Following the recent decision to grant visa-free access to Guyanese nationals, the Government of the Virgin Islands is now considering extending the same privilege to citizens of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley announced at a press conference on Monday that the government is actively exploring the possibility of removing visa requirements for these two nations, further opening the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to regional travellers.
The move comes after the BVI recently lifted visa requirements for Guyanese nationals, addressing longstanding frustrations faced by Guyanese residents who were required to apply for visas to remain in the territory even as work permit holders. This policy change is expected to strengthen ties between the BVI and Guyana, and now similar actions are being considered for other nations with deep connections to the territory.
Premier Wheatley hinted that the Dominican Republic could be the next country to benefit from visa-free access, noting ongoing discussions with top officials from the country. The Dominican Republic plays a significant role in the region’s economy, being the second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and having strong ties to the BVI, which is reflected in the territory’s substantial Spanish-speaking population.
In addition to the Dominican Republic, the government could soon be assessing the visa requirements for Jamaica, the only English-speaking Caribbean country that still requires a visa for entry into the BVI. With the BVI recently announcing plans to become a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Premier Wheatley noted that visa-free travel for CARICOM member states would be a natural step in fostering stronger regional integration.
Dr. Wheatley who is also the Minister of Tourism, said he wants to ensure that the BVI has a logical regime that properly assesses which countries should require visas to enter the BVI and which should not. He further emphasized that new technologies are available to assist in vetting visitors, potentially reducing the need for traditional visa requirements in certain cases.
The government’s review of its visa policies aligns with its broader goals of strengthening economic ties, improving mobility within the region, and making the BVI more accessible to its Caribbean neighbours.