Sharing pens in Tortola immigration lines could soon be a thing of the past as the British Virgin Islands enacts digital entry and exit forms.
The embarkation/disembarkation forms called an ED Card System, were meant to replace cumbersome paper forms, speeding up the process and reducing paper waste. Travelers can fill out the forms up to 72 hours before entering the BVI, according to the Department of Immigration and His Majesty’s Customs.
The ED Card program launched Oct. 1 as an option for travelers. Jan. 1, however, it will be mandatory for all people entering and leaving the territory, BVI officials said. Digital kiosks at ports of entry will be available for people who were unable to complete the form ahead of time.
Soon-to-be travelers upload their travel documents, flight or sea arrival information, and customs declarations to bviedcard.gov.vg. They’ll then receive a confirmation email, according to the BVI Government Information Services. Travelers should be careful not to use www.bviedcard.gov.vg as it does not load a functional website.
The website is available in English, French, German, Dutch and Spanish.
The ED card, which is free of charge, is not a travel document, officials warned, and visitors were still required to present their passport and any needed visas.
