Traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands: What Non-Citizens Need to Know

For travelers planning a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands, recent events have highlighted the importance of understanding immigration rules, especially for non-citizens. A honeymoon trip to St. Croix turned into a months-long ordeal for a newlywed bride, now detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and facing deportation. This has raised questions about the safety of travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands for individuals with unresolved immigration statuses.

Here’s what travelers need to know:

If you are a U.S. citizen, traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands is no different than traveling to any other part of the United States. No passport is required; a valid ID suffices.

If you are a lawful permanent resident, commonly referred to as a Green Card holder, you must carry your Green Card and passport. Following these guidelines should ensure a smooth travel experience.

However, for individuals with unresolved or complicated immigration statuses — such as those awaiting a green card, with pending asylum cases, or living under an order of supervision — travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands can pose significant risks. This is due to the way Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes travelers leaving the Virgin Islands. Although the Virgin Islands are part of the United States, federal law treats departures from the territory as if travelers are crossing international borders. This means that CBP conducts document checks as though travelers are re-entering the U.S. from abroad.

In the case of Taahir Shaikh, a woman living in the U.S. under a supervision order, this scrutiny led to her detention. Despite never leaving U.S. soil, she was treated as if she had exited the country. Authorities have since informed her that her due process occurred 14 years ago, when she was just 8 years old. Born stateless, she now faces deportation with no country willing to claim her.

Travelers should be aware that these concerns are not about the destination itself but about the federal scrutiny at points of entry and exit, such as airports and maritime ports. Changes in federal immigration enforcement policies can increase the risks for those with unresolved statuses.

If you have any questions about your immigration status, it is strongly advised to consult with an immigration attorney before making travel plans to the U.S. Virgin Islands or any U.S. territory.

For those who meet the travel requirements, the Virgin Islands remain a beautiful destination to enjoy a little bit of paradise.

For more updates and responsible reporting, stay tuned to VI Update. The Virgin Islands. Their news. Our reporting.