Everything you need to know about passports, BVI customs, fees, and border crossing by ferry between the USVI and British Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Virgin Islands — St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix — are U.S. territories. Traveling between them by ferry is domestic travel. No passport is required for U.S. citizens. A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID) is sufficient.
This includes the following routes:
Non-U.S. citizens should carry their passport or appropriate travel documents even for domestic USVI travel, as ID verification may be required.
Crossing from the USVI to the British Virgin Islands by ferry is an international border crossing, even though the distance is short. A valid passport is required for all travelers, including U.S. citizens.
A U.S. passport card is accepted for sea travel to the BVI. However, it cannot be used for international air travel. If there's any chance you may need to fly home from the BVI — due to a missed ferry, emergency, or itinerary change — carry a full passport book.
Upon arrival at Road Town or West End, Tortola, all passengers disembark and proceed through BVI Immigration and Customs. Here's the typical process:
The process is generally straightforward and quick for tourists. Peak season (December through April) and busy holiday weekends can mean longer waits. Budget an extra 30–45 minutes at the terminal on these days.
The BVI government requires all visitors to complete an online immigration and customs declaration before arriving. This is called the BVI eDeclare form, sometimes referred to as the eCard.
Keep your confirmation handy — BVI Immigration officers may ask to see it on arrival. If you have not completed the form in advance, paper forms may be available at the terminal, but completing it online in advance is strongly recommended to speed up the process.
Ferry fares do not always include government fees. Be prepared for the following additional costs when traveling between the USVI and BVI:
Some ferry operators include these fees in the ticket price. Always confirm with your operator at the time of purchase. Fees are subject to change — verify current amounts with the BVI Ports Authority before travel.
Yes. Traveling from the USVI to the BVI is an international border crossing. All travelers, including U.S. citizens, must present a valid U.S. passport book or passport card. An enhanced driver's license alone is not sufficient for sea entry into the BVI.
No. Both St. Thomas and St. John are U.S. territories. No passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling between them. A valid government-issued photo ID is sufficient.
Yes — a U.S. passport card is accepted for sea travel between the USVI and BVI. However, it cannot be used for international air travel. If there's any chance your plans change and you need to fly home from the BVI, carry a full passport book.
The BVI eDeclare form is an online immigration and customs declaration required for all visitors entering the British Virgin Islands. You complete it at bviedcard.gov.vg up to 36 hours before your arrival. It is strongly recommended to complete it in advance to speed up the immigration process on arrival.
In addition to your ferry fare, expect to pay a $10 BVI Environmental Levy on arrival and a $20 BVI Departure Tax when you leave (residents pay $15). There is also a $10 USVI Port Fee charged when departing from St. Thomas. Some operators include these fees in the ticket price — always confirm when purchasing.
You will not be permitted to board a BVI-bound ferry without a valid passport or passport card. BVI Immigration will deny entry. There are no exceptions for U.S. citizens. If you forget your passport, you will need to return to your accommodation to retrieve it before boarding.
Yes. All travelers of any age — including infants and children — must have their own valid passport to enter the BVI. A child cannot travel on a parent's passport.
U.S. citizens returning from the BVI to the USVI are entitled to a duty-free exemption of $1,600 per person (higher than the standard $800 for most international destinations). You may include 5 liters of alcohol duty-free, of which one liter must be a product of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Declare all goods at U.S. Customs upon return.