British Virgin Islands

Recommended Vaccinations For British Virgin Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For British Virgin Islands

There are no recommendations for British Virgin Islands at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for British Virgin Islands

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in the British Virgin Islands.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people are at significant risk for typhoid through the consumption of contaminated food and water in this country. The risk is greater when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Zika Fever

Zika fever has occurred in this country.

Safety & Security in British Virgin Islands

Personal Safety

Crime levels in the British Virgin Islands remain low. Petty theft, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, can occur in crowded tourist areas. Isolated beaches and poorly lit locations pose higher risks after dark. Some serious incidents happen, including armed robbery and drug-related gun crime. Between 2023 and mid-2024, the territory experienced 98 cases of serious assault resulting in grievous bodily harm, 11 attempted murders in 2023, and seven murders in 2023 with five more by mid-2024. However, the small population of roughly 30,800 means these numbers translate to inflated per-capita rates that make the territory appear more dangerous than visitors typically experience. Most violent crime stems from domestic disputes, interpersonal conflicts, or drug trade activities that rarely affect tourists. The territory averages about four murders annually. Visitors should avoid walking alone on isolated beaches and in unlit areas after dark, particularly when attending large events where criminals may operate. Drug possession carries severe penalties, including large fines or imprisonment, even for small quantities. The territory serves as a transit point for drug trafficking between South and North America.

Extreme Violence

Statistics from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force reveal that 2023 recorded the highest number of violent crimes in recent years. The territory saw seven murders in both 2022 and 2023, with five more occurring by July 2024. Attempted murder cases spiked to 11 in 2023, significantly higher than the one to four cases recorded in previous years. Serious assaults causing grievous bodily harm reached 98 cases in 2023, up from 78 in 2022. As of July 2024, authorities recorded 54 serious assault cases and five murders, with one arrest made. Most killings result from domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, or gang-related activities rather than random attacks on visitors. The territory’s small population of approximately 30,800 people means each violent incident carries disproportionate weight in statistical calculations. Tourist-targeted violence remains rare. Armed robbery occurs occasionally, often linked to the drug trade. Most visitors complete their trips without encountering violent crime, as incidents typically happen in residential areas away from tourist zones.

Political Unrest

The British Virgin Islands operates as a British Overseas Territory with internal self-governance. Political life remains generally stable. Demonstrations occur occasionally and can disrupt traffic and public transportation. The 2023 general election resulted in a hung parliament with the governing Virgin Islands Party retaining six seats but losing its majority. Coalition negotiations followed as parties worked to form a working government. In 2022, activists protested a UK proposal for direct rule following the arrest of the then-premier on drug trafficking charges and a Commission of Inquiry report detailing governance failures. The territory continues governance reforms and constitutional review discussions. In October 2024, the government underwent political reshuffling to maintain stability during infrastructure rebuilding, economic growth initiatives, and upcoming constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom. Political changes center on governance reform, financial transparency, and decolonization efforts rather than mass unrest. The territory maintains constitutional stability despite occasional leadership transitions. Visitors should avoid areas where demonstrations occur as even peaceful gatherings can turn disruptive.

Areas To Avoid

No specific areas in the British Virgin Islands carry travel warnings for tourists. The main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke welcome visitors with established tourism infrastructure. Tourist areas in Road Town and popular beaches maintain regular security presence. Isolated beaches and poorly lit areas present higher risk after dark across all islands. Visitors should exercise awareness when walking alone in any isolated location, including remote beach areas, especially after nightfall. Deserted or unpatrolled beaches require extra caution regardless of island. Large gatherings and events may attract opportunistic criminals. The territory experiences regular water shortages and power outages, which can impact essential services. Not all buildings have backup generators. Coastal waters can be dangerous, and visitors should follow local authority warnings. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and even small storms can rapidly develop into major hurricanes. During hurricane season, infrastructure damage and service disruptions pose practical challenges for visitors.