Brandy: Did you check "Vistor Info" on the tool bar above? When you leave the USVI to go home you will need proof of citizenship. Also, you are going to look longingly at the (British) islands across the water and want to visit them with your beloved. Four weeks is plenty of time to get a passport. Even if you are fretting over a wedding!

The "dollar buses" aren't illegal and they aren't a dollar anymore. They only go along certain routes. Where are you staying? If you are at Frenchman's Reef or the Ritz, they aren't much help. If you are at Sapphire, they could help some.

Thank you East Ender. My brain is jello these days, I barely looked at the links. We are staying at Bolongo Bay. Are the BVI worth the trip? I have never been to them or researched them before. Thank you for your help, the fast reply has put my crazy brain at ease. Sincerely, Brandy

Okay jello brain, take three s-l-o-w breaths... 😉

First of all, the dollar safaris are not going to help you at Bolongo as they don't like going up Donkey Hill (You'll see!) However, you are half way between town and Red Hook, so you can drive/taxi easily each way!

Here is what I see...you and your beloved are going to be sitting at the bar either at the Beach House or Iggie's and a couple will be sitting there. They will be talking about what a GREAT day they had going on XYZ boat. You will say, "It's our honeymoon! We should DO that!" So yes, you should get that passport tomorrow morning! Makes traveling much more spontaneous!!

Now rest your brain, Brandy! Take time to relax.

Brandy,

Take East Enders advise...three slow breaths. Just start thinking...beaches...bushwackers...rum punch. My Wife and I spent our Honeymoon on St. Thomas 16 years ago and went through the same "jello brain" period, the second you step off the jet you'll feel the weight of the world lift off of your shoulders, your in the ISLANDS enjoy 🙂

My wife also carries a copy of our marrage license as proof of your name change "just in case" (even after 16 years) if I'm not mistaken customs asked for it once...once, its only one more peace of paper to carry.

Congrats on your marrage, St. Thomas is a great place to spend your honeymoon.

ps: If you want to have a real good time rent a car for the week, you'll have much more flexability getting around and get to drive on the left side of the road 😉

Brandy,

This will truly be the trip of a lifetime for you...one of the most beautiful places on Earth at one of the best times of your life. I speak from experience, and believe me before you leave you'll be planning your next trip back.

Relax and enojoy! Congrats 🙂

Brandy, you will fall in love with the USVI's. Anyone, correct me if I'm wrong, but in December aren't they changing the law so that to return to the mainland you will need a passport? I heard that somewhere, but maybe it's just for Aruba, etc. Anyway, Brandy, it's always a good idea to have a passport anyway, in case you do want to visit the BVI's. And any extra proof that you are who you say you are can only speed up the process of checking in and out and getting through customs, etc. A government issued passport can only help IMHO. Again, as stated above, calm down, and picture you and your new mate, sitting on a white sand beach, looking out over the turquoise water, waves lapping at your feet, sun beating down warming your bones, (it's probably going to be cold when you leave mainland), a drink in hand, a smile on your face, toes digging in, the sent of bouganvillas and hibiscus senting the air..........When you get there you'll know that it was all worth it!! Where are you flying from?

Hello,

It appears the new passport requirements brought into effect by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative doesn't apply to the USVI.

See the article at:
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/vi00_christian-christensen/pr_050622.html

For where it does apply there is a press release at:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/44228.htm

Also visit the FAQ Page: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html as it states that the 1st phase that was to be institued by December 31, 2005 has had some date changes; pushing the date forward some as to allow a longer lead time for travelers to come into compliance with the requirements.

--Islander

Brandy -

Here's the US Dept of State link to ordering a passport for the first time. Expedited service is 2 weeks - - plenty of time.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_831.html

I concur that you will DEFINITELY want to see all of the islands. Try either New Horizons II Breakaway for a group tour of the BVI's (Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke). I think $120/pp including an open bar all day 🙂

Or for something a bit more personal (and romantic), try a captained powerboat for the day on your own. Nauti Nymph is a good choice. You can create your own itinerary. Highly recommend Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Willie T's, Tortolla - - you can do it all in a day. The captains will know the "hot spots".

Here are links for both the above.

http://visitbreakaway.com/

http://www.st-thomas.com/nautinymph/

You will need to reserve ahead of time.

Breathe in, breathe out - - have a drink!

Hi all- I have been reading this forum since I booked my trip to STT in January almost 10 months ago! This is my first post, and let me say I have appreciated VERY much all the great input and comments from all the regulars. I have learned a ton about the islands and what we should do while there.

We leave 2 weeks from today and will be staying at Frenchmans Reef.

My thoughts all along is that we only need valid Drivers licenses and official copies of birth certs. We have traveled to other Carib destinations (Caymans, Bahamas) and got by with only that. I am certainly counting on that still being the case, as we dont have enough time left now to obtain passports. Are we OK here?

Also, after 10 months of reading these boards, this thread actually has me seriously thinking we should check out the BVI, but my question is: are there activities to do on the BVI besides the normal snorkeling, exploring, etc? Such as, restaraunts, shopping, attractions, etc?

Hi

I'm also fairly new to this forum but have been down to the islands several times, last in July and next in March and can't believe how much help this forum is! It is my understanding that after the 1st of the year everyone coming back into the US will need a passport and you will need a passport to go to the BVI. Also take picture ID with you
if you go on the ferry.

We stayed at Frenchmans Reef our last trip, Please do a trip report when you get back, be sure you rent a car and stock up on water and snacks for your room. The little shop that sells that stuff is REALLY high! I would also request a room in the main body of the hotel I guess they are the nicest, we were on floor 7 overlooking the water, beautiful at night! Have a safe trip!

Hi Lolly- thanks for your reply...since we are leaving for STT in less than 2 weeks, I assume the required passport does not apply to us...though I would like some confirmation of that.

So you enjoyed the Frenchmans? I know we do have a room in the main body of the hotel and not down at beachside in the villas (though most of the posters seem to think they are nicer). Thanks for the tips and I will definitely post a trip report upon my return...