Planning a trip to the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands? One of the first questions many travelers ask is: “Can I travel to the US Virgin Islands without a passport?” The answer depends on your citizenship. This guide breaks down the passport and identification requirements for U.S. citizens and international visitors.
U.S. Citizens: Passport and ID Requirements
Good news for U.S. citizens! You generally do not need a passport to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John). Since the USVI is a U.S. territory, it’s considered a domestic destination for travel purposes. However, there’s a crucial caveat: you will need to provide proof of citizenship when departing the islands.
Acceptable forms of identification for U.S. citizens include:
- A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
- A birth certificate (raised-seal) along with a government-issued photo ID.
- A U.S. passport.
While a passport isn’t strictly required for U.S. citizens, carrying one can simplify your travel experience. It eliminates the need to carry multiple forms of identification.
Non-U.S. Citizens: Passport Requirements
For citizens of countries other than the U.S., standard U.S. travel regulations apply. This means you will typically need a valid passport and, in some cases, a U.S. visa to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s essential to check the specific requirements based on your country of citizenship before your trip.
Refer to these resources for guidance:
- U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): https://www.cbp.gov/about/contact
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA): https://www.tsa.gov/contact
REAL ID and the U.S. Virgin Islands
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
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 a listing of the requirements and pricing. You can also read more about REAL IDs on TSA’s website.
COVID-19 Entry Requirements Update
Important: As of the latest updates, domestic and international travelers are no longer required to complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal or present an approved green QR code to travel to the USVI.
However, it’s recommended to stay informed about the current travel guidelines by referring to the CDC requirements for domestic travel and the CDC requirements for international travel. For any questions, you can contact the VI Department of Tourism at (340) 774-8784 or via email at [email protected].
Duty-Free Shopping in the USVI
One of the perks of visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands is the generous duty-free allowance. U.S. citizens can return with up to $1,600 worth of duty-free merchandise every 30 days.
Here’s a breakdown of the duty-free exemptions:
- $1,600 Per Person Tax Exemption: This applies to all U.S. citizens, including children.
- Alcoholic Beverages: U.S. residents 21 and older can bring back four liters of liquor duty-free. You can add a 5th liter duty-free if it’s a product made in the U.S. Virgin Islands, such as Captain Morgan or Cruzan Rum!
- Tobacco Products: 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.
- Merchandise Shipped to the United States: You can ship up to $1,600 worth of duty-free goods purchased in the USVI to yourself in the United States. An additional $1,000 worth of goods may be mailed dutiable at a flat rate of 1.5% percent.
For detailed information, refer to the U.S Customs and Border Protection website.
Lost and Found Information
If you happen to lose an item while traveling in the U.S. Virgin Islands, keep in mind that the Virgin Islands Port Authority is not responsible for items left in taxis, hotels, airplanes, or TSA checkpoints.
- For items left at a hotel, in a taxi, or on an airplane: Contact the respective establishment.
- For lost luggage: Contact your airline directly.
- For items left at a TSA checkpoint: Contact TSA directly.
To locate items left in 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 Ship Information
Cruise ships are sailing to the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you are sailing to St. Croix, your cruise ship will berth at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted. If you are sailing to the St. Thomas/St. John district, your ship will either berth at the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay or the West Indian Company Dock in Havensight. Ships also berth in the harbor at Cruz Bay, St. John. Please check your itinerary to verify your port.
Enjoy Your Trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or an international visitor, understanding the entry requirements is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Be sure to double-check the latest guidelines before your departure, and get ready to experience the beauty and charm of these Caribbean gems!
