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.