What Documents Are Needed to Go to The US Virgin Islands?

With sun-drenched beaches and tropical seas, the U.S. Virgin Islands are the destination for relaxation. The U.S. Virgin Islands include St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. You can choose to visit one or all three on your trip. Although the islands are a U.S. territory, you still need the right documents to pass through customs and to enjoy your time away.

As a U.S. territory, you do not need a passport to enter or leave the U.S. Virgin Islands, but a passport is the best form of identification you can carry when traveling. If you have a passport, then by all means take it with you. If you don't have a passport, you'll need to bring a piece of government-issued identification and a copy of your birth certificate. Although you may not need the documents to enter, you will be asked to present them to customs when you leave.

A trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands can be a fabulous way to spend time with your kids. If your children are 17 or younger, they do not need to bring identification. Still, it's advisable to carry a copy of their birth certificate or other identification to prove their age. If you are a single parent traveling with your child, you should also bring along a notarized letter from the child's other parent stating that parent is aware of the trip.

If you plan to visit other Caribbean islands in addition to the U.S. Virgin Islands, it's strongly advised that you bring along your passport. Cruises often stop at foreign ports so you can go sightseeing. These foreign ports may require you to show your passport when you enter.

There are also different requirements depending on the type of cruise you take. For a cruise that departs from and returns to the same U.S. city, U.S. customs doesn't require you to show a passport when you return; you will still need proof of citizenship and government-issued ID. However, if your cruise leaves from one U.S. city and returns to another, all passengers must have a passport to pass through U.S. customs upon your return. If your cruise line doesn't inform you of the identification you'll need, always be sure to ask.

If you hate converting currency, you'll love visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands since they use the U.S. dollar. Although you'll find ATMs dotted across the islands, you should bring some cash with you. Having cash on hand to get you through the first day saves you the headache of finding an ATM on your arrival and gives you leeway in case your card is rejected. Plan to carry enough cash for transportation to your hotel and for a couple meals. Before you leave on your trip, place a travel notification with your bank so they don't block your card.