Pet import requirements for the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands at a glance

The detail

No, this is usually facilitated by assistance upon veterinarian in spection at arrival. Pets must be in spected upon arrival and advance notification given. It is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. Have the HAWB issued to RAD unless the airline assigns a different live-animal station.

Import requirements

Should be at least 12 weeks and over

Government Advice: *Please be advised, these requirements are subject to change since animal disease status in various countries is dynamic. Therefore, the granting of permission for animals to enter the Virgin Islands does not signify automatic entry. It is your responsibility to contact the Veterinary Division, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to confirm these conditions are current.*

All required conditions must be met, and all relevant documents (import permit, Veterinary Health certificate, Vaccination certificate, Lab test results, etc.) must be presented at port of entry in order to facilitate Veterinary clearance and to avoid the otherwise unpleasant, but necessary measures such as animals being kept in a facility, deportation or euthanasia. A minimum of 48 hours (2 working days) is required for processing of permit, if all the conditions for entry have been met.

Conditions for Dogs & Cats from Rabies Endemic Countries

Conditions for Dogs & Cats from Non – Endemic Countries

• All required conditions must be met, and all relevant documents (import permit, Veterinary Health certificate, Vaccination certificate, Lab test results, etc.) must be presented at port of entry in order to facilitate Veterinary clearance and to avoid the otherwise unpleasant, but necessary measures such as animals being kept in a facility, deportation or euthanasia.
• The Veterinary Division must be given at least 24 hrs notice of confirmed arrival date, time, airline/vessel and port of entry. This will facilitate unnecessary delays, and avoid detention of animal(s) for Veterinary clearance at port of entry.
• There is a fee of ten (US$10.00) dollars for each animal on the permit.
• Animal(s) must be kept in confinement (carrier) until granted entry into the country. Failure to do so can cause entry of animal(s) being denied.

Personal Moves must abide by either rabies endemic or non-endemic rules for import.

Follow the import in structions for either rabies endemic or non- endemic. For any further clarification or special circumstances in which animal does not qualify please confirm with GOVERNMENT OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS VETERINARY DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PARAQUITA BAY, TORTOLA TEL: (284) 468-6123 FAX: (284) 468-6102 E-mail: bvigov_vet@gov.vg

Please confirm with GOVERNMENT OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS VETERINARY DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PARAQUITA BAY, TORTOLA TEL: (284) 468-6123 FAX: (284) 468-6102 E-mail: bvigov_vet@gov.vg

Requirements are impacted by origin country’s rabies status.

There are separate requirements for animals arriving from endemic and non-endemic countries.

http://www.bvi.gov.vg/content/animal-import-permits

The animal(s) have been in the country of export and/or the British Virgin Islands for at least six months immediately preceding importation to the territory.

That the dog (s) and/or cat (s) is/are healthy and free from symptoms of in fectious or contagious diseases.

The Veterinary Division must be given at least 24 hrs notice of confirmed arrival date, time, airline/vessel and port of entry. This will facilitate unnecessary delays, and avoid detention of animal(s) for Veterinary clearance at port of entry.

Identification and microchip

Proper identification of the animal (s): Animals must be permanently identified with a microchip transponder or tattoo.

Rabies and vaccinations

The animals have had at least two rabies in activated vaccines; the first not earlier than 3 months of age and another at least six months later, and valid rabies certificate accompanies this certificate. (1yr and 3yr rabies vaccinations are accepted).

Dogs(s) has/have been vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Lyme disease.

Cat(s) has/have been vaccinated against Feline Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Leukemia.

The animals have had at least two rabies in activated vaccines; the first not earlier than 3 months of age and another at least six months later, and valid rabies certificate accompanies this certificate. (1yr and 3yr rabies vaccinations are accepted)

Tests and treatments

At least one month after the second or subsequent booster rabies vaccines, a serological test (FAVN) vaccines, a serological test (FAVN) has been carried out to determine the presence of adequate virus neutralizing antibody titres (>0.5Iu/ml) prior to departure, and the laboratory results accompany this certificate. (The FAVN test results (>0.5Iu/ml) are considered valid for 12 months and need not be repeated if the animal re-enters the BVI within the same year.

Animal(s) must be treated against in ternal and external parasites.

Health certificate and permits

An of ficial Health certificate is a document issued and certified by a veterinarian working full time with the government of the country of origin (e.g. USDA, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, DEFRA, etc.). The document may be filled out and signed by a licensed Veterinarian but must also be endorsed by a Government Veterinarian.

How to Import each type of animal to British Virgin Islands

Conditions for Importation of Dogs and Cats (Rabies - Endemic)

Conditions for Importation of Dogs and Cats (Rabies Non-Endemic)

An import permit is required for pets entering the British Virgin Islands. To apply for an import permit, an endorsed health certificate, along with rabies vaccination and FAVN test results must be presented with the import permit application to the Department of Agriculture in British Virgin Island. A minimum of 48 hours (2 working days) is required for processing of permit, if all the conditions for entry have been met.

Import Permit Application

Import Permit

USA Health Certificate

Quarantine

Commercial movesmust abide by either rabies endemic or non-endemic rules for import. Please contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in advance.

All required conditions must be met, and all relevant documents (import permit, Veterinary Health certificate, Vaccination certificate, Lab test results, etc.) must be presented at port of entry in order to facilitate Veterinary clearance and to avoid the otherwise unpleasant, but necessary measures such as animals being kept in a facility, deportation or euthanasia.

Restrictions and banned breeds

The area of origin is not currently under Rabies quarantine. You will want to determine which import rules you are required to follow – either endemic or non-endemic.

Customs, agents, and airports

No, this is usually facilitated by assistance upon veterinarian in spection at arrival. Best if the owner is present.

Pets must be in spected upon arrival and advance notification given. It is best if the owner travels with the pet or is there ahead of the pet's arrival. A designated person on the island can also assist with clearing.

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, previously known as Beef Island Airport, is the main airport serving the British Virgin Islands. The airport serves as the gateway to just about all of the islands within the BVI. Another airport option is STT on St. Thomas USVI. There are ferries that connect the Virgin Islands and water taxis.

Best Route: EIS (Lettsome Airport) Also can consider flying into St. Thomas (STT) and then using a ferry service. And islands can be reached by ferries from the USVI. There are also private water taxi services. (Nativesonferry.com, seahorsevi.com, www.sttwatertaxis.com, https://bestofbvi.com/private-water-taxis )

Airports listed on this destination file: RAD.

Customs Information:

H.M Customs (Head Quarters)

Richard Stoutt Building

Road Town, Tortola

Virgin Islands (British) VG1110

Business Hours:

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Email Address: bvicustoms@gov.vg

Telephone: 1(284) 468-6852

Fax: 1(284) 494-6906

The Veterinary Division must be given at least 24 hrs notice of confirmed arrival date, time, airline/vessel and port of entry. This will facilitate

unnecessary delays, and avoid detention of animal(s) for Veterinary clearance at port of entry.

The Veterinary Division must be given at least 24 hrs notice of confirmed arrival date, time, airline/vessel and port of entry. This will facilitate unnecessary delays, and avoid detention of animal(s) for Veterinary clearance at port of entry.

The application / permit fee will be accessed accordingly.

Animal(s) must be kept in confinement (carrier) until granted entry into the country. Failure to do so can cause entry of animal(s) being denied.

You and your pet must clear customs and broker not required. An Agent is not required, but your pet will undergo in spection by Agricultural Officers upon arrival.

Export notes

https://bvi.gov.vg/content/export-health-certificate

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Paraquita Bay,

Tortola, Virgin Islands (British) VG1120

Business Hours:

General Office - Paraquita Bay and Virgin Gorda - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Abattoir - 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Airport - 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Email Address: doaf@gov.vg, fisheries@gov.vg, vet@gov.vg, plantproduction@gov.vg

Contact Form

General Office (Paraquita Bay) - 1(284) 468-6123/6124

Veterinary Unit - 1 (284) 468 - 6197

Virgin Gorda Office - 1(284) 468-9263/6506/6507

Airport Office - 1(284) 468-6449

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

You must follow CITES requirements.

Conditions for Import CITES animals

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has regulations to ensure animal welfare, particularly concerning pet import and responsible pet ownership. These regulations in clude requirements for import permits, health certificates, and quarantine procedures. Additionally, there are laws regarding the control of dogs and livestock, in cluding restrictions on dogs on beaches and requirements for leashing.

Laws exist to control dog and livestock populations, in cluding restrictions on dogs on beaches and the requirement to keep dogs on a leash when outside of the owner's premises, according to the Government of the Virgin Islands.

The public is encouraged to report sightings of stray animals to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and to surrender unwanted pets to the BVI Humane Society.

The BVI has a Strategic Feral Animal Control Management Plan to manage feral animal populations, in cluding trapping and reducing numbers.

The Humane Society of the British Virgin Islands promotes animal welfare through sterilization, education, and other in itiatives.

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Health Requirements:

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Vaccinations:

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Rabies Prevention:

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Responsible Pet Ownership:

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Reporting Stray Animals:

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Feral Animal Control:.

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Humane Society:

List of islands

A minimum of 48 hours (2 working days) is required for processing of permit, if all the conditions for entry have been met.

To obtain the import permit –

Step 1: Review the conditions for animals and fill out the Animal Import Permit form.

Step 2: Submit the form to the department.

Step 3: Veterinary Officer prepares the Import Permit and faxes/emails permit to the customer.

Step 4: Veterinary Officer goes to the port of entry on scheduled date and examines animal.

Step 5: Customer pays the necessary fees.

The Veterinary Division must be given at least 24 hrs notice of confirmed arrival date, time, airline/vessel and port of entry. This will facilitate unnecessary delays, and avoid detention of animal(s) for Veterinary clearance at port of entry

The Department of Agriculture

Paraquita Bay, Tortola.

Tele: (284) 495-2532; Airport office Tel: (284) 494-3701, ext. 6449

Fax: (284) 495-1269

E-mail: agriculture@bvigovernment.org

That the dog (s) / cat (s) has / have been in the country of export and/or the British Virgin Islands for at least six months immediately preceding importation to the territory.

The animal(s) are permanently identified with a microchip transponder or tattoo. (b) The animal(s) are healthy and free from symptoms of in fectious or contagious diseases.

Dog(s)/cat(s) must be found clinically healthy on arrival.

It is important to pay particular attention to the in structions in how to fill out the import permit – Block Letters or Type.

Government of the British Virgin Islands

• Address: 33 Admin Drive, Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands (British)
• Phone: 1(284) 468-3701
• Email:gis@gov.vg

https://bvi.gov.vg/content/export-health-certificate

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Paraquita Bay,

Tortola, Virgin Islands (British) VG1120

Business Hours:

General Office - Paraquita Bay and Virgin Gorda - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Abattoir - 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Airport - 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Email Address: doaf@gov.vg, fisheries@gov.vg, vet@gov.vg, plantproduction@gov.vg

Contact Form

General Office (Paraquita Bay) - 1(284) 468-6123/6124

Veterinary Unit - 1 (284) 468 - 6197

Virgin Gorda Office - 1(284) 468-9263/6506/6507

Airport Office - 1(284) 468-6449

Official contacts

The Department of Agriculture

Paraquita Bay, Tortola.

Tele: (284) 495-2532; Airport office Tel: (284) 494-3701, ext. 6449

Fax: (284) 495-1269

E-mail: agriculture@bvigovernment.org

https://bvi.gov.vg/

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Paraquita Bay,

Tortola, Virgin Islands (British) VG1120

Business Hours:

General Office - Paraquita Bay and Virgin Gorda - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Abattoir - 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Airport - 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Email Address: doaf@gov.vg, fisheries@gov.vg, vet@gov.vg, plantproduction@gov.vg

Contact Form

General Office (Paraquita Bay) - 1(284) 468-6123/6124

Veterinary Unit - 1 (284) 468 - 6197

Virgin Gorda Office - 1(284) 468-9263/6506/6507

Airport Office - 1(284) 468-6449

NOTE: When you call the Veterinary Division number and ask about animal import, they will transfer you to the veterinarians on staff, who says that the import is “quite easy” and they prefer to email in structions: http://www.bvi.gov.vg/content/animal-import-permits

Current as of June 2023

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-07-01.

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