Do you need a passport for the Virgin Islands? It’s a common question for travelers considering a visit to this tropical paradise in the Caribbean. This guide will provide all the information surrounding passport requirements for U.S. citizens visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands. Start your U.S. Virgin Islands adventure today!
Planning a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands? Here’s what you need to know:
Good news—U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit.
No passport validity rules apply.
No passport pages are required.
No tourist visa is needed.
You can travel with just a government-issued photo ID, like a valid driver’s license.
And no matter which U.S. Virgin Island you visit—St. Thomas, St. John, or St. Croix—you won’t need a passport.
Heading to the British Virgin Islands? That’s a different story—you’ll need a valid passport to enter.
Wherever you go, KAYAK is here to help you travel smart. Because every trip starts with a plan—and we’ve got yours.
Do you need a passport for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Passport Needed?
No
Blank pages needed
No passport needed
Passport validity
None
Visa tourist needed
No
No, U.S. citizens traveling directly from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico don’t need a passport to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands and other United States territories.
You can use other forms of identification, such as a government-issued photo ID. However, there’s a crucial update for air travelers: since May 7, 2025, TSA requires a REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID (look for the star marking) or another acceptable ID such as a passport to board domestic flights, including flights to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) should carry their Form I-551 (Green Card) as proof of permanent resident status. While LPRs don’t need a passport for domestic travel to U.S. territories, they must carry documentation proving their immigration status for re-entry into the U.S. per CBP guidance.
Carrying a passport is still a good idea, even though it’s not required. It serves as the most universally accepted identity and citizenship document, especially if your trip includes foreign ports or international legs (or if your driver’s license isn’t REAL ID-compliant yet).
Can I use my driver’s license to go to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes, but with an important caveat. Since a passport is not mandatory for U.S. citizens visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands from the U.S. mainland, you can use a valid driver’s license. However, for air travel, you must present a TSA-acceptable ID. Since REAL ID enforcement took effect May 7, 2025, a standard state driver’s license is accepted only if it is REAL ID-compliant (marked with a star). If your driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, bring an alternate accepted document such as a passport, passport card, or DHS Trusted Traveler card.
When departing the U.S. Virgin Islands to return to the mainland, you may also need to show proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or LPR card) for certain airline or CBP procedures, so check with your carrier before travel.
Fly to the U.S. Virgin Islands from another country: What documents do you need?
If you’re arriving to the U.S. Virgin Islands on an international flight (coming from a foreign country), airlines and U.S. Customs/CBP expect a valid passport for international travel. Airlines commonly require a passport for boarding international flights. A passport is the primary document for international air travel.
Birth certificates or naturalization certificates alone are typically not sufficient for international air travel. Check the airline and CBP/State Department rules before you travel to confirm exactly what documentation you need based on your departure point.
Is a travel visa needed to go to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
No visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. Legal permanent residents (LPRs) do not need a visa but should carry proof of permanent resident status (Form I-551).
For international travelers who are not U.S. citizens or LPRs, the U.S. Virgin Islands follow standard U.S. entry rules. If you’re not visa-exempt, you must have the same U.S. visa or approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) needed for mainland U.S. travel. Eligible travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries can use ESTA, while others must obtain the appropriate U.S. visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before travel.
For certain boarding and airline procedures or travel from foreign countries, airlines and CBP may require different documents. Birth certificates and naturalization certificates may be accepted for specific land or sea re-entry exceptions (especially for minors), but confirm with your carrier and CBP before travel.
Which Virgin Island does not require a passport?
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter any of the U.S. Virgin Islands when traveling directly from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico, including St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
The domestic entry rules for U.S. citizens are the same across all three islands. So, if you’re still wondering, “Do you need a passport for the Virgin Islands?” the answer is no (as long as you’re traveling domestically and you’re a U.S. citizen).
Remember to bring your TSA-acceptable and REAL ID-compliant documentation for air travel.
Can I go to St. Thomas without a passport?
Yes. St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, so U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents traveling from the U.S. mainland can enter with a government-issued photo ID (no passport required). Just ensure you have TSA-acceptable ID for air travel, and remember the REAL ID requirement that took effect May 7, 2025.
What are the requirements for the British Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands are a separate jurisdiction with different entry requirements. All visitors to the British Virgin Islands, including U.S. citizens and UK citizens, must have a valid passport to gain entry. Recent BVI Immigration bulletins (effective March 1, 2025) reaffirm the passport requirement. If you’re planning a day trip or island-hopping excursion from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands, make sure you bring your passport.
Frequently asked questions
Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-acceptable ID (like a passport) is required to board U.S. domestic flights, including flights to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Until then, a standard government-issued photo ID was accepted.
You don’t need a passport to return to the U.S. mainland if you’re a U.S. citizen, but you must present proof of identity and citizenship. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate plus photo ID, or a trusted-traveler card. After May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or passport is required to board domestic flights.
Bring each child’s birth certificate. If one parent won’t travel, carry a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent (recommended) to avoid delays with carriers or border authorities.
Yes, a U.S. driver’s license is valid for renting and driving in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Note that the USVI drives on the left side of the road (unique among U.S. territories). Carry your license when driving and check rental company ID and insurance rules.
Most U.S. mobile carriers provide service in the U.S. Virgin Islands under the same plans as the mainland. Confirm coverage and any roaming charges with your carrier, roaming and charges can differ if you visit the British Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Virgin Islands use the same electrical standard as the U.S. mainland: Type A and B plugs, 120 V at 60 Hz. No adapter is needed for U.S. devices.
Conclusion: Do you need a passport for the Virgin Islands?
The U.S. Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States. This means they are not considered a foreign country, and U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel there when coming directly from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. However, starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-acceptable ID (such as a passport) to board domestic flights.
If you’re arriving from a foreign country or planning to visit the British Virgin Islands, you will need a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents should carry their Green Card, and international travelers must follow standard U.S. visa or ESTA requirements.
For international travel tips and comprehensive information regarding various travel documents and restrictions you may require, KAYAK has you covered.
The foregoing article was last updated in January 2026. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
Sources:
https://www.usa.gov/visit-territories
https://ltg.gov.vi/departments/passport-division/proof-of-identity/
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/usvirgin-islands
