Yes, a passport is required for travel to the Virgin Islands, although the requirements differ, depending on whether you’re visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) or the British Virgin Islands (BVI). In this guide, we will explain the passport requirements, the differences between the two territories and other details you need to know when traveling to the Virgin Islands.
Related: Getting to Know the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea famous for its fine beaches, clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. These islands are two primary political entities, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI): This is a U.S. territory, and its largest islands are Saint Thomas, Saint John and Saint Croix. Since the USVI is considered part of the U.S., U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to the USVI without a passport. However, travelers from countries other than the U.S. will require a valid passport.
House of Commons, which moves here from a hangar at nearby CFB Borden. (Some BVI are based on British Virgin Islands (BVI), which is a British overseas territory of four main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. A passport is needed (requirements vary by nationality) and generally, all foreign nationals, including U. S. citizens, require a valid passport to enter the British Virgin Islands.
Do You Need a Passport for the Virgin Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands: Entry Requirements and Travel Restrictions
If you’re a U.S. citizen going to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won’t need a passport to enter (the islands are in the U.S.). But there are some caveats to keep in mind:
Identification for U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens need only a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to travel to the USVI. However, when flying, airlines can and often do require a passport or another kind of government-issued ID at the gate to board a flight, so bringing a passport avoids potential confusion or complications.
Non-U. S. CITIZENS: If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must carry a valid passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which is a U.S. territory. Finally, depending on your nationality, obtain a visa or the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) in addition to your passport.
For cruise passengers: There is no requirement for U.S. citizens arriving to the U.S. Virgin Islands on a cruise ship to present a passport at the port of entry, however, a passport is always advisable for security as well as ease of entry.
British Virgin Islands Passport requirements
No matter your nationality, when you visit the British Virgin Islands, you will be required to show a passport at the point of entry. Citizens of the United States or other countries can also enter the BVI with a valid passport. However, regulations may vary slightly based on your specific situation.
U.S. Citizens: A valid U.S. passport is required for entry into the British Virgin Islands. Though the USVI is a U.S. territory, the BVI is a British overseas territory and the two territories have different entry requirements. It is important to know that U.S. citizens can visit the USVI without a passport but are not able to do so when traveling to the BVI. Hence, it is mandatory for United States citizens traveling to the British Virgin Islands to have a valid passport.
Non-U. S. Citizens: Foreign travelers must have a valid passport and any other visa or document the British Virgin Islands authorities require. Visa requirements vary according to the traveler’s nationality, and travelers should consult the British Virgin Islands Immigration Department for specific guidelines prior to travel.
Cruise Passengers: As the British Virgin Islands are a separate political entity from the U.S., U.S. citizens who are planning a cruise to the islands will still need a valid passport. Depending on your cruise’s port of departure and the ship’s itinerary, you may need a visa as well.
Other Important Travel Documents and Issues
Return or Onward Ticket – When you enter the Virgin Islands, both the USVI and BVI, you will require proof of a return ticket or onward travel. This ensures that you’ll be departing the islands before your permitted stay is up.
Travel Visa Requirements: You might need a visa to visit either the U.S. Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, depending on your nationality. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering either territory, although non-U. S. citizens must verify specific visa requirements with the U.S. or British consulate in their country of residence.
Cruise Travel: If traveling via cruise, check with the cruise line on the required travel documentation. Though U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to enter the American Virgin Islands, they do to enter the British Virgin Islands. In addition, certain cruise lines may have updated passenger requirements or protocols.
bBased on the worldwide pandemic and other health considerations, it’s vital to validate the most recent journey restrictions, vaccinations, plus health insurance paperwork required ahead of your visit.
Duration of Stay: Different travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands are granted different lengths of stay, depending on their nationality, visa status, and purpose for being in the countries. Tourists are allowed to stay up to 30 days in the BVI and indefinitely in the USVI (as it’s a part of the United States).
