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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
www.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.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1079.html
Entry Requirements for US Virgin Islands:
AIR TRAVEL
All persons traveling by air outside of the United States are
required to present a passport or other valid travel document to
enter or re-enter the United States.
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.
CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to
present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other
proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or
citizenship card.
Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling
with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports
team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals
or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.
See the Department of Homeland Security's
www.GetYouHome.gov for more information on the
changing travel requirements.
U.S.PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
U.S.Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when
traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the
aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
The Passport Card: Passport card applications are currently being
accepted in anticipation of land border travel document
requirements. Based on current projections, we expect the passport
card to be in full production beginning in July 2008. We will
provide additional updates as available. Once in production, the
passport card it will only be valid for land and sea travel between
the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or
sea, as of January 31, 2008:
Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with
official maritime business
Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
Form I-872 American Indian Card
For further information see U.S. Customs and Border Protection's
website Ready, Set...Go!
ABOUT WHTI
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA),
requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that
denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.
The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security
while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign
visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the
Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a
traveler.
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