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BVI Update: Charter COVID Protocols

Source: Island Shipping Trading Co. Ltd.

The BVI Ports Authority have just announced the extension of the closure of the seaports.

Government have advised that mega yachts (BVI is deeming mega yachts as 24m +) will be now be allowed to enter before on a case by case basis. In order to apply:
We need 5 working days’ notice to submit a request for entry. We also need the same time frame to apply for departure. This time frame cannot be reduced, due to the number of government departments we need to get approval from.
Information we need to submit an application:

•Vessel Certificate of Registry and Tender Certificate of Registry (if it has one)
•Letter from the yacht stating it will cover all fees applicable to the yacht and persons onboardwhilst in the territory.
•Crew and Guest lists with all passport information and home addresses
•Completed Maritime Health Declaration (attached)
•Completed Public Health declaration for each individual onboard (attached)
•Negative PCR tests within 5 Days of entry to the BVI (we understand this will most likely beprovided a day or two after as you will be waiting on results)
•Ship Sanitation certificate (if you have one)

We will also need to know where your last port is and how long you intend to stay in the BVI and intended next port once you depart the BVI. Once we have approval and you arrive in the BVI you will be required to clear in at Road Town, Tortola, no other port of entry is open. It is only open between the hours of 0900 and 1400 currently. Currently due to a recent spike in cases government have implemented a curfew from 2300-0500. Bars and restaurants are open but must have a maximum of 25 people including the staff in their establishment. For 14 days in the first instance beginning 6th July. Arrival requirements for the BVI from 9th Sept:

Fully Vaccinated persons:
A vaccinated person is deemed as someone who has had their second jab at least two weeks prior to arrival . Negative nasal RT PCR test must be done within 5 days before arrival in the BVI. Everyonemust apply through the BVI entry portal (https://bvigateway.bviaa.com/). Proof of vaccination must also be uploaded. An antigen test must be done on arrival. If negative and you are cleared by customs and immigration you will be free to move around the BVI as per normal, (no Quarantine needed) whilst still observing local COVID guidelines of wearing a mask, sanitizing and social distancing. Cost of the BVI Gateway is $85.

Unvaccinated children travelling with vaccinated parents. Children between 5 – 17 will be tested on arrival like their parents, they will be released from quarantine after their first results are returned with their parents.

Partially vaccinated Persons:
This is deemed as persons that have only had their first shot of a two part vaccine or who have had their second shot but it was administered less than two weeks before arriving. Negative nasal RT PCR test must be done within 5 days of arrival. Everyone must apply through the BVI entry portal (https://bvigateway.bviaa.com/) You will have a PCR test on arrival and quarantine for 4 days. On the 4th day you will have another PCR test, if this is negative you will be free to move around the BVI from Day Individuals may be provided with a track and trace bracelet or android phone whilst they are in the BVI. The cost of this is $175 per person. We are also able to arrange a concierge service to have the testing done onboard the yacht.

Unvaccintated Persons:
Unvaccinated travelers will be require to quarantine for 7 days upon arrival. Negative nasal RT PCR test must be done within 5 days of arrival. Everyone must apply through the BVI entry portal (https://bvigateway.bviaa.com/) You will have a PCR test on arrival and quarantine for 7 days. On the 7th day you will have another PCR test, if this is negative you will be free to move around the BVI from Day Individuals may be provided with a track and trace bracelet or android phone whilst they are in the BVI. The cost of this is $175 per person.

Important Note: Where people are arriving in mixed groups with some individuals being unvaccinated/ partially vaccinate. The entire party will be treated as unvaccinated and will be required to quarantine for the 7 days and test both times as an unvaccinated person. PLEASE NOTE THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE DAY OF ARRIVAL IS DEEMED AS DAY ZERO.

During your quarantine period you are only allowed to be at certain designated quarantine anchorages (see map of approved anchorages). Vessels are allowed restricted movement in the Territorial waters amongst the areas approved for quarantine mooring sites. Vessels are to be anchored or docked by 22:30 p.m. daily at an approved mooring site until 5:00 a.m. the next day. You will also only be allowed a maximum distance of 30ft away from your vessel if you wish to swim during your quarantine period.

If coming to the BVI you will have to stay for the entire quarantine period and complete the testing. You are unable to leave earlier at this time. We are being advised that this is for track and trace purposes if there is a positive case onboard.

Ban for Persons travelling from India and Brazil.
If persons are from or have been in these countries, they will not be permitted to enter. If they have not been in these countries for over two weeks they will be permitted to enter so long as all other requirements are met.

Fines for Breach of COVID Regulations and Quarantine
• Persons who deliberately tamper and damage the geo-fencing device face a fine of $2000.00
• Persons who engage in unauthorized visits with a person in quarantine face a fine of $5000.00
• Any person who contravenes the protocols or guidelines as set out in the Regulations face a fine of $10,000.00
• A fine of $500 for not returning a wearable device or device designed to enforce quarantine provisions and issued under a quarantine order of the COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Entry of Persons) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020;
• Impose a fine of up to $5,000 for the provision of false information in an application for entry into the Territory under the
• for failing to comply with a quarantine order a fine not exceeding $10,000.00

 

Churchill Yacht Partners
The Harbor Shops
1845 Cordova Road
Suite 216
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Yacht Charter Telephone: 401-218-5416 or 954-761-3246 charter@churchillyachts.com
Charter Management Telephone: 954-527-2626 management@churchillyachts.com
 
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* Particulars are displayed in good faith and believed to be correct but are not guaranteed. Weekly rates fluctuate per season and may be higher during your charter dates. They will be confirmed by our Charter Specialist during your selection process.