Hook (east end of island)1^[4]

Ferry Companies:[edit | edit source]

- Native Son - Road Town Fast Ferry - Smith Ferry/Tortola Fast Ferry[3]

Important: The last ferry usually departs around 4:30-5:00 PM. Plan flights to arrive with enough time to make the last ferry1^[4].

Customs and Immigration[edit | edit source]

- All visitors need a valid passport[12] - Complete the online BVI Immigration and Customs form 72 hours before arrival[19] - Pay a $10 Environmental and Tourism levy upon arrival[3] - $20 departure tax when leaving the BVI[3]

Ground Transportation on Tortola[edit | edit source]

- Taxis are readily available at the airport and ferry terminals11^[5] - Car rentals are available, but remember they drive on the left side[16] - Some resorts offer shuttle services[2]

Private Options[edit | edit source]

- Charter flights are available from nearby islands1^[3] - Water taxis offer more flexible service between islands[16]

By understanding these options and planning accordingly, you can choose the best method to arrive in Tortola for your specific needs and budget. Remember to check the most up-to-date entry requirements and schedules before traveling.

References[edit | edit source]

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-Tortola is the largest and most populous island in the British Virgin Islands, located in the Caribbean. There are several ways to arrive in Tortola depending on your location and travel preferences. Here are some options:
+= How to Arrive in Tortola =
-. By Air: You can fly to Tortola's main airport, the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), from various locations in the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and British Airways have flights to Tortola. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach your destination.
+Here is a comprehensive explanation for how to arrive in Tortola, British Virgin Islands:
-. By Ferry: If you're already in the British Virgin Islands, you can take a ferry from the neighboring islands of St. Thomas, St. John, or Virgin Gorda to Tortola. The ferry ride takes around 30 minutes to an hour depending on your point of departure. There are several ferry operators to choose from, such as Smith's Ferry Services and Road Town Fast Ferry.
+== Air Travel ==
-. By Private Boat: Tortola is a popular destination for sailing and yachting enthusiasts. If you have your own boat or want to rent one, you can sail to Tortola and anchor at one of its many bays and marinas. The island has several customs and immigration offices where you can clear entry and exit procedures.
+The main airport serving Tortola is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), located on Beef Island and connected to Tortola by a small bridge1<ref name="ref9">9</ref>. There are no direct flights from the US, Canada, Europe or South America to Tortola[6]. Most travelers will need to connect through another Caribbean island.
-Regardless of how you arrive in Tortola, make sure to bring all necessary travel documents such as your passport, visas, and COVID-19 test results (if required). It's also a good idea to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
+=== Common Connection Points: ===
+- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) - Popular for US travelers9<ref name="ref10">10</ref>
+- St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (STT)1<ref name="ref10">10</ref>
+- Antigua (ANU) - Popular for UK travelers[9]
+- St. Maarten (SXM)1<ref name="ref9">9</ref>
+- Barbados (BGI)[9]
+=== Airlines serving Tortola (EIS): ===
+- American Airlines (from Miami starting June 2023)[1]
+- Cape Air (from San Juan and St. Thomas)1<ref name="ref6">6</ref>
+- LIAT (from Antigua)6<ref name="ref9">9</ref>
+- Seaborne Airlines (from San Juan)6<ref name="ref10">10</ref>
+- InterCaribbean Airways[10]
+== Ferry from St. Thomas  ==
+A very common and often more affordable option is to fly into St. Thomas (STT) in the US Virgin Islands, then take a ferry to Tortola1<ref name="ref3">3</ref>[6].
+=== Ferry Process: ===
+. Fly into St. Thomas (STT)
+. Take a taxi from the airport to the ferry terminal (10-15 minutes)[6]
+. Take a ferry to either Road Town or West End, Tortola1<ref name="ref3">3</ref>
+. Ferry ride is about 45-60 minutes3<ref name="ref6">6</ref>
+=== Ferry Terminals in St. Thomas: ===
+- Charlotte Amalie (downtown, closer to airport)
+- Red Hook (east end of island)1<ref name="ref3">3</ref>
+=== Ferry Companies: ===
+- Native Son
+- Road Town Fast Ferry
+- Smith Ferry/Tortola Fast Ferry[3]
+Important: The last ferry usually departs around 4:30-5:00 PM. Plan flights to arrive with enough time to make the last ferry1<ref name="ref3">3</ref>.
+== Customs and Immigration ==
+- All visitors need a valid passport[12]
+- Complete the online BVI Immigration and Customs form 72 hours before arrival[19]
+- Pay a $10 Environmental and Tourism levy upon arrival[3]
+- $20 departure tax when leaving the BVI[3]
+== Ground Transportation on Tortola ==
+- Taxis are readily available at the airport and ferry terminals11<ref name="ref17">17</ref>
+- Car rentals are available, but remember they drive on the left side[16]
+- Some resorts offer shuttle services[2]
+== Private Options ==
+- Charter flights are available from nearby islands1<ref name="ref6">6</ref>
+- Water taxis offer more flexible service between islands[16]
+By understanding these options and planning accordingly, you can choose the best method to arrive in Tortola for your specific needs and budget. Remember to check the most up-to-date entry requirements and schedules before traveling.
+== References ==
+<references />