The portal was launched yesterday, November 23 - some two weeks after its proposed launch date of November 2. The launch also comes one week before the official reopening of the local tourism industry on December 1.

Last week, the BVI Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association said business owners were asking about the online portal as no explanation was provided by the Andrew Fahie-led government.

But with yesterday’s launch of the portal, residents and non-residents can upload the relevant documents at least 48 hours before their intended flights to the BVI. These documents include negative COVID-19 test results; without which persons will not be allowed to enter the territory.

Information on the BVI Gateway site also says travellers to the British Virgin Islands are required to obtain a BVI Gateway Travel Authorisation Certificate prior to arrival.”

Each traveller including children must complete or have completed an application to obtain a travel certificate for presentation to airline authorities.

For visitors, proof of travel insurance will also be compulsory for travel after December 1. The Health Minister recently said this is important as visitors may utilise their travel insurance coverage to airlift themselves out of the territory in case they test positive for COVID-19.

He also said the travel insurance will help to cover the cost of the additional 10 days in quarantine if they test positive upon arrival in the BVI.