We plan to take the ferry from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke for a day trip in February. My wife and I have passports, but my 17 year old son does not. Does he need one? In the past, we've had his identification and raised-seal birth certificate. Will this do? Any direction you can provide is much appreciated!

VI LOVER

Any reason he doesn't have a passport? In the post-9/11 world travel goes much smoother with one. You don't have to worry if your documentation is sufficient.

VI Lover,

I believe the rules change as of 1/06. You may want to check with your airline or travel agent to see if a passport is required for travel to the VIs.


Have a great vakay!

VI Lover,

I had an expired passport in August and they let me go through with prior clearance to Jost but I would not reccomend that situation. I beleive now that you must have a passport to travel to the USVI so it's highly reccomended that your son gets one. You can get them expedited (it will cost a little more but is well worth it).

Good Luck

Why take any chance of spoiling a vacation in paradise by not getting one? Even if your trip is at the very beginning of February, you can still get one in time if you do it now. They're good for about 10 years now.

crickett : )

Thanks for all of your thoughts. I was able to get on the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov). That site states that travel to and from the continental US and it's territories, including USVI is exempt from passport requirement. Passports will be required to re-enter from BVI, but the implementation date is December 31, 2006. They delayed the implementation due to late notification to the general public and their fear that this late notice would adversely affect winter tourism in the territories. I was able to cross-reference this to a USVI tourism site. Guess I should have done that investigation before posting my question! Thanks again.

If your plans are not till February you have plenty of time to get a passport for a 17 year old. Even if it does not arrive in time he will probably need one in the near future if he is college bound. Schools today offer so many travel aboard programs that one will be required.

Take the NIKE approach - JUST DO IT!

[britishvirginislands.com]

I work for a boat company that does daysails to the BVI and while US Customs and Immigration have postponed mandatory passports for travellers until Dec 31, 2006 British customs are telling my company that they will not be letting in anyone who does not have a Valid passport starting January 1st 2006. So make sure you check with them as well