Do I Need a Passport to Go to the Virgin Islands on a Cruise?

The Virgin Islands are a peripheral territory of the United States, so U. S. citizens do not need passports to travel or visit the islands. A passport is not required for U.

citizens, but it still serves as the best form of identification when traveling. Otherwise, you should be prepared to show evidence of citizenship when leaving the islands, such as an embossed birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. If you're not an American citizen, then a passport issued by your country of origin is required. If you are unsure of your status, contact the U.

Customs Border Protection Agency (www.cbp.gov).The currency in the Virgin Islands is U. dollars and there are automated teller machines (ATMs) on all three islands. Most establishments accept credit cards and traveler's checks, with Visa and MasterCard being the most accepted cards. English is the official language, but you can definitely detect the sound of colorful dialects and expressions that can take time to get used to. We drive on the left side of the road and a foreign license is accepted for 90 days.

Seatbelts are required by law and it's illegal to drive while talking on a cell phone. The Virgin Islands enjoy a warm and sunny climate all year round, with an average temperature in winter of 77°F (25°C) and an average temperature in summer of 82°F (28°C). The Virgin Islands are a year-round destination; however, you might find the best deals on hotels and attractions during the summer months. The standard 120-volt current is used in the U. S., but only a few hotels are pet friendly, so check with your hotel beforehand. There are no quarantine regulations, but airlines do require a health certificate from your vet (certifying that the vaccines are up to date).

Most certificates are issued for a period of 30 days; if your trip will extend beyond a 30-day period, you must visit one of our local veterinary offices to obtain recertification before departure. The Caribbean sun is intense, so cotton clothing is the best option to stay cool and remember to drink lots of water and use sunscreen. Clothing is informal, but appropriate clothing (shirts and shoes) should be worn in public areas; swimsuits are worn only on the beach and pool. When you travel, remember to store your money and cards in a safe place as a backup. When you travel, it's always a good idea to bring the necessary medications with you. The United States Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States, but they have their own culture; when exploring new cultures, it's always best to be respectful and aware. St. Thomas is known for its spectacular beaches and blue oceans, but also for being the commercial center of the Caribbean - this is what you call two birds with one stone! And to top it all off, St.

Thomas is part of the U. S., so it's an access point for U. citizens because they can enjoy passport-free travel here - how incredible is that? You don't need your U. passport though; you must still present valid U.

S.-issued identification when entering St. Thomas. However, when returning to the mainland U. S., citizens may need to submit additional documents; don't worry too much because I'll tell you more about that later in this post. If you're not an American citizen or permanent resident, then you must have a passport to enter St. Thomas; even if certain citizens can travel visa-free to the United States, they must have a passport to visit St.

Thomas. Therefore, you should always have your passport with you when you travel - especially if you're a foreigner - and if you're unsure of your status, visit the CBP government's official website for more information. You might be wondering: since I don't need a passport for St. Thomas, where else can I go without one? Well, if you're traveling with children or grandchildren, there are some things you should know first:

• Original or copy of the child's birth certificate (issued by the Department of Vital Records of the state where the child was born)
• Consular report of birth abroad

Due to an increase in child abductions and custody disputes, U. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that adults carry a note from the child's other parent (or in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, friends or in groups). Please note that both parents must sign this document. CBP will accept a birth certificate issued by the hospital if the child is a newborn and their actual birth certificate from the Department of Vital Records has not yet arrived. Now let's talk about what worries most travelers: what documents do I need when boarding my flight? First of all, you should know that when boarding a flight to St.

Thomas - regardless of whether or not you need a passport - you must provide some form of identification before boarding your flight. Unfortunately, this will affect whether or not you can board your flight back home; however, don't worry too much because I'll tell you more about that later in this post. If you're an American citizen or permanent resident traveling to St. Thomas without a passport then remember that there are additional rules for traveling back to mainland U. S., so make sure to check those out before booking your trip!.