Passports for U.S. Citizens are NOT required for the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving the territory (such as a government-issued photo ID or your passport). Citizens of countries other than the U.S. should follow U.S. travel regulations.

For U.S. Citizens traveling directly from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico, a passport is not required to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John) in 2026. Because it is a U.S. territory, it is considered a domestic flight. However, since the REAL ID Act went into full effect on May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (look for the star in the corner) or another TSA-approved ID to board the plane. While a passport isn't mandatory for entry, it is still the "best" ID to carry, especially if your boat excursion takes you into the British Virgin Islands, where a passport is strictly required. When returning to the U.S. mainland, you will have to go through a brief "Pre-Clearance" customs check at the airport in St. Thomas or St. Croix. During this check, you must prove your citizenship; if you don't have a passport, an original birth certificate with a raised seal and a government photo ID are required. For non-U.S. citizens, standard U.S. entry visa and passport requirements apply just as they would for New York or Los Angeles.