The United States Virgin Islands (USVI), encompassing St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, attracts numerous travelers each year. Many United States citizens question whether they need a passport for entry and departure. Understanding the travel documentation requirements is important when traveling between the mainland U.S. and this territory. This article outlines the identification requirements for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens traveling to the USVI.
The Definitive Answer: Domestic Travel Status
The straightforward answer for United States citizens arriving directly from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico is that a passport is not required for travel to the USVI. This exemption exists because the USVI is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Travel between the mainland and the territory is considered domestic travel, similar to flying between two states. The USVI is situated within the Customs Territory of the United States, which simplifies the entry process for citizens. Travelers will not encounter the same immigration or customs procedures required for entry into a foreign country.
Required Identification for US Citizens
While a passport is not mandated for entry into the USVI, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires specific documentation when travelers return to the U.S. mainland. Individuals must present evidence of both identity and United States citizenship upon departure. This dual requirement is necessary because the USVI is a common port of entry for travelers coming from surrounding foreign countries.
A government-issued photo identification, such as a valid state-issued driver’s license, confirms identity. To satisfy the proof of citizenship requirement, travelers must present an original or certified copy of a birth certificate bearing a raised seal or an original naturalization certificate. A U.S. passport, while not required, fulfills both requirements in a single document and is the simplest option.
Air travelers must also consider the Real ID enforcement for all domestic flights, including those to and from the USVI. Starting on May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver’s license or ID card must be Real ID-compliant to be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airport security checkpoints. Non-compliant identification will require travelers to present an alternate acceptable document, such as a passport, to board the plane.
Documentation requirements for minors are generally less stringent, though proof of citizenship is still advised. For children traveling with their parents, a certified birth certificate is typically sufficient to establish citizenship. Having the child’s passport is the most efficient way to prove both identity and citizenship to CBP officers.
Travel Documents for Non-US Citizens
The rules for non-United States citizens, including Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), differ from those for U.S. citizens. Non-citizens are subject to the same entry requirements for the USVI as they would be for the U.S. mainland. This means a valid passport issued by the traveler’s country of origin is required.
LPRs can travel to the USVI without a passport if they are traveling directly from the U.S. mainland. They must carry their unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) along with a government-issued photo ID. Foreign nationals who are not LPRs must present a valid passport and, if required, an appropriate visa or approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program.