Here's the link to DHS website. Check out the "US citizens traveling to and from US territories".

http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/

If you will be visiting the BVIs, here's the link their website. Check "Entry/Exit Requirements".

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1079.html

Even though it's not required, a passport makes things much easier. If time permits, my advice is to get one prior to your trip.

Also, some charters boats require you to have a passport to enter the BVI, because it speeds up the process if they have a large number of passengers.

Hope this helps.

No Passport is needed but you will need a copy of your Birth Certificate with a raised seal and Drivers License to get back to the States - you have to clear US Customs and Immigration.

Do a "search" on this forum and there is more info on Passports than you can possibly need.

Pia

Hello - YOU MUST HAVE YOUR PASSPORT! We were under the same impression and that is why we picked the USVI because 2 people in our party did not have a passport. Well then I heard you did so I called the passport agency and was told yes - you must have one because you are traveling over international waters - so of course then I had to ask "Is there a large problem with in air flight changes over international waters"? she was nearly as humored as I was but none the less - you do need a passport - a birth certificate will not be enough! We applied and got ours in about 2-1/2 weeks though!

so I called the passport agency and was told yes - you must have one because you are traveling over international waters - but none the less - you do need a passport - a birth certificate will not be enough! We applied and got ours in about 2-1/2 weeks though!

Sorry, cbethgo, but with that logic--flying over international waters--you would need a passport to go to Alaska and Hawaii. I don't know what "passport agency" you called, but you were given incorrect information. The official passport agency is the US State Department. It's still great that you got your passports, though.

I can never understand why anyone would go to a travel forum for information about something so very important as passport requirements. We could all be a bunch of ninnies for all you know. I suggest if one is unsure of the regulations that the sites provided above by Hallie1 be checked.

[ We could all be a bunch of ninnies for all you know.

Hey...I resemble that remark! 😛

cbethgo,
gerie is right on target, at this time we DON'T have to have a passport to and from the U.S. and the USVI.
I have come across many 'uninformed' travel personnel over the years (way before this was brought up) who
just plain didn't know that we ARE part of the US...along with Guam (maybe somewhere else??} . I had to really
push the point when they began to get beligerent(sp), then more than now. You MUST have a valid, government issued form of photo ID,
Perhaps two??? Origional birth certificate maybe, (I have mine, so not sure).
Yes, passports are the surefire way to go, get it started and enjoy "hassle-free" travel as far as THAT goes!
There's plenty of other stuff to weed through these days! Sure am glad I got my wanderlust out of my system!
(...but still have to re-apply for my passport 'cause I'm a professional procrastonater....missed the renewal deadline of, yup..15 yrs
by a stupid 6 months and now have to start all over! )

For the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the U.S. passport is NOT required of United States citizens. Government issued photo ID plus birth certificate are sufficient.

HOWEVER, carriers may have regulations that do not match what the U.S. Passport office says, so that is why I advise everyone to check with their airline or cruise ship (or other method of conveyance) when making plans.

No, a passport has NEVER been necessary for the U.S. Virgin Islands, and yes, there are STILL some employees who did not "get the memo" on that. We have been a U.S. territory since 1917 and our passports are issued by the United States. We also have social security numbers.

No passports, but always check with your carrier. I hope this helps.

For the LAST TIME - NO PASSPORT NEEDED You know, we live here, we do travel, we all do not have Passports but I guess believe what you would like to believe !!! But if you want to check it out for yourself here goes.............................

Here is the USVI Tourism website - please check the sign that reads - No Passport Needed
http://www.usvitourism.vi/

From the United States Government website.....
"CURRENTLY:
U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate."
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

From the MNS Travel Website - No Passport Needed....here is the link
http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=380659

From the USVI Hotel and Tourism Board...........
http://www.virgin-islands-hotels.com/gettingto.htm

I can keep going - but wont right now.

Pia

Tell us how you realy feel PIA LOL

Hey Waterguy

I'd had a "Knickers Off" (if anyone doesn't know what that is you can use the "search" button :)) by 10:07pm last night 🙂

I think it was the "you must have your passport" all in block letters that sent me over the edge (lol) 🙂

Luv ya

Pia

Hi Pia

Just pulling your leg I'm the one who is pounding their head into the wall with the passport question.
Tom the pork king

"Pork King".............I luv it 🙂

Pia

WOW - so angry Pia when I was just trying to help someone! I gave her my experience with the matter since I am headed there in 2 weeks and that is what they told me. Also, the passport office I called was indeed the US passport office and the website I visited was www.travel.state.gov. ANyway since I am apparently wrong don't get your passport and post back your experience!

Pia - a plate of lechon and a couple of Knickers Off margaritas are often an excellent antidote to the perpetual passport question! Cheers!

Pia travels from the usvi's a couple of times a month so I'd take her advice. I was just there on April 6 to the 12 with someone with only a birth cert. and photo ID no problem.

No not angry - just amused 🙂

After you have visited the USVI's (I believe this is your first trip) maybe you will see that you don't need a Passport - probably won't be too long before you do, but not now - please check all facts and don't misinform people by shouting (using all caps) and giving bad and wrong advise.

A very happy Pia 😉

Have you tried my recipe yet - great for the "weather" questions also 🙂

Pia

Actually the biggest shame here is that there are people in the U.S. Passport Office who do not know that this is part of the United States and that ONLY if the carrier requires it, will the passport be necessary.

That has nothing to do with U.S. government regulations, only the preference of the businesses that take passengers here and there, and for their own reasons.

We just came back from St. Thomas last Saturday. In the customs area of the airport, there are signs that clearly state no passport is required (although preferred).

Mountain Runner