Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has clarified that the increase to the charter yacht fee does not specifically target United States Virgin Islands (USVI) vessels and applies to all foreign-based charters. Photo: Office of the Premier

Under the new Commercial Recreational Vessel License (CRVL) framework, foreign-based term-charter vessels face annual levies of $7,500 for seven entries, a $2,100 charge for each additional trip, and up to $24,000 for unlimited access. Day-trip operators must pay $8,500, while water-taxi services pay $2,500 in fees. Photo: Yacht Warriors

The Virgin Islands (VI) and USVI have been stuck in a back-and-forth regarding the new charter fee structure. Under the new Commercial Recreational Vessel License (CRVL) framework, foreign-based term-charter vessels face annual levies of $7,500 for seven entries, a $2,100 charge for each additional trip, and up to $24,000 for unlimited access. Day-trip operators must pay $8,500, while water-taxi services pay $2,500 in fees.

During The Virgin Islands Voice on September 30, 2026, Premier Wheatley used the opportunity to correct certain misconceptions. 

No charge to enter VI waters

“Some persons have promoted online and otherwise that we are charging persons to come into our waters; you know that’s not the case.”

“What we are doing is we are charging a fee for a license for conducting commercial activity within the Virgin Islands. It’s a difference.”

He explained that those who sail back and forth without conducting charters are not subject to these licensing fees. Instead, they are subject to whatever immigration processes are required, as with any jurisdiction. 

VI charter boat license fees increased too

Premier Wheatley also clarified that VI charter boats also pay a licensing fee. 

“We increased the fees on them quite a bit. So it’s not just that we increase the fees on foreign charters; we increased the fees on our local boats as well.”

He said the fees reflect that they are based in the VI and contribute to its economic activity. “They’re provisioning here, they’re getting their boats repaired here, they are renting space at marinas here. So they can’t possibly pay the same rate as the foreign boat that doesn’t really contribute to our local economy in the same way.”

USVI not targeted

The Premier, who also holds the portfolio as Minister of Finance, said the USVI was not especially targeted as the fees apply to all foreign charters. 

“Of course, we’re neighbours, the United States Virgin Islands; they do use our waters, so they’re impacted, but it goes beyond the United States Virgin Islands; it’s any foreign-based charter.”