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.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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