Local News
British Virgin Islanders Exempt from UK ETA Requirement
Travellers from visa-exempt countries to the United Kingdom will soon need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as part of the UK government’s new border control initiative. Starting January 8, citizens from visa-exempt nations outside Europe must obtain an ETA before visiting the UK. British and Irish citizens, as well as those traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport are exempt.
This digital system aims to streamline entry processes and enhance security.
The ETA is part of the UK’s effort to fully digitize its border and immigration system, following similar programs in Australia and the United States. By April 2, all visa-exempt European travelers will also need ETAs. Nations already requiring a visa to enter the UK will remain subject to the current visa application processes.
The ETA grants permissions similar to the UK’s Standard Visitor Visa, allowing multiple visits of up to six months over two years or until the traveler’s passport expires—whichever comes first. The authorization costs £10, and applications, available online, are typically processed within 24 hours, though applicants are advised to allow up to three business days.
You do not need an ETA if you hold a visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK, including settled or pre-settled status or the right of abode. BAdditionally, residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man do not require an ETA. Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship can prove their permission to travel using a British passport, Irish passport, or another passport with a certificate of entitlement.
Eligible non-European travelers can apply beginning November 27, while European travelers may apply starting March 5.
This move aims to bolster the UK’s border security by enabling more thorough checks on travelers before arrival. The system, linked to travelers’ passports, is designed to streamline entry processes and enhance efficiency. It mirrors the European Union’s upcoming ETIAS system, which will require similar permissions for travel to 30 European countries starting mid-next year.
All visa-exempt nationals—except British and Irish citizens—will need an ETA for tourism, short-term study, family visits, or business in the UK. Travelers from nations already requiring a visa will still need to apply for the appropriate visa for their trip’s purpose.
From January 8, travelers from the following countries and territories will need an ETA:
North America: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Guatemala, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, and the USA.
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Falkland Islands, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
Oceania: Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu.
Asia: Brunei, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Africa: Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Togo.
By April 2, travelers from visa-exempt European countries, including Andorra, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, will also require an ETA.
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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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