TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC—The federal government has modernized its journey procedures by lately introducing a digital Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card system.
This initiative, carried out on January 1, streamlines vacationers’ entry processes and enhances information assortment for border safety and tourism growth.
Performing Chief Immigration Officer Nadia Demming-Hodge stated transitioning to a digital system was important to “facilitate smoother processes for vacationers upon their arrival on the ports of entry.”
She additionally famous that the system would “enhance and improve the division’s information assortment capabilities” to help future border safety measures and tourism insurance policies.
Vacationers should full their ED playing cards on-line by visiting bviedcard.gov.vg.
The shape consists of sections on arrival particulars, private data, journey vacation spot, members of the family (if relevant), and declarations.
After submission, candidates obtain an e-mail affirmation with a barcode, which they need to current to Immigration and Customs officers upon arrival.
The net ED Card may be accomplished as much as 72 hours earlier than journey or upon arrival however have to be submitted earlier than in search of entry from an Immigration Officer. This flexibility permits vacationers to decide on a handy time to finish the shape, doubtlessly decreasing wait instances at entry factors.
The Division of Immigration additionally plans to introduce a brand new initiative for constitution vessels and plane. This program goals to supply a “seamless and extra environment friendly clearance course of at ports of entry,” in the end benefiting guests by considerably decreasing wait instances.
The brand new digital system will streamline processing at ports of entry by eliminating the necessity for paper types. Starting in October 2024, vacationers to the Virgin Islands had the chance to take part in a pilot section of this initiative, a collaboration between the Immigration Division and His Majesty’s Customs.
Implementing the digital ED Card system is anticipated to reinforce the traveler expertise, enhance information accuracy, and help the Virgin Islands’ dedication to modernizing its companies.
