Hi all - I am trying to understand when clearing customs from the BVI's is necessary and when it's not. Do you need to clear customs in order to catch an overnight mooring bouy if you are not going to come ashore, or is it only required if you're going to step foot onto the island?
If you leave BVI waters and go into St John even for just a mooring ball you must check out of the BVI AND check into USVI. You don't have to check out of the USVI to go back to the BVI however you do need to check back into the BVI. Customs is again open in Cruz Bay. IT's not worth dealing with the possible penalties getting caught without going though customs.
You have a right of passage so you don’t need to check in if you go into USVI waters transiting from one place to another like West End to Norman tacking. If however you circle St John, drop anchor or pickup a mooring you must clear customs.
