Bringing Food into the BVI

[John Casey]

Anyone have some recent experience here?

We're heading down for a 12 Dec 10-day charter.

http://www.bvitourism.com/entry-requirements; currently says:

Importation of Food
Yacht owners, charter guests and visitors may bring food into the British Virgin Islands. For the time being, however, because of the worldwide threat of Hoof and Mouth and Mad Cow Disease, a law is in effect which bans the importation of any meat products unless an application is submitted to the Department of Agriculture for approval. Approved permits cost $25.00. For more information, please call the Department of Agriculture at 284-495-2532. Visitors coming from the North America with meat products for consumption during their stay will not have to fill out the application if they are bringing less than 40 lbs. of meat.

I'll give them a call before we commit to anything, but what the person on the phone says is often different than the officer you meet on the ground.

[Zanshin]

Although I haven't done so, many on Traveltalkonline: Viewing forum: British Virgin Islands have and have no issues. You can check out recent posts on the topic if you search the forum for "meat"

[John Casey]

Thanks.

We're thinking perhaps some spices that we like, and Costco pre-packed meats but are undecided at the moment.

[DeepCut]

We took down (October 2016) prepackaged meat (Steaks, hamburger,chicken, fish) Preseasoned, vac-packed, and frozen in a Polar Bear Cooler. Besides assuring quality meat, also eliminated need for prep in galley prior to grilling. Also with Vac-packed, no messy fridge. Also took a few spices. Otherwise I would order other foods online (Riteway or Bobby's).
C&I will want their cut ($$$) for what you bring in... variable charges if minimal and maybe waived more often when not commercially packaged.

BTW: Using Riteway was 100% accurate and on time delivery for our 2 week cruise with TMM "Sea Tiger"

[jcarr]

We have taken SAMs pre cooked bacon on every trip, also we have carried a cooler of frozen meats on two trips. Never been an issue and never been charged.

[John Casey]

We ended up bringing a couple zip-locks of spice and some Costco individually packed nuts.

We shopped at Riteway and Tico in Road Town before we left, and then got some thing in Leverick Bay and Rudy's Market on JVD.

Traveltalkonline.com is a great site that we had not used before.

Thanks for the responses.

[chuckr]

a bit of research and you will find we just did this exact topic - research and look before you ask you may find a lot of info