travel question

[wink1134]

I know that you do not need a passport to visit the USVI if you're from the states. Just in case, my fiance applied for a passport over 10 weeks ago and and has still not received it. We leave this coming Saturday... Anyway, he just informed me today that he sent his only certified copy of his birth certificate with his application (so therefore he does not have one now). I hear people talking about going through customs at the airport on the way home. Do they require a birth certificate at customs even if you're a US citizen and never left the US while in St. John? I'm afraid that if the passport doesn't arrive this week, we'll be in trouble because he doesn't have a birth certificate. Can someone please calm my nerves???

[waterguy]

Have him call the registar of deeds in the county that he was born and have them next day air you a cer. birt cert. if you can drive there to get one.

[sea-nile]

I ordered a birth certificate online for my son and I received it in one day. I did that for the same reason, just in case. I sent his only copy and we haven't received the passports yet.

[Bug]

I hope someone corrects me if I am wrong, but I believe your NEED either a birth certificate and picture ID or a passport. Waterguy gave you the info to get him his birth certificate ASAP. I would definetly do that. Hope all works out for you!

[LandLockedBeachLover]

I'm in the same boat!! I ordered passports for both my kids in early February, which were sent with their original birth certificates. Still nothing. Our trip isn't until late June, but GOOD LORD! I HATE sweatin' it like this. Wink, I'm sure you are more than a little peaved

Go ahead and order the certificate. Hopefully it's a little cheaper than a child's passport ($100, yikes!)

[wink1134]

I just got off the phone with the port authority and customs in St. Thomas. They said that if you are a U.S. citizen you can just use your Driver's License as proof of I.D. What a relief for us! We leave in 4 days! Maybe his passport will still show up at the last minute anyway...

[Barb Y]

Try the tips listed for the Birth Certificate and you may want to contact your local AAA. I am pretty sure I recently heard that they can expidite a Passport. I am not sure how quickly. It may be worth a call. Even though you don't need the passport for the USVI, I believe you do need one if you are planning any trips over to the BVI. Best of luck. Enjoy your trip!