USVI-On-Line

Okay all...

I think I know the requirements here, but I'm looking for reassurance!

NO passport required for BVI day-travel for two children ages 9 & 11...raised seal birth certificate will do??? NO?

Thanks a bunch!!!

Jen
76 & counting...

bump

Looks like they are good to go here is what the gov web site says

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

CURRENTLY:
U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (scheduled to be in full production beginning in July 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
Please Note: Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land & sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or naturalization certificate) after the new law takes effect in June. The original birth certificate or a copy may be used. See the Department of Homeland Security's Ready, Set.. Go! for more information on the changing travel requirements.
Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

JC:

We only plan to be on St. Thomas and St. Croix but to avoid any uncertainty / annoyances I went ahead and got my me and my son's passports. We received them less than two weeks later and we did not pay to have them expedited(!).

-Sandy

Everyone says that passports are coming much more quickly now. However, I am pretty sure that they did change it to June 2009 for the passport requirement, so you should be fine with birth certificates.

JC you should check the BVI's web site. I went to Jost for the day and it seemed like everyone had to have a passport.

Getting back to the US a BC may do, but getting INTO the BVI with anything other than a passport may be a problem.

I've posted my opinions on this before. Just break down and get a passport then you don't ever have to worry about it again.

One thing to check before your trip is that the name on the airline ticket matches the ID exactly.
The TSA agent checked my passport last trip (even though it wasn't required for my USVI trip) and gave me the once over then said she shouldn't but would let me pass for now as my ticket did not have my full first name and my passport did.

Thanks everyone!!! I think we'll risk it! I'll report when we get home! Not long now!

Jen

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: For information on travel to the British Virgin Islands, travelers should contact the BVI Department of Immigration at 1-284-494-3471. Visit the Embassy of the British Government web site at http://www.britainusa.com for the most current visa information.

All Americans traveling to and from the United States by air must have a passport. This requirement will be extended to sea travel, including ferry service, by the summer of 2008, except on cruises and other sea trips originating and ending in the United States. Until then, travelers returning from the British Virgin Islands by sea must have government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization). Further information on upcoming changes to U.S. passport policy can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. We strongly encourage all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports. The U.S. Department of State recommends traveling with a valid U.S. passport to avoid delays or misunderstandings. A lost or stolen passport is also easier to replace when outside of the United States than other evidence of citizenship.

In addition to other documentary requirements, U.S. citizens should also present onward or return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay. Upon initial entry, no more than 60 days will be granted. At the end of 60 days, visitors must report to the Immigration Department's main office in Road Town for an extension. Extensions of up to 90 days are issued at the discretion of the Immigration Officer subsequent to an interview.

Visitors entering the British Virgin Islands by yacht during daylight hours are required to proceed directly to a port of entry and clear immigration controls. Visitors arriving by yacht outside of business hours should register with Immigration at opening of business the following business day. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment.

See our information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

Capt. John went to JVD for a beer yesterday. Ask him if he used his birth certificate. The day boat Captains would have to send their passports in for extra pages every month if they could not use their BCs.

Cheers, RickG

Good call RG! Isn't that a shame...goin' to Jost for a beer...

Soon Come!!!