Gov't discontinues paying ground & sea transportation for arriving passengers
This was made effective March 25, 2021, according to a press release from the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) today, March 31, 2021.
Additionally, all arriving passengers that depend on the established marine transportation from Tortola to other islands in the VI will have to cover the costs of marine transportation from Saturday, April 24, 2021.
According to the BVITB, since the [British] Virgin Islands reopened for tourism on December 1, 2020, the Government of the Virgin Islands has paid the cost of Gold Seal certified ground and marine transportation for all arrivals, to their Gold Seal approved accommodations on Day 0 as well as round trip transfers between their accommodations and the designated testing sites on Day 4.
“Under the BVI’s COVID-19 protocols, the Taxi & Livery Commission coordinates this transportation, utilising only Gold Seal certified vehicles and vessels,” the BVITB stated, adding that the Taxi & Livery Commission will continue to coordinate both ground and marine transportation in an effort to ensure health and safety standards are maintained.
The BVITB noted; however, that transportation is not covered in the travel authorisation fee paid by each passenger arriving in the Territory, through the BVIGateway Portal for authorisation to enter the Territory.
It said the $175 Travel Authorisation Fee charged on the portal covers 2 – RT/PCR tests, which is $70 each and fee for the tracking device, which is $35.
Ground Transportation
Ground transportation costs, according to the BVITB, will be calculated based on the official Taxi Tariff.
Passengers, it said, can expect to pay between $5 and $30 per person, depending on the destination and the number of passengers.
“Passengers are expected to pay their driver directly in cash.”
Marine Transportation
Commenting on the change in how transportation costs are covered, Director of Tourism Mr Clive McCoy stated, “During the next 24 days, the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission will carry out consultation with tourism stakeholders, the Taxi & Livery Commission and the Government, to determine the best solution for covering the marine transportation costs after 23rd April.
“We want to urgently address marine transportation because the cost can be quite significant for persons travelling from Tortola to any of the other islands during this pandemic. Additionally, it should be noted that all protocols and procedures for transportation remain the same. The Taxi & Livery Commission will assign the approved ground and marine transportation, hence, travellers will not be allowed to make their own arrangements,” Mr McCoy said.
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25 Responses to “Gov't discontinues paying ground & sea transportation for arriving passengers”
Welcome to BVI.
This mandatory government transport forces all arrivals to pay for the transportation now.
Some will pay up to $50 to get one way to their quarantine. Then another $30 or $40 to get round-trip to do their day 4 test. In to of the $175 fee for the bracelets that do not work. Suppose it is a family of 3-5 persons?
No consideration for Tourusm. But every minute another consultant getting a contract. That money could be used to subsidize these expenses to incoming guests.
Drive myself home.
Things are bad as is and you’ll still trying to rob poor people
Out of the little they have. When is this going to end.
When anyone come in they use to get their taxi and or boat ferry yacht.
Could’ve been added to gateway.
Or just cancel your trip to the BVI.