Passport Question?

[Becky&Brian]

I know this has probably been dicussed a million times but can someone just tell me if you definatly need a passport if you are going to St.john?

[bayer40601]

No, you do not have to have one to get into St John from the US. If you are going to go to one of the other non-American countries in the Caribbean it would be wise to have one, but even that is not necessary if you are going to the BVI. You will only need a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID for that.

[Becky&Brian]

Thanks, so far that is what I have read but I was trying to make sure. My husband and I got ours this year, but our friends have just decided today that they are going to go for a week May 21st through May 28th 2008--and she doesn't have her passport. Thanks so much for the info.

[waterguy]

She will need a birth cer. with a raised seal no photo copies

[RickG]

Airlines have different policies, but DHS has one policy:

If you do not leave the USVI during your stay you do NOT need anything other than a state issued photo id to trave from the St. Thomas airport to an airport in the US or its territories. Children 18 and under do not need any id at all.

If you have gone to the BVIs by boat you will need the same id to travel to the 50 states and its territories - state issued photo id and proof of residency (birth certificate or resident alien card), or passport.

I've seen reports lately of American demanding birth certificates for travel to the USVI. This is misguided.

If you want specific confirmation and the regulations du jour you can call DHS at 202-282-8000.

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

"U.S. Citizens traveling to and returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the U.S. territory and do not need to present a passport.

U.S. territories include:

* American Samoa
* Guam
* Northern Mariana Islands
* Puerto Rico
* Swains Island
* U.S. Virgin Islands
"

Cheers, RickG

[VayCay]

Rick, i'm gonna have to trust that you know what you're talking about on this one, but i have heard so many variances of policy my head is spinning. I would hate to get down there w/my ID and find out that i need my birth Cert. though ...ggrrrr

[Xislandgirl]

Our friends just returned and had a hell of a time without a birth certificate. They were told that although it wasn't required, it was "not very smart" to travel with out one. They said that the folks at customs and immigration were not very friendly and went through their bags after they said that they only had their license.

I guess I would bring them if you have them. They are small and can fit in your wallet or purse, so it is not a big deal really.

[bayer40601]

vaycay-I know whereof you speak. Therefore, to me the safest plan is to get a passport and use it. If you have it, there can be very few questions, no matter where you go.

[RickG]

Rick, i'm gonna have to trust that you know what you're talking about on this one, but i have heard so many variances of policy my head is spinning. I would hate to get down there w/my ID and find out that i need my birth Cert. though ...ggrrrr

DHS owns Customs & Immigration. Only they can tell you the real policies that are currently in force. In 2006 they changed four times and in 2007 they changes twice. You are responsible for getting the best current information and acting on it. Don't trust arm chair experts where this is concerned. 202-282-8000, http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/

We bring passports and never have a problem.

This is a major area of confusion that has been created by DHS's poor communications and puts a damper on USVI tourism.

As X said, if you don't have proof of citizenship they may delay you. Get to the airport early enough to account for any delays.

Cheers, RickG