If you’re planning a trip to St. Croix, you want to be as prepared as possible to visit this beautiful Caribbean island. So you are probably asking yourself: “Do you need a passport to go to St. Croix?” The answer to this question depends on where you are traveling from and your citizenship status, and what you plan to do when you get to the island.

St. Croix Passport Requirements

“Do you need a passport to go to St. Croix?” is one of the most asked questions about visiting the island. The answer does vary depending on citizenship. U.S. citizens can enter with just a government-issued photo ID, while non-U.S. citizens will likely need a passport and additional documentation to enter the island.

Do US Citizens Need a Passport to Travel to St. Croix?

However, because St. Croix and all US Virgin Islands are part of the United States, US citizens can travel to and from the US Virgin Islands (as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. Of course, if you have a valid passport, that’ll work fine, too.

 

To travel to St. Croix, USVI, US citizens needed EITHER:

a. Valid US Passport

OR

b. Government-issued ID AND proof of citizenship

 

Travel to St. Croix is considered domestic travel, and therefore you are not considered to be leaving the country if you are departing from the US mainland or a US territory, thus the reason that you do not need a passport for St. Croix. To make entry back into the US mainland faster, you should have proof of US citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or Trusted Traveler card.

Permanent residents, refugees and asylees who do not hold a US passport can use their DHS-issued Alien Registration Card or other evidence of status for returning to the US mainland.

If you visit a non-US country during your travels (for instance, if you charter a boat that takes you to the British Virgin Islands, or if you book a stop to a non-US airport), you will be required to show a valid passport upon re-entry to the United States.

St. Croix is a territory of the United States, which means that if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to travel to St. Croix. You can enter the island with just a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a state ID. However, it’s important to note that if you are traveling from another country to St. Croix, you will need a passport, regardless of your citizenship status.

If you are already a US Resident but are curious about moving to the island, check out our guide to moving to St. Croix!

Its Good Idea to Always Travel With Your Passport

Regardless of your citizenship status, having a passport with you is a good idea in case of any unexpected situations.  If for any reason you need to leave the island unexpectedly or encounter an emergency situation, having a passport on hand can make the process of leaving and returning to the United States much smoother.

Do Non-US Citizens Need a Passport to Travel to St. Croix?

If you are not a US citizen, the rules about if you need a passport to go to St. Croix are a bit more complex. Non-US citizens should follow standard US travel regulations, and typically need a valid passport to travel to St. Croix. Be sure that your passport does not expire within six months of your travel dates, or you may be denied entry. It is always a good idea to check with the US embassy or consulate in your home country before making travel plans to ensure you have all necessary documentation.

If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may be able to travel to St. Croix without a visa, but a valid passport is required. The VWP allows citizens of certain countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as they meet certain requirements. To travel to St. Croix under the VWP, you will need to have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval.

If you are a citizen of a country that is not part of the VWP, you will likely need a passport and a visa to travel to St. Croix. You will need to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate in your home country, and provide documentation such as your passport, proof of travel arrangements, and proof of financial support during your stay.

All travelers, US and non-US, are subject to customs and agriculture restrictions when leaving St. Croix and are subject to baggage and security screenings. Agriculture inspections and restrictions are very important, as they help to prevent the spread of diseases, pests and invasive plants. So enjoy plenty of juicy mangoes while you’re on the island – you can’t take them with you! For a list of agricultural goods that can be brought back to the US mainland from St. Croix, please refer to the USDA website.

Travelers from St. Croix are allowed a $1,600 duty-free exemption on items that they’ve purchased in US territories, as long as they spend at least 48 hours in the territory. Duties will be collected on purchases over $1,600.

It’s also important to note that if you are traveling to St. Croix from outside the United States, you may need to go through US immigration and customs before boarding your flight. This will depend on your travel itinerary and the airport you are departing from. Always allow plenty of time at the airport for such screenings; your airline may offer guidance on recommended check-in times.

Don’t let not having a passport stop you from visiting St. Croix. If you’re a US citizen, no passport, no problem! Go ahead and book your flight – just don’t forget your photo ID and proof of citizenship.