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Do I need to bring my original birth certificate or is a photocopy ok? We plan on visiting BVI from St John. Thanks.
A photocopy will NOT be considered sufficient. This is from the official website of the USVI:
Proof of citizenship is accomplished by presenting one of the following:
A passport issued under competent authority
An Alien Registration Card (green card).
(United States of America permanent residents only.)
A certified copy of a birth certificate with government issued photo identification. (Canadian and United States citizens only.)
You can visit the website at http://www.usvi.net/us-ins/html/2travel_back_....html
That is true about the birth certificate.
And, FYI, if you are travelling after Dec 31 2005, you will need a passport. See the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative available at http://travel.state.gov
There is a FAQ at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html#
Hello,
As per the customs/border protection office on St. Thomas:
The birth certificate can be either the original certified copy (not photocopy just the original copy) OR a notarized (with the notary's raised seal) photocopy of the original certified birth certificate.
So yes you can use a photocopy of the original BUT IT MOST be a notarized photocopy.
(Incidently I had asked this question of the customs office previously because there was a visitor who had a very old birth certificate and didn't want to chance losing it or it getting further damaged.)
--Islander
