US Virgin Islands Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Entry requirements are the same as for the United States of America. There is no immigration control for visitors arriving from mainland USA. Visitors entering the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a bar code on the photo page. From 26 October 2006 eligible travelers under the VWP must include biometrics in their machine-readable passports if they wish to enter the country without a visa, containing unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All new passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. Due to new security measures, all visitors to the USA will have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those traveling visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program. All travelers arriving or departing by air, land or sea between the USA and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America are required to present a valid passport. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US passport required. Visa not required.

UK Nationals

A passport is required, and a visa is required unless the passport shows the holder is residing permanently in the British Virgin Islands and traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands as a non-immigrant.

Canadians

Canadians require a visa, and a valid passport. Visitors should hold tickets and documents required for return or onward destination.

Australians

Australian nationals require a passport and visa; a valid machine-readable passport and a return or onward ticket is required if traveling by sea or air.

South Africans

South Africans must hold a passport valid at the date of entry; a visa is also required. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a valid passport and visa. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and all necessary documents for further travel.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa; a machine-readable passport and return or onward tickets are required.

Healthcare

Health risks include hepatitis A and dengue fever. Only bottled water should be drunk outside the major towns. Medical facilities are of a high standard, but health insurance is vital as medical care is very expensive.

Safety

Normal precautions apply, especially in the back streets of towns at night. Don't leave valuables lying on the beach when snorkeling or swimming.