I am an international student on an F1 visa with a valid i-20 and a texas drivers license?

Question

I am getting married in July to an American and we are planning on going on our honeymoon to the U.S. Virgin Islands........my question is do i need to show my visa and passport in order to enter the islands and when i depart...or is it just like traveling between states where we just have to show some form of ID?.....Thanks for any help i can get

Answer 1

The Virgin Islands is an archipelago in the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are divided into two parts, one of which, the British Virgin Islands to the east and north, is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The other, the United States Virgin Islands to the west and south, is an organized unincorporated territory of the United States.

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (introduced 23 January 2007), US citizens returning directly from a US territory do not need to present a passport to re-enter the USA. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries. American citizen travelers are encouraged to apply for a U.S. passport, or the passport card when it becomes available, well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

I think that it will depend upon your citizenship status (if you're not currently a US citizen or perm. resident yet). I think that you may have to show your visa/passport but to be sure I would visit the website mentioned above or call the phone # to inquire. I do think that it's similar to traveling between states (similar to Puerto Rico) but that's only when you're a US citizen or Perm. Resident.

PS - The following statement also appears on the US Govenment's travel site;

Returning - Caution! Make certain that you can return to the United States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. Although some Caribbean countries may allow you to enter with only a birth certificate, U.S. Immigration requires that you document both your U.S. citizenship and identity when you reenter the United States.

The best document to prove your U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Other documents of U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen. To prove your identity, either a valid driver’s license or a government identification card that includes a photo or a physical description is acceptable.


Take care and good luck to you.

Answer 2

I could find no clear answer. With all the changes going on with passports in the US I would say that you should take your passport and visa. It would have helped move if you told us what country you hold your citizenship in. I would go to that countries website and look up their travel information for the Virgin Islands. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Personally, I carry my passport in the wallet and have it with me at all times.

I hope that I could be some help, and have a great time :)