Travel To The Virgin Islands With Deferred Action?

If you have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status by USCIS, you can travel to the US Virgin Islands in a similar way to any of the 50 US states. However, it is strongly recommended that you carry your USCIS documents with you to facilitate your return journey. You should also be aware that you may be subject to certain processes, such as customs inspections, depending on your location. For travel to any location other than the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, you must obtain advance parole from USCIS before departure.

Travel to the US Virgin Islands is similar to travelling to any of the 50 states

If you are not a US citizen, then a passport issued by your country of origin is required, along with any necessary visas. It is recommended that you check the latest government travel advice and entry requirements before travelling.

In addition, there are some important things to keep in mind when travelling to the US Virgin Islands. Firstly, the US Virgin Islands have their own unique culture, so it is important to be respectful and mindful when exploring the islands. Secondly, the US Virgin Islands are susceptible to natural disasters such as hurricanes, so it is important to monitor local weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities if any severe weather occurs. Finally, petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching can occur, so it is important to take normal security precautions and ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

You must carry your USCIS documents to facilitate your return

If you have been granted deferred status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and are planning to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is highly recommended that you carry your USCIS documents with you. These documents prove your deferred status and will facilitate your return to your residence.

USCIS issues a range of secure identity documents that establish your identity, immigration status, work authorization, or travel authorization. These include:

• Arrival-departure records (Form I-94, Form I-94W, or Form I-95)
• Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766)
• Naturalization and citizenship certificates (Form N-550, N-560, N-561, N-570, or N-645)
• Permanent Resident Cards, also known as Green Cards (Form I-551)
• Travel documents (Form I-327, Form I-512, Form I-512L, Form I-512T, or Form I-571)

It is important to always carry your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Green Card, or other proof of alien registration if you are 18 years of age or older. These documents typically include personal information such as your full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, gender, and A-Number.

If your USCIS-issued documents are lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or contain incorrect information, you may request replacements. You will generally need to file a new application form and may be required to pay a fee, depending on the specific circumstances.

When travelling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is important to be aware of the entry and exit requirements. While a passport is not required for travel between the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you must carry a passport if you plan to visit the British Virgin Islands during your stay.

You must have advance parole from USCIS for international travel

If you have been granted Deferred Action by USCIS and want to travel to the US Virgin Islands, you must have Advance Parole from USCIS for international travel. This is because the US Virgin Islands are a US territory, and travel here by people with deferred status is similar to travel to any one of the 50 states.

Advance Parole is a document issued by USCIS that authorises travel outside the United States. It is required for people with deferred action status to re-enter the United States after travelling abroad. Without Advance Parole, you may not be able to re-enter the United States and your pending application for adjustment may be denied.

To apply for Advance Parole, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records with USCIS. You can file this form online or by mail. If you are a beneficiary of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), USCIS will issue Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States, instead of a traditional Advance Parole document.

It is important to note that Advance Parole does not guarantee admission into the United States. Individuals with Advance Parole are still subject to the US Customs and Border Protection inspection process at the port of entry. Additionally, if you have a pending TPS application and leave the United States without obtaining Advance Parole, your application may be denied, and you may not be able to re-enter the country.

The US Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States

As a US territory, the currency used in the US Virgin Islands is the US dollar. The official language is English, although you will also hear Spanish and the lilting patois of a Creole dialect. The Virgin Islands also have their own unique culture, which visitors should be mindful of when exploring. For example, it is considered impolite to wear a bathing suit or sandals anywhere other than the beach.

When travelling to the US Virgin Islands, US citizens are not required to have a passport. However, it is still recommended as the best form of identification. When departing the islands, US citizens must show proof of citizenship, such as a raised-seal birth certificate and a valid government-issued photo ID. It is important to note that the Virgin Islands Port Authority recommends carrying a passport instead of the two forms of ID required for departure. Citizens of countries other than the US should follow US travel regulations and ensure they have a valid passport.

It is important to be aware of safety precautions when visiting the US Virgin Islands. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, so it is important to secure your belongings and travel documents at all times. Violent crime and incidents of sexual assault also occur, and women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse. The islands regularly experience power outages, which can impact essential services such as banking and the purchase of basic necessities. It is recommended to stay in hotels and resorts with good security and to avoid isolated beaches and unpopulated areas, especially after dark.

The currency is the US dollar

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a group of Caribbean islands and a territory of the United States. As a U.S. territory, the currency used in the U.S. Virgin Islands is the U.S. dollar. This has been the case since 1934, when the Danish West Indian daler was replaced.

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of three main islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, as well as 50 other minor islands and cays. The territory was previously known as the Danish West Indies and was a colony of Denmark–Norway and later the independent Kingdom of Denmark. The islands were sold to the United States by Denmark in 1917 and have been a territory of the U.S. since.

As the U.S. dollar is the currency of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is no need to exchange currency if travelling there from the U.S. mainland. However, if you are travelling from abroad, it is recommended to exchange currency before arriving as banks on the islands can be expensive and often have additional charges. ATMs dispensing U.S. dollars can be found throughout the islands, particularly in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and in Christiansted on St. Croix.

Most establishments on the islands accept credit cards, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. However, it is advised to also carry cash as some smaller businesses and inns may only accept cash or personal cheques.

Frequently asked questions