in the British Virgin Islands
The BVI has recently revised their legislation and massively increased fees on charter vessels. Some of these changes as proposed will have a significant impact on the business plans of many of our members. VIPCA has been actively communicating with both the BVI and USVI governments to strongly encourage re-opening discussions and negotiations between the two governments. The new fee structure is reproduced here for ease of reading and comparison to previous fees. Full text of the legislation can be found below.
Key Points:
- Foreign Based Tern Vessels, Unrestricted – Framework A
- $24,000 or $7,500 for 7 charters and $2,100 for each charter there after
- Unlimited entries (greater than 48 hours but less than 8 days)
- No more than 7 BVI pick ups (i.e. Trellis, West End, Nanny, etc) in a year.
- Foreign Based Term Vessels, Restricted – Framework B
- $7,500 for 7 entries or $1,200 per entry not to exceed 7
- Up to 7 entries. Greater than 48 hours but less than 8 days.
- Bareboats (Unclear on price – Perhaps same as Term Vessels but not specifically clear)
- Less than 4 days entry period. Only 7 entries per vessel.
- Water Taxi – $2,500 – Framework A
- Unlimited entries not to exceed 8 hours.
- Day Boat – $8,500 – Framework A
- Unlimited entries not to exceed 8 hours.
- Dive Boat – $8,500 – Framework A
- Unlimited entries not to exceed 8 hours.
- Home (BVI) Based
- Max of four (4) charters originating outside the BVI if BVI is included in the charter itinerary (i.e. could do USVI only charter but if they went to JVD during the week that would count as one of the 4)
- Originate at least 70% of charters in the Virgin Islands
- Spend no less than 15 days per month in the Virgin Islands comprising of one period or multiple periods of no less than 5 consecutive days ruing the period 1st December to 30 April.
Subject to Pre-Authorisation by the Customs Department
consisting of the following:
• Verification that UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) is not sanctioned
• Other applicable Licensing Requirements (MOF)
• Valid Certificate of Registry/Documentation
• Valid Safety Certificate for vessel operations
• Business Licence (USVI vessels only)
• Evidence of owner’s permission to charter
• Verification of insurance covering vessel operations in BVI waters, as well
as oil pollution and salvage incidents
FRAMEWORK B
• Valid Certificate of Registry/Documentation
• Valid Safety Certificate for vessel operations
• Business Licence (USVI vessels only)
• Evidence of owner’s permission to charter
• Verification of insurance covering vessel operations in BVI waters, as well
as oil pollution and salvage incidents”.
Click on “Port and Cruising Permit Act Forms” and select the appropriate form (water taxi, day trips or term charters). The completed application and the following required completed documents can be submitted via email to crvl@gov.vg:
| Category | Description | Old Fee Per Annum | New Fee Per Annum | Per Cruise | Percent Increase |
| Foreign Based Term Charters | Not exceeding 115ft (restricted by section 9) (fees may be paid annually or per cruise) | $800 | $7,500.00 | $1,200.00 | 837.50% |
| Foreign Based Term Charters | Not exceeding 115ft (unrestricted), single fee Unlimited entries (not more than 8 days per entry) No more than 7 BVI Pick Ups | $800 | $24,000.00 | N/A | 2900.00% |
| Foreign Based Term Charters | Not exceeding 115ft (unrestricted), up to 7 charters and per cruise fee for each charter thereafter) | $800 | $7,500.00 | $2,100.00 | 837.50% |
| Foreign Based | Diving, Day Trips but not offering accommodation | $200.00 | $8,500.00 | N/A | 4150.00% |
| Foreign Based | Water Taxi Service | $200.00 | $2,500.00 | N/A | 1150.00% |
| Large Yacht/Mega Yacht | 115ft – 150ft | $800.00 | $7,500.00 | $2,000.00 | 837.50% |
| Large Yacht/Mega Yacht | 150ft – 250ft | $800.00 | $8,500.00 | $2,500.00 | 962.50% |
| Large Yacht/Mega Yacht | Over 250ft | $800.00 | $10,000.00 | $3,500.00 | 1150.00% |
| Home (BVI) Based | Under 40ft | $400.00 | $800.00 | 100.00% | |
| Home (BVI) Based | 40ft – 50ft | $600.00 | $1,200.00 | 100.00% | |
| Home (BVI) Based | 50ft – 60ft | $800.00 | $1,600.00 | 100.00% | |
| Home (BVI) Based | Over 60ft (BVI Owned and Flagged) | $800.00 | $2,000.00 | 150.00% | |
| Home (BVI) Based | 60ft to 115ft | $800.00 | $4,000.00 | 400.00% | |
| Home (BVI) Based | Diving, Day Trips but not offering accommodation under 40ft | $200.00 | $400.00 | 100.00% | |
| Home (BVI) Based | Diving, Day Trips but not offering accommodation 40ft – 115ft | $200.00 | $800.00 | 300.00% | |
| Home (BVI) Based | Water Taxi Service (12 pax or less) | $200.00 | $400.00 | 100.00% | |
| Home (BVI) Based | Water Taxi Service (13pax or more) | $200.00 | $800.00 | 300.00% |
Act No 13 of 2025 Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Amendment Act 2025
SI No 43 of 2025 Statutory Rates Fees and Charges Amendment of Schedule Order 2025
Act No 15 of 2025 Customs Management and Duties Amendment No 2 Act 2025
Act No 11 of 2025 Merchant Shipping Amendment Act 2025
Act No 14 of 2025 Cruising and Home Port Permit Amendment Act 2025