Local News
Important Travel Advisory: Same Passport with ESTA should be used for Departure and Re-entry to Avoid Denial
The Office of the Deputy Governor has issued a crucial reminder for individuals traveling with an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). It has been discovered that some ESTA Visa Waiver applications were denied due to an issue with inaccurate recording of re-entry into the Territory.
Failure to properly log re-entry has resulted in the incorrect indication that certain travelers never left the United States (U.S.). After extensive investigation and discussions with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it has been revealed that individuals who entered the U.S. with a United Kingdom (U.K.) passport and returned to the Territory using a different passport, such as a Virgin Islands Passport, may be flagged for overstaying in the U.S. This can have serious implications for their future eligibility for an ESTA Waiver.
To avoid such complications, it is absolutely crucial for travelers with a valid ESTA and a U.K. passport to use the same U.K. passport for both departure from and re-entry into the Territory. This ensures accurate recording of both arrival and departure.
Additionally, it is important to note that departures from the U.S. mainland to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) or Puerto Rico are not considered official departures from the U.S. An official departure from the U.S. is only recorded when completing an international flight or voyage to a non-U.S. Territory or State.
Travelers who have faced challenges or are currently experiencing issues with their ESTA are strongly urged to contact the Office of the Deputy Governor at dgo@gov.vg. It is essential to provide details such as the traveler’s name, date of travel, and a brief description of the experience.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is fully committed to working closely with travelers and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure accurate recording of entrance into the Territory. This commitment aligns with both Virgin Islands and United States Customs and Immigration protocols. Stay informed and travel wisely to avoid any complications with your ESTA.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
