BVIs - Rising pandemic alert sees change in clearance procedures

Created by sue. Last modified on 2009-05-03 15:59:20
Topic: Medical
Countries: British Virgin Islands

As reported by the Government Information Service

New customs clearance procedures are now in place in the BVIs (since Friday 1 May), in Government's ongoing quest to strengthen its effort to mitigate the impact of the dreaded Swine Flu (H1N1) virus on the Territory.

After consultations by the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the local Pandemic Influenza Taskforce, Her Majesty's Customs has issued an advisory to the boating community.

The advisory states that all customs clearance procedures for yachters or other non-commercial vessels will only be processed through three designated ports of entry. They are the Road Town and West End Ferry Terminals in Tortola and the Spanish Town Ferry Dock in Virgin Gorda.

Yachters wishing to dock on Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, or any other sister island are advised that they must clear customs at one of the designated locations. Comptroller of Her Majesty's Customs Mr. Wade Smith said those precautionary measures will be in place until further notice.

Visitors who fail to comply with the new procedures may be charged with illegal entry into the Territory.