Still no passports required to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) update that takes place as of June 1 2009 will mean that the U.S. Passport or Passport Card will be required if time is being spent outside the U.S. borders.  As territories of the United States of America, the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are not affected by this change.

However, guests who wish to enjoy fishing trips, snorkel or SCUBA tours or day sails into the waters of the British Virgin Islands or who will be going on to Grenada, will need to show the U.S. Passport or Passport Card (a more economical option for sea travel only) upon boarding carriers and re-entering the United States.

If you are from a country other than the U.S. visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) page.  Otherwise, click here for  more info...
 
Q: Will travelers from U.S. territories need to present a passport to enter the United States?
A: No. These territories are a part of the United States. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the U.S. and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
 
If the traveler also visited non-U.S. territories, he/she will be required to present a passport. Although U.S. citizens are not required to present a passport upon departure from the U.S. territories, travelers are encouraged to travel with a passport or other proof of citizenship, as they will be asked questions about citizenship and any goods they will be bringing to the U.S. mainland upon their departure from U.S. territories.  (View more FAQs)

Comments

[Passports for Children]

Thanks everyone. Really good stuff. I greatly appreciate the detail. After reading this, we'll have to think more about it.