The information below is accurate as of July 17th, 2019. You should always double check with your local government before booking your trip.
US Virgin Islands vs. British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
Do you need a passport for the Virgin Islands? Generally, no, however there are a few exceptions we discuss below.
The first question to ask yourself is which Virgin Islands you plan to visit. The US Virgin Islands, for example, consist of the following four islands:
- St. Croix
- St. John
- St. Thomas
- Water Island
Several dozen much smaller islands and cays also comprise the US Virgin Islands group, but for the purposes of immigration, the four above are the only relevant ones.
British Virgin Islands
These islands, meanwhile, are under the control of the United Kingdom, and are known as the British Virgin Islands:
- Anegada
- Jost Van Dyke
- Tortola
- Virgin Gorda
Unless you hold a UK passport, you will need a passport in order to visit the British Virgin Islands. Conversely, non-US citizens and permanent residents (and US citizens and permanent residents who reside in certain states, as described below) will need a passport to visit the US Virgin Islands
Furthermore, the question “do you need a passport for US Virgin islands?” is related, more broadly, to the question of whether (and when) you need a passport to fly in the US. Below, you can learn more about an important reason the answer to this question might soon be “yes,” depending on which state you come from.
The Impact of REALID on Domestic Travel
When it comes to US citizens and permanent residents, the answer to the question “do you need a passport to go the Virgin Islands?”, at least the US ones, has historically been “no.” However, the answer may soon be “yes” for residents of the following states or territories:
- American Samoa
- Kentucky
- Maine
- New Jersey
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
That’s because IDs issued by these seven states and territories are not yet in compliance with the REALID act, which sets enhanced security requirements for individuals who wish to travel by air.
All of these states have filed extensions, which mean they are working to comply with guidelines set by the Department of Homeland Security. Still, it’s possible that residents of these states and territories will need a passport to travel domestically (not just to the US Virgin Islands!) after October 1, 2020, which is when these extensions expire.
Things to Do in the US Virgin Islands
Once you’ve successfully answered the question “do you need a passport for US Virgin Islands?”, you can start building your itinerary. Here are some top activities in the US Virgin Islands to consider as you plan your trip:
- Scuba Diving: Given that all four of the US Virgin Islands are surrounded by pristine sea, this is not surprising. Don’t have your SCUBA license? Take a certification course, or enjoy snorkeling instead.
- Horseback Riding: Whether on one of the islands’ pristine beaches or through the lush jungles of their mountainous interiors, horseback riding is one of the top things to do in the US Virgin Islands.
- Colonial Architecture: Although currently under US control, many of the US Virgin Islands passed through the hands of various empires, including the British and Dutch. On St. Croix, for example, you can see the influence of the Dutch at the Steeple Building in Christiansted.
- Caribbean Cuisine: The culinary tapestry of the US Virgin Islands is as rich as their history would suggest. From sweet Coconut Drop Bread to rich curried meats served with roti, the food of the US virgin islands has countless influences, but can be described in one word: Delicious!
Feeling inspired? Continue reading to learn how to find amazing deals on flights to the US Virgin Islands with Skyscanner.
Find Cheap Flights to the US Virgin Islands
It’s easy to find cheap flights to the US Virgin Islands using Skyscanner. The easiest way, if you’re flexible, is to take advantage of our “Whole Month” search, which searches entire months throughout the year to find the cheapest flights from destinations in the mainland US to the US Virgin Islands.
Another great way to get the best price possible on flight to the US Virgin Islands? Trust Skyscanner to advise you on the Best Time to Book. Using years of data and cutting-edge technology, we suggest when the best time to book flights to the US Virgin Islands (and anywhere else you might want to travel) is.
Conclusion
Do you need a passport for the Virgin Islands? Probably not, if you’re a US or UK citizen, and you plan to visit the US or British Virgin Islands, respectively. Of course, if you’re a passionate traveler, you should probably have an up-to-date passport with plenty of empty pages anyway, since you never know when inspiration will strike. Or when you’ll find a flight deal you can’t pass up, as will almost certainly be the case when you search Skyscanner below. 👇
