U.S. Virgin Islands entry requirements
When people refer to Virgin Islands, they are referring to the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is made up of St. Thomas and St. John Islands.
These three islands are the main ones in the archipelago and they are often the top choice for holiday destinations.
These islands are not part of the United States and fall under the direct control of the United States government. This means that U.S. Virgin Islands are not different from any other United States territory.
The same applies to the Spanish Virgin Islands. However, they are not considered Puerto Rico municipalities. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the U.S., which means that you must follow the same regulations as if traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the U.S. mainland. This means there is no border protection.
It is the same as taking a trip to Alabama if you have a U.S. passport.
Both territories are U.S. territory and therefore a passport from the U.S. is not required to enter either Virgin Islands. A passport is not required if you travel by air or on a cruise. This is only for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holder) who are traveling between U.S. territory.
You must follow the same visa and passport regulations if you're a citizen from any other country than you would if you were to enter any U.S. territory from a foreign land.
Visitors from the U.S. region of the USA do not need a passport. However, it is possible that a government-issued photo ID will be required upon their departure.
What documents are required to travel to the U.S Virgin Islands?
As stated above, U.S. citizens who fly from Houston to St. Thomas Island (USVI) will not need any additional documents, as they do when traveling domestically. These lands are U.S. territories so it is legal to fly from them.
Travelers departing from Virgin Islands will be subject to a slightly different set if regulations.
As a precaution, border protection officials may ask for a birth certificate and any other government-issued photo ID in case you return to the country. You will need to bring a birth certificate with raised seal and another form ID.
You may need to bring:
- U.S. birth certificate stamped with a raised seal
- Any of the following:
- Driver's License issued by the United States
- U.S.-issued Identification card
- U.S. Military ID Card (with a Signature)
- U.S. U.S. passport card.
The above-mentioned documents are not required if you have a U.S. passport. They are only valid for U.S. citizens. A valid passport book is required for international travelers.
From a foreign country, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands
A valid U.S. passport is required for entry to the U.S. Virgin Islands if you are a U.S. citizen who has traveled from another country such as the British Virgin Islands.
If you have a connecting flight with a stop in another country, the same applies. To board the plane or enter the U.S Virgin Islands, you will need a valid U.S. passport.
No matter what mitigating circumstances you may have (such as participation at the WHTI), international air travel requires a valid passport.
Take a closed-loop cruise on the U.S. Virgin Islands
A passport is not required to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands from a Caribbean cruise ship that departs from the U.S. port. While it is not necessary, authorities recommend that you bring a valid U.S. passport. This will allow you to enter the island and return to the U.S. in the event of unpredicted circumstances.
What U.S. Virgin Islands don't require passports?
You can enter any island that is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands or the Spanish Virgin Islands (Puerto Rico), if you are a U.S. citizen without needing a passport.
You can travel to islands without a passport
- Saint Thomas (US-VI)
- Saint John (USVI)
- Saint Croix (US-VI)
- Culebra (Spanish VI)
- Vieques (Spanish VI)
To travel to the British Virgin Islands (e.g. Tortola), you will need a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave the British territory.
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Is it necessary to have a passport in order to travel to the Virgin Islands Closing thoughts
A passport is not required for U.S. citizens to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. In fact, you can enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of a domestic trip.
The local authorities recommend that all travelers have a valid U.S. passport. This is because some forms of identification may be required when they leave the island. You have the option of carrying either a passport book and a birth certificate, or an additional ID.
FAQ: Can you travel to the Virgin Islands without a passport?
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions regarding entry requirements to U.S Virgin Islands.
Is it necessary to have a passport in order to travel to St. Croix Island?
You are not required to show your passport if you have a U.S. passport that you are carrying from another U.S. territory. A valid U.S. passport is required if you plan to travel internationally to or from St. Croix.
Is it necessary to have a passport in order to travel to St. Thomas Island?
U.S. citizens do not need to bring a passport to St. Thomas if they are traveling from other U.S. territory. A valid passport from the United States is required if you want to travel there from another country.
Are U.S. citizens required to have a passport in order to travel to the Virgin Islands?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands or Spanish Virgin Islands with no passport. A valid U.S. passport is required to travel to the British Virgin Islands.
What ID is required to travel to the U.S Virgin Islands?
Any government-issued photo ID issued by the U.S. will allow you to travel to any U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes passports, driver's licences and state ID.
Is it necessary for my child to have a passport in order to travel to the U.S Virgin Islands?
No passport is required for all U.S. citizens regardless of age. If the trip starts from another U.S. territory, it will be allowed. Parents don't need passports to travel with their children.
Green Card holders will need to have a passport in order to travel to the Virgin Islands.
Green Card holders do not need to bring a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. Because this territory is part of the United States, travel restrictions apply to it as well as to mainland U.S. - lawful permanent residents only need their Green Card.