If you are a U.S. citizen a passport is not required, but it still serves as the best identification when traveling. Otherwise, you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship when departing the islands, such as a raised-seal birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.

As of 2026, the documentation required for St. Thomas depends on your citizenship and departure point. For U.S. citizens traveling directly from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico, a passport is not required because the U.S. Virgin Islands are a domestic territory. However, you must carry a government-issued photo ID. Crucially, since the May 7, 2025 deadline, this ID must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights. When returning to the mainland, you may still be asked for proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, during CBP inspections. For non-U.S. citizens or those arriving from a foreign country (like the BVI), a valid passport and the appropriate U.S. visa or an approved ESTA are mandatory, as you will be processed through international customs and immigration.