By Jonathan Kent A hairstyle-based immigration policy could give the Bermuda national soccer squad something extra to worry about as they prepare for their opening World Cup match in the British Virgin Islands.

Anyone wearing dreadlocks must write to the British Caribbean territory in advance of their trip to request entry.

Dennis Jennings, deputy chief immigration officer of the BVI, said yesterday: "Our policy is that those with dreadlocks must request permission in writing from the immigration department to enter the country, stating their reason for coming here and the duration of their stay.'' Bermuda Football Association were warned of the rule in faxes from the BVI Football Association and from the hotel they booked for the squad.

The team fly out next Thursday, with the match, the first leg of a first-round Caribbean Group II qualifier, following on Sunday.

Dreadlocked midfielder Richard Todd, who coaches high school soccer in Alabama, played for Bermuda last Sunday during their tour of Florida.

But neither Todd, nor any other dreadlocked player is likely to make Robert Calderon's final squad of 20 -- although that could change in the event of injuries.

However, regular first-choice defender Karl Roberts sports twists, a style which at first glance appears similar to dreadlocks.

The Oxford English Dictionary's definition of dreadlocks is "hair worn in many ringlets or plaits, especially by Rastafarians.'' Meanwhile, the BVI continue their preparations for the tie today and Sunday with two friendly matches against Anguilla -- officially the world's worst national team.

In the latest rankings issued by soccer's world governing body, Anguilla occupied the 202nd and bottom spot.

Last week, the BVI lost 1-0 away from home against the Dominican Republic, the 155th-ranked team in the world.

Luis Andre, BVI technical director and a former player with Portuguese club Porto, said the trip had been difficult.

"We lost to a penalty but we definitely played better than when we lost 3-2 to St. Lucia last month,'' said Andre. "There were real signs of improvement in the team.

"But they put us in a poor hotel over there and treated us badly and so the players were not in the right frame of mind when they went out to play.'' None of the BVI players play abroad, meaning Andre, who took over as technical director last November, has had his full squad together for training since January 1.

That has not been a luxury enjoyed by Andre's Bermuda counterpart Clyde Best, who has four professionals playing overseas and a number of players studying in the US.

Andre's one question about Bermuda concerned one of those pros and betrayed the BVI's biggest fear: "Is Shaun Goater playing?'' Twists or dreadlocks?: The question national team defender Karl Roberts (above) may be asked at passport control in the British Virgin Islands.