Planning a trip to the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands? One of the first questions that might pop into your head is: “Can I Travel To The Virgin Islands Without A Passport?” The answer depends on your citizenship. Let’s break down the requirements for U.S. citizens and international travelers.
Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens
Good news for U.S. citizens! You do not need a passport to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John). Since the U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory, travel between the mainland and the islands is considered domestic travel.
Alt text: Scenic Trunk Bay in St. John, USVI, showcasing its iconic turquoise water and pristine white sand beach.
However, there’s a catch. While a passport isn’t required for entry, you will need to provide proof of citizenship when leaving the U.S. Virgin Islands. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- A government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license)
- An original or certified copy of your birth certificate
- A U.S. Passport
Bringing a passport eliminates the need to carry multiple forms of identification and simplifies your travel experience.
Identification for Non-U.S. Citizens
For citizens of countries other than the U.S., standard U.S. travel regulations apply. You will need a valid passport and, depending on your country of origin, a U.S. visa. It’s best to check with the U.S. Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/) for the most up-to-date requirements based on your specific citizenship.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority does not handle entry or departure requirements. These are managed by federal agencies of the United States government. You can also contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (https://www.cbp.gov/about/contact) or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (https://www.tsa.gov/contact) for more information.
REAL ID and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need to be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID is a form of identification that meets specific security standards set by the federal government.
If you are a resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can obtain a REAL ID from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Visit the BMV website for details on requirements and pricing.
Alt text: The U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sign indicates where residents can obtain a REAL ID for travel.
COVID-19 Travel Protocols
As of now, there are no COVID-19 related travel restrictions for entering the U.S. Virgin Islands for either domestic or international travelers. You are no longer required to complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal or present an approved QR code.
It’s still a good idea to refer to the CDC requirements for domestic travel and the CDC requirements for international travel for the latest recommendations and guidelines. For any questions, you can contact the VI Department of Tourism at (340) 774-8784 or via email at [email protected].
Duty-Free Allowances in the U.S. Virgin Islands
One of the perks of traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands is the generous duty-free allowance. U.S. citizens, including children, can bring back up to $1,600 worth of duty-free merchandise every 30 days.
- Alcohol: U.S. residents 21 and older can bring back four liters of alcohol duty-free. You can bring a fifth liter duty-free if it’s a product made in the U.S. Virgin Islands, like Captain Morgan or Cruzan Rum.
- Tobacco: U.S. citizens age 21 or older are allowed up to 100 cigars (not of Cuban origin) and up to 5 cartons, or 1,000 cigarettes duty-free.
Alt text: Display of Cruzan Rum bottles, a popular product made in the US Virgin Islands, showcasing the local distillery.
You can also ship goods purchased in the U.S. Virgin Islands (“unaccompanied purchases”) to the United States. You can declare up to $1,600 worth of duty-free goods per person, and an additional $1,000 worth of goods may be mailed dutiable at a flat rate of 1.5%. For more detailed information, visit the U.S Customs and Border Protection website.
Lost and Found in the U.S. Virgin Islands
If you happen to lose an item while traveling in the U.S. Virgin Islands, here’s how to proceed:
- Hotels, Taxis, and Airplanes: Contact the hotel, taxi company, or airline directly.
- Lost Luggage: Contact your airline.
- TSA Checkpoints: Contact TSA directly.
- Airport Terminals: Contact the Lost and Found Department at the Security offices:
- St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport: (340) 774-5100
- St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport: (340) 778-1012
- Email: [email protected]
Cruise Ships and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Cruise ships are sailing to the U.S. Virgin Islands. In St. Croix, ships berth at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted. In St. Thomas/St. John, ships berth at the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay or the West Indian Company Dock in Havensight. Some ships also berth in Cruz Bay, St. John. Check your itinerary to confirm your port.
Enjoy Your Trip!
So, can you travel to the Virgin Islands without a passport? For U.S. citizens, the answer is generally yes, but with considerations. Make sure to have proper identification to prove your citizenship when departing. For international travelers, a passport and potentially a U.S. visa are required. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands!
