St. John's Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
As a U.S. territory, St. John's (USVI) follows the same visa policies as the United States mainland. Entry requirements are determined by your nationality and are governed by U.S. immigration law.
U.S. citizens can travel to St. John's without any special documentation for entry, as it is considered domestic travel
While not required for entry, it's recommended to carry a government-issued photo ID (driver's license) and proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate). A passport is required if continuing to the British Virgin Islands or other international destinations.
Citizens of VWP countries can enter without a visa but must obtain ESTA authorization
Cost: USD $21 per application
Travelers must have a valid passport, return/onward ticket, and sufficient funds. ESTA does not guarantee entry; final decision is made by CBP officers upon arrival.
Citizens of countries not in the VWP must obtain a U.S. visa before travel
Common countries requiring visas include China, India, Russia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, Nigeria, and most African, Asian, and South American nations. Check travel.state.gov for specific requirements.
Special provisions apply for Canadian and Bermudian citizens
Cost: No fee
Canadians may use a valid passport, NEXUS card, or enhanced driver's license. Bermudians must present a valid passport.
Arrival Process
The entry process in St. John's depends on your origin point. International arrivals go through full U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, as St. John has no commercial airport. Travelers then take a ferry to St. John. Those arriving from the U.S. mainland face a simpler process but must still clear customs.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
The U.S. Virgin Islands has a unique customs status. While part of the U.S., it's outside the customs territory, meaning ALL travelers (including those from the U.S. mainland) must clear customs. However, USVI residents and visitors returning to the mainland enjoy higher duty-free allowances than those returning from other foreign destinations.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - federal offense with severe penalties
- Absinthe with thujone - banned under U.S. federal law
- Fresh fruits and vegetables - USDA restrictions to prevent agricultural pests
- Meat and poultry products - most are prohibited without permits due to disease concerns
- Soil and plants in soil - strict USDA regulations
- Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
- Certain endangered species products - items made from protected animals/plants under CITES
- Hazardous materials - explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases
- Switchblade knives - prohibited under federal law
- Lottery tickets - cannot be imported into U.S. territory
- Haitian animal hide drums - due to disease risk
Restricted Items
- Firearms and ammunition - require ATF permits and must be declared. Strict regulations apply
- Prescription medications - must be in original containers with labels. Carry prescription or doctor's letter
- Certain food items - commercially packaged foods generally allowed; check USDA restrictions for specifics
- Alcohol over duty-free limit - subject to federal and local taxes and duties
- Tobacco over duty-free limit - subject to taxes and duties
- Cultural artifacts and antiquities - may require export permits from country of origin
- Pets and animals - require health certificates, vaccinations, and advance approval (see special situations)
- Plants and plant products - require USDA permits and phytosanitary certificates
- Biological specimens - require CDC and USDA permits
- Drones and radio-controlled devices - may require FAA registration
Health Requirements
As a U.S. territory, St. John's follows U.S. health regulations. There are no specific vaccination requirements for most travelers, but health precautions are recommended.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (primarily certain countries in Africa and South America). Proof of vaccination required.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date on MMR, DPT, polio, and annual flu vaccine
- Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers, as contamination can occur through food or water
- Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
- Typhoid - recommended if visiting rural areas or eating at smaller establishments
- COVID-19 - stay current with vaccines as recommended by CDC
Health Insurance
Health insurance is not required for entry but is STRONGLY recommended. U.S. healthcare is expensive, and not all mainland U.S. insurance plans provide full coverage in USVI. Medicare has limited coverage in USVI. International visitors should obtain comprehensive travel health insurance. Consider coverage that includes medical evacuation, as specialized care may require transport to Puerto Rico or mainland U.S.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
U.S. citizen children need proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) and photo ID if 16+. Minors traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from absent parent(s) including contact information and trip details. International children must have their own passport and visa/ESTA if required. CBP may question children traveling with adults who aren't parents to prevent child trafficking. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Unaccompanied minors require special airline arrangements.
Dogs and cats entering USVI from the U.S. mainland must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel and current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old but not expired). Pets from international locations require: health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, and may need additional tests/quarantine depending on origin country. Service animals have specific documentation requirements under ADA. Contact USVI Department of Agriculture at (340) 774-5182 for current requirements. Airlines have separate pet policies and fees. Other animals require special permits.
Tourist visitors on VWP (ESTA) cannot extend beyond 90 days and cannot change status. B-2 tourist visa holders may apply for extension through USCIS Form I-539 before current status expires (typically granted in 6-month increments). Working in USVI requires appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) or permanent residency. Students need F-1 visa and acceptance to approved institution. Retirees can stay on tourist visa but must maintain residence elsewhere. Overstaying can result in deportation and future entry bans. For long-term stays, consult immigration attorney or visit uscis.gov.
Travelers with criminal records may be denied entry to U.S. territories. Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, or multiple convictions can make you inadmissible. VWP/ESTA may be denied; you'll need to apply for visa at embassy where you must disclose criminal history. Even minor offenses or arrests without conviction can cause issues. DUI/DWI is considered a serious offense. Lying on ESTA or to CBP officers can result in permanent ban. Consult immigration attorney if you have criminal history. Some offenses may be waived with proper documentation.
Medical tourism visitors should enter on B-2 tourist visa (not VWP/ESTA). Bring: letter from U.S. medical facility confirming appointment and treatment plan, proof of payment arrangements or adequate insurance, evidence of funds to cover treatment and stay, and proof of residence abroad to show intent to return. Ensure visa allows sufficient time for treatment and recovery. Some treatments may require extended stay - plan accordingly. Medical emergencies occurring during tourist visit are handled differently from planned medical travel.
Business visitors (meetings, conferences, negotiations) can use VWP/ESTA or B-1 visa. Cannot receive salary from U.S. source or engage in productive employment. Bring: letter from employer explaining purpose, invitation from U.S. business, proof of ties to home country. Working remotely for foreign employer while on tourist visa is a gray area - consult attorney. Performing actual work for U.S. entity requires work visa. Business visitors should be prepared to prove they're not seeking employment.