Further to a recent press release on the problems of British Virgin Islanders entering the US Virgin Islands (USVI) on their Territory passports, the Office of the Governor and Civil Registry and Passport Office would like to confirm that the USVI and BVI visa waiver programme remains in place, as mandated. 

ESTA is not required, and no further reports of problems have been received since September 2015. 

In addition, all individuals entering the USVI or Puerto Rico under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) on their full British Citizen passports must ensure that they hold an ePassport containing an integrated chip.  An ePassport will carry an internationally recognised symbol on the front cover. 

If you are in any doubt about whether you qualify for the VWP, or if you are concerned that an existing ESTA may have been cancelled, you should contact the nearest US Embassy.

Further details on the VWP and other aspects of US immigration rules are available from the Customs and Border Protection website.

Entry rules and visa requirements for foreign countries can change without notice.  If you are unsure about the entry requirements for countries you plan to visit or pass through, check with the relevant Embassy or High Commission and/or the immigration authorities of the country concerned.