Do you need a passport to
visit the US Virgin Islands?

Whether you're heading to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) for a business meeting or a hotel with a beach view to soak in the Caribbean Islands' sun-kissed charm, certain travel documents are necessary for a hassle-free trip.

If you are wondering whether or not you'll need a passport to get past customs, you've come to the right place. In this essential guide, you’ll find answers to all your questions on the documentation necessary to visit the US Virgin Islands, including passport requirements, the latest COVID-19 travel guidelines, answers to frequently asked questions, and some helpful traveler resources.

Can I travel to the US Virgin Islands right now?

Can I go to the US Virgin Islands without a passport?

Can I go to St. Thomas without a passport?

Can I travel to the US Virgin Islands with a driver's license?

How do I obtain or apply for a USVI visa?

How much is a USVI visa for US citizens?

How long is my USVI visa valid?

What happens if I overstay my visa in the USVI?

How do I obtain an entry and exit form?

What are the health requirements to enter the USVI?

FAQs on travel to the US Virgin Islands

Online resources for travelers to the US Virgin Islands

Always travel well-informed with CIBT

Can I travel to the US Virgin Islands right now?

Yes, the US Virgin Islands are open to travelers from the US and international travelers. There are currently no restrictions on travel to the islands.

Can I go to the US Virgin Islands without a passport?

Since the US Virgin Islands is a US territory, the rules applying to US citizens and lawful permanent residents are the same as domestic travel. If you're a US citizen traveling from the mainland US or Puerto Rico, you don't need a passport to enter the USVI. You can travel there with a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license.

However, travelers will need a valid passport to spend time in the nearby British Virgin Islands. For international travelers, the same rules and customs apply to travel to the USVI and anywhere in the US. You will need a valid passport and may need a US visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), depending on your nationality.

Can I go to St. Thomas without a passport?

St. Thomas is part of the USVI, so US citizens traveling directly from a US location won't need a passport. The same rules apply to St. Croix and St. John, the other main islands in the USVI, as well as Puerto Rico and the Spanish Virgin Islands Culebra and Vieques.

US Lawful Permanent Residents can also travel to the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Spanish Virgin Islands using a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license.

Can I travel to the US Virgin Islands with a driver's license?

Yes. US citizens can use their driver's license as their government-issued photo ID for domestic travel, which includes the USVI. However, before departing the USVI, you must prove US citizenship or lawful residence.

Proof can include a trusted-traveler program card or a raised-seal birth certificate. Lawful Permanent Residents should have a copy of their green card or a copy of a naturalization/citizenship certificate to accompany a valid government-issued ID.

Starting May 7, 2025, REAL ID–compliant photo identification will be required to board all US domestic flights, including flights to and from the USVI.

Though it's not required, a passport will let you avoid carrying the two forms of identification needed to depart the USVI. It will also let you see more of the Virgin Islands, including the British Virgin Islands.

How do I obtain or apply for a USVI visa?

International travelers must apply for a visa or an ESTA for any trip to the US. The USVI follows the same visa regulations as the mainland US and other territories.

How much is a USVI visa for US citizens?

US citizens don't require a visa to visit the USVI, hence there is no cost.

How long is my USVI visa valid?

If you are an international traveler who requires a visa to visit the US, your USVI visa's validity is concurrent with your US visa's terms. The duration will vary based on visa type.

What happens if I overstay my visa in the USVI?

Overstaying could result in legal consequences, including deportation and future restrictions on travel to the US.

How do I obtain an entry and exit form?

Entry and exit forms aren't required for US citizens visiting the USVI.

The entry requirements for non-US citizens entering the US Virgin Islands are the same as entering the mainland or any US territory.

For Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers, an approved ESTA is required to enter the US and must be obtained before boarding transport to the US.

Other nationals must apply for a US visa to visit the USVI. The US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) automatically collects entry and exit information for visitors traveling by air or sea electronically through the carrier's manifest information.

What are the health requirements to enter the USVI?

Starting in June 2022, health requirements and screenings previously introduced to address the COVID-19 pandemic ended.

Domestic and international travelers are no longer required to complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal website or present an approved green QR code to travel to the USVI. Travelers no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the USVI.

As of May 2023, noncitizen, nonimmigrant air passengers do not need proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. That includes flights to the USVI.

Travelers should still be mindful of health risks while traveling and check the updated status of their destination for any health warnings. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation during your trip.

FAQs on travel to the US Virgin Islands

Let's answer some common questions related to traveling to the USVI.

Are restaurants and bars open in the US Virgin Islands?

Yes, restaurants and bars are open. The USVI tourism board has a list of food and beverage venues travelers may want to visit on the islands.

Do I need to wear a mask in the US Virgin Islands?

Masks are no longer required, but travelers may wear them if they prefer to do so. The USVI Department of Health provides travelers with the latest information on COVID-19, including what to do if you feel ill during your trip.

Will my phone work in the US Virgin Islands?

Most US mobile carriers provide service in the USVI under the same terms of service as they have on the mainland. Note that your phone will be roaming internationally if you are making a day trip to the British Virgin Islands. Check with your mobile provider before you go to confirm voice, text, and data rates.

What kind of plugs do I need in the US Virgin Islands?

The USVI uses the same electrical standard as the mainland US. Visitors will find outlets for the standard Type A or B plugs they use on the mainland. Type A plugs have two flat prongs, and Type B plugs have a third cylindrical plug for grounding.

Will my US driver's license work in the US Virgin Islands?

Yes, you can rent a car and drive in the US Virgin Islands with a US driver's license. Be prepared—the USVI is the only territory of the US where you drive on the left side of the road. Drive safely.

What sunscreen should I pack for the US Virgin Islands?

The Caribbean sunshine can be intense, and packing sunscreen is a good idea, even if you won't spend time at the beaches. Just be sure it's reef-safe: It is illegal to bring sunscreen containing the “Toxic 3 Os” of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene to the United States Virgin Islands. To protect those turquoise waters, you should only pack non-nano mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Online resources for travelers to the US Virgin Islands

Always travel well-informed with CIBT

As you plan your trip and pack your bags, we recommend you regularly check the official sources for the most up-to-date information to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. An experienced visa specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border-crossing requirements. Contact A Briggs for a quote today.

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