BVI Customs on Sunday?

[sapadeni]

I've searched the forum with no luck, so I have no choice but to subject you to another boring customs question.

We are bareboating this March out of St. Thomas, and our itinerary will unfortunately take us into the BVI's (JVD) on a Sunday morning. What I'm reading online and in cruise guides seems to be conflicting in regard to how, and even if, we can clear customs on a Sunday. I've read that you can make prior arrangements for a Sunday clearance (for an additional fee), but have not read how you go about doing this.

Any advice?

Scott

[AjariBonten]

Have you checked out Noonsite?

It lists hours; but no Sunday hours.

Could be old info though, FWIW


http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/Br...ties#Clearance

[FarCry]

BVI Customs is indeed open on Sundays at JVD . They will charge a bit extra for overtime ($10/perspon at customs and $5/person at immigration so an extra $15 per person plus the normal fees I think was the rate). It can be a slow process if there is anybody there before you. If possible try and get your charter company to give you the blank forms ahead of time to fill out prior to arrival. Try and have some smaller bills so that you can get close to the correct change, the JVD office has been known to not always be able to break $20's or larger. Be sure to not show up in barefeet and a a swimsuit too. Have shirts and shoes for all that wish to enter the building, this is a government office and they expect proper attire.

[marinegirl405]

I've also been researching entry to the BVI on a Sunday, although we expect to arrive later in the afternoon, so (as long as we stay aboard with the Q flag flying) we can wait until Monday Morning to clear in.

From Entry Requirements to BVI | British Virgin Islands | Caribbean Destination

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 12:30pm. Closed Sundays and on BVI public holidays. After-hours clearing may be arranged in advance. Additional fees will apply. Call Customs at 284-494-3475 and Immigration at 284-494-3701 ext. 2538 to make after-hours arrangements.

Have fun!

[FarCry]

The C&I offices do not close on Sundays despite what the link says.

[SVAuspicious]

Just got back from a delivery to BVI - they are open every day. Outside of business hours there is an overtime charge. Look at the ferry schedule between USVI and BVI - if there is a ferry there are C&I officers. Easy peasy.

[RealityCheck]

BVI customs is open 7 days a week and I've never seen them closed on Holidays at West End but not sure about JVD. Those hours are for the down town Offices not the harbor entry points.

The West End office is typically open until the last ferry comes in which is just about Dusk

I've also never seen anyone pay any attention to flying the Q flag. Well maybe a couple but in general it is just overlooked but remains a requirement. I've only had one person ever ask me where my boat was but they often ask when I came in and occasionally when I'm going to depart.

One note: A couple of the people you may interface with may have an attitude. This does not represent the majority but two individuals often will harass you for any error on the form or just how you print. Just smile and act like you have no idea he is being an ass. This occurs more frequently on Holidays and Sundays as the office staff is much smaller and they are mad they were required to work and take it out on you.

[marinegirl405]

Quick update. We did indeed arrive on a Sunday, and found the Customs/Immigration at Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) open for business - checked in, no additional Sunday fees - all is well.