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BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do #32836
01/08/2015 08:48 PM
01/08/2015 08:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
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motherteresa Offline OP
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motherteresa  Offline OP
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How EXACTLY do I check out of the BVI and check into to Cruz Bay customs? How do I recheck into BVI after leaving Cruz?
I need specifics such as do I need to check out of BVI before leaving for Cruz? Do I need to check out of Cruz before rechecking into BVI? Can I skip any of these steps?

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Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: motherteresa] #32837
01/08/2015 08:57 PM
01/08/2015 08:57 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Online content
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tradewinds  Online Content
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An island state of mind
Please give more specifics so we can alert your charter company to not let you charter their boat.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: motherteresa] #32838
01/08/2015 09:01 PM
01/08/2015 09:01 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925
Michigan
rhans Offline
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rhans  Offline
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Michigan
Pretty basic
Yep- check out of BVI’s
Check in at Cruz with everyone present
Check back in to the BVI’s – Capt. only

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: rhans] #32839
01/08/2015 09:20 PM
01/08/2015 09:20 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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please get a cruising guide and at least do some basic research. I kind of agree with Tradewinds, if you are clueless about checking in and out, you might need a Captain

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: sail2wind] #32840
01/08/2015 09:32 PM
01/08/2015 09:32 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 32
Houston, TX
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HtownHondo Offline
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Houston, TX
With respect to a newcomer to the board, there is a search function with this forum. I personally would try something like "Clearing customs procedures" and search for the last year's worth of posts.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: tradewinds] #32841
01/08/2015 09:33 PM
01/08/2015 09:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
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motherteresa Offline OP
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motherteresa  Offline OP
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Ouch you guys are brutal... I've sailed plenty in BVI just haven't gone over to USVI on the boat and wondering what the steps are. None of you have ever answered that question succinctly.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: motherteresa] #32842
01/08/2015 09:54 PM
01/08/2015 09:54 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,429
Villa Euphoria Leverick Bay, P...
mdoyle9999 Offline
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Villa Euphoria Leverick Bay, P...
Rhans really did answer your question, but here are some more details.
It is probably easier to check out of the BVI at Soapers Hole. Only the captain is required to go to the C & I office, on the second floor of the ferry terminal building, with the ship's papers. Just grab a mooring and dingy over.
The US rules require that all members of the crew go to the C & I office with passports and ship's papers. It is best to grab a mooring at Caneel Bay and dingy over to Cruz Bay where the C& I office is located at the ferry dock. You do not need to check out of the of the US Virgin Islands.
Upon returning to the BVI, you need to check back in - captain only with ship's papers. We usually check back in on Jost, but Soaper's is a bit closer - depends on your itenery.
In truth, we find the process to be a pain and spend the vast majority of our time in the BVI.


Mike
"The journey is the thing." Homer
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: mdoyle9999] #32843
01/08/2015 10:56 PM
01/08/2015 10:56 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
maytrix Offline
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maytrix  Offline
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I agree on the brutal part - Everyone has had to do this once before for their first time and had questions. I'd be far more concerned with someone showing up and not knowing how, but doing the research and asking the question here is not something that I think deserves some of the responses given. New members should get a better welcome! Especially Mother Teresa!

As said above, it is very simple. In the BVI, only 1 person needs to check everyone in and out. Usually two of us go. In the USVI you only need to check in, not out and EVERYONE must go. As Mike said, we grab a ball near Caneel but as close to the cruz bay end as possible and dinghy in.

We've done this a few times now. We enjoy the USVI as well as the BVI, so popping over to the USVI every few trips gives us something new to do. It takes a little time, but isn't that big a deal as long as you don't try it when there's a ferry.


Matt
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: maytrix] #32844
01/08/2015 11:11 PM
01/08/2015 11:11 PM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 397
jbuch02 Offline
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Hang in their Motherteresa ....

Generally this is a great group with most, like all good sailors, willing to give a helping hand.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: maytrix] #32845
01/08/2015 11:11 PM
01/08/2015 11:11 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GeorgeC1  Offline
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Always keep in mind that you can take two lobsters per day per person in the USVI! Free lobster always easily covers your customs fees!
George

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: GeorgeC1] #32846
01/08/2015 11:39 PM
01/08/2015 11:39 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 787
Calgary
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bonefish Offline
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Calgary
Not surprised with sail2wind's wanker response but a bit surprised with tradewinds. He is usually very pleasant and helpful.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: GeorgeC1] #32847
01/09/2015 12:20 AM
01/09/2015 12:20 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
LocalSailor Offline
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LocalSailor  Offline
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USVI
Quote
GeorgeC1 said:
Always keep in mind that you can take two lobsters per day per person in the USVI! Free lobster always easily covers your customs fees!
George

This is true but I have rarely ever paid US Customs fees in STJ. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Lobsters can only be taken by hand or handheld snare. Spearguns are prohibited in NPS waters.
This is an excellent resource publication for STJ boat visitors.

http://www.nps.gov/viis/planyourvisit/upload/MooringGuide.pdf

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: GeorgeC1] #32848
01/09/2015 12:36 AM
01/09/2015 12:36 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 374
San Diego
BarleyMan Offline
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BarleyMan  Offline
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Yes, this is usually a helpful group... I think you got the info you need, but definitely get a cruising guide. Have a great trip.


[Linked Image]
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: bonefish] #32849
01/09/2015 02:27 AM
01/09/2015 02:27 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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Quote
bonefish said:
Not surprised with sail2wind's wanker response but a bit surprised with tradewinds. He is usually very pleasant and helpful.


please reread, I suggested a guide book and a day Capt., hardly wanker <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: BarleyMan] #32850
01/09/2015 03:24 AM
01/09/2015 03:24 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
beerMe Offline
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Dog-gone-it, for a limin group of helpful people some are just being rude. If you want to have a serious debate let's take a look at the real MotherTheresa. She was not the total saint we were always brought up to believe. Don't agree, do some google searches with the word skeptical included and if you're still not sure PM me! That has as much to do with the OP's question as the pooh pooh posts. So, maybe I don't like the OP's chosen nickname but I'd like to try to answer the question and leave out the rest because he didn't ask "do you like my nickname" or "can I find the answer to my question somewhere else"

Rant off.

To answer the OP's question, up to date within the last 3 weeks. Only the captain goes to C&I in BVI with ships papers and all passports. The office is on the left side of the building at Sopers as you look towards it from your mooring. Don't go to the dock with your boat. The door you want is the closest to the water. After you finish you will be directed to the next door over to pay. Once you have paid you go back to prove to them you have paid and then you are done. This is not a two story building at Sopers. Everything you have to do is on ground level. The dingy dock is to the right as you are facing the C&I building from your mooring. If you want to get rid of some trash there is a dumpster about 60 feet from the dingy dock to your right, free.

You won't have room to anchor in Cruz Bay (too crowded) and they will charge you to dock at C&I (CBT) there and only give you 15 minutes to be gone. There is a lot of traffic coming in behind you to C&I so just don't do it. Take a free ball at Caneel as close to CB as you can find. It is a short ride by dingy. Veer to the left as you enter the harbor, watch out for ferries behind you, the building is on your right hand side. You can tie you dingy up on the end of their dock and no one will mind. That would be the end closest to you on the way in (west side). Now you need your boat papers and they want everyone aboard to go inside with their papers. For a bareboat you are not considered captain & crew because you don't have paying passengers so answer the questions like you are passengers. Do your best to answer the questions but don't sweat it - they will correct any of your wrong guesses on the form.

When you leave the USVI and return to the BVI you DO NOT need to clear out of the USVI (think of it as clearing in and out at the same time when you came in) so proceed back to the BVI where they only want to see the captain and the papers for everyone aboard. Now you are back in!
Rant back on...

If others don't want to be bothered and answer a question then why not just let somebody else help, a la Momma always said if you don't have anything nice... Sometimes the published information is out of date or inaccurate like the water taxis. I come here to get the latest scoop and those who have discovered this wonderful resource do to. Please don't mess with that!


Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: GeorgeC1] #32851
01/09/2015 07:17 AM
01/09/2015 07:17 AM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,423
Miramichi NB Canada
Sandsailsun Offline
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Sandsailsun  Offline
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Miramichi NB Canada
Welcome to the board MT.
This is a great place to learn and share.

I am glad this thread has come up again.
It am preparing a document for our partnership that outlines exactly this process and have a few additional questions...

After you clear out of BVI is there any time limit you have before you clear into USVI? Ex 24 hrs ? I know you must fly your yellow Q flag in between but wondered if there are rules around time One of our partners asked this question .. Can't find this answer.

also some places that give the hours for the ports of exit and entry in BVI indicate there are open on Sunday and others say they are closed.
anyone know?

Also looking for a phone number for Gun Creek customs.?

I have asked these questions to the contact us section of the BVI immigration site but thought you all may know???

MT if you send me a PM with your email ( click on my name which takes you to my profile and hit send private message) I will share my document when it's done with has links to the forms you need and other helpful information ....most of which I got from these fine TTOL folks <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


Kim

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: Sandsailsun] #32852
01/09/2015 07:22 AM
01/09/2015 07:22 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
There should be no time limit between check out and check in. They are separate countries. you could goto st thomas via a month in st martin if you like.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: warren460] #32853
01/09/2015 07:53 AM
01/09/2015 07:53 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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RickG  Offline
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Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
It's pretty easy. We've done it basically any day of the week betwen 8AM and the last ferry time, usually about 5:30PM. We'll be doing it this Sunday and again the following Monday.

Ask your charter company for two copies of the BVI C&I form. Might as well fill both out at the same time, with different dates for check out and check in. You'll also need a copy of the individual customs form for each family. The forms require you to have passport info for each person. I keep an old copy of a form to use as a template.

There is a thread on the US C&I form below. These are adobe acrobat forms that I fill in electronically and keep a template. I've already added our US check in and printed copies.

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/s...e=0#Post1513459

The cruising guide gives detailed location on the three BVI C&I locations. I've never checked in/out at Gun Creek. Sopers Hole is busy and takes longer, but that means 15 minutes instead of 5 minutes.

For the USVI, you can check in at Cruz Bay or Charlotte Amalie at the Tortola ferry wharf. We check in at Cruz Bay and take a mooring at Lindt Point or Caneel Bay. If you draw less than 5 feet you can anchor in the Creek in Cruz Bay as marked in the cruising guide. There are two dinghy docks in Cruz Bay, one on the right of the ferry wharf and one at the NPS dock past the C&I. Do not attempt to dock at the C&I wharf unless you want to play pinball with the ferries and leave some gelcoat behind. There are no spots for you dinghy at C&I, just walk around on the sidewalk and into the secure area through the open gate.

In the US, when asked if you disposed of any trash or brought any trash with you the answer is no. If you say yes they will send you to the incinerator at Yacht Haven or Crown Bay. Same if you have any fruits, vegetables or meat from the BVI.

Once you've gone through the process my directions will appear long winded and redundant. Its about as hard as getting in and out of a movie theater.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: RickG] #32854
01/09/2015 08:31 AM
01/09/2015 08:31 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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You should check c&i hours in sopers hole. A couple of weeks ago, they said they have new hours, closing at 9pm


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: warren460] #32855
01/09/2015 08:39 AM
01/09/2015 08:39 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GA/NC
Two things to watch. Make sure you have the proper paperwork for the boat. If it's a U.S. owned vessel that would be the Coast Guard documentation.
At Cruz bay don't show up right after a ferry if it has come from the BVI. Stay on the boat a bit longer and enjoy a cold one if a ferry just passed your boat and turned in.
One last thing. You are supposed to fly a yellow quarantine flag until you have cleared. Rarely done but the park rangers could hassle you.
G

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: Sandsailsun] #32856
01/09/2015 10:01 AM
01/09/2015 10:01 AM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308
Tampa, FL
denverd0n Offline
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Quote
Sandsailsun said:
MT if you send me a PM with your email ( click on my name which takes you to my profile and hit send private message) I will share my document when it's done...

It would be wonderfully helpful if you could post your document when it is done. Thanks.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: denverd0n] #32857
01/09/2015 10:26 AM
01/09/2015 10:26 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Bradenton, FL
Another REALLY important element no one has mentioned yet.....

Holding tanks.

The are required in the U.S. so make sure your charter company shows you how to use them before you head out.


[Linked Image]

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: motherteresa] #32858
01/09/2015 10:51 AM
01/09/2015 10:51 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
SeaSeaRider Offline
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Quote
motherteresa said:
Ouch you guys are brutal... I've sailed plenty in BVI just haven't gone over to USVI on the boat and wondering what the steps are.


Welcome to the "fun" of TTOL, a good place for information if you can navigate the shoals! Its not unusual to get flamed on here for basic questions or comments. Other posts have already given a lot of detailed answers to your question. If you still have questions, send me a PM (by clicking on the username).


Rob
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: SeaSeaRider] #32859
01/09/2015 11:10 AM
01/09/2015 11:10 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
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NCSailor Offline
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Charlotte, NC
I don't see the connection between knowing how to clear customs and being a competent sailor. Maybe I'm missing something.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: NCSailor] #32860
01/09/2015 11:22 AM
01/09/2015 11:22 AM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 256
Gallatin, Tennessee
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Murdock Offline
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Gallatin, Tennessee
Here is a follow up. Is it possible to check-out of BVI the day before you plan to head to U.S.? (If so, any restrictions, enforced or otherwise, about hanging out onshore)

My thinking is that this would allow our group to depart BVI waters before the BVI C&I office opens at 9:00 AM, since C&I in U.S. opens much earlier.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: Murdock] #32861
01/09/2015 05:03 PM
01/09/2015 05:03 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
LocalSailor Offline
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LocalSailor  Offline
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Posts: 1,347
USVI
[quote]Murdock said:
Here is a follow up. Is it possible to check-out of BVI the day before you plan to head to U.S.? (If so, any restrictions, enforced or otherwise, about hanging out onshore





I think that plan would work fine - especially if you clear out in the late afternoon.


Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: Murdock] #32862
01/09/2015 06:16 PM
01/09/2015 06:16 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Online content
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tradewinds  Online Content
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An island state of mind
Quote
Murdock said:
Here is a follow up. Is it possible to check-out of BVI the day before you plan to head to U.S.? (If so, any restrictions, enforced or otherwise, about hanging out onshore)

My thinking is that this would allow our group to depart BVI waters before the BVI C&I office opens at 9:00 AM, since C&I in U.S. opens much earlier.


You normally have 24 hours from when you check out to leave the territory.

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: tradewinds] #32863
01/09/2015 06:37 PM
01/09/2015 06:37 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
beerMe Offline
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beerMe  Offline
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Memphis, TN
I've been digging around and couldn't find an "official" answer but did see a consensus of people saying a BVI outward clearance is valid for 24 hours as tradewinds stated. The most official source I found was The RCC Pilotage Foundation Atlantic Crossing Guide By Jane Russell, 2013.


Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: beerMe] #32864
01/11/2015 07:32 PM
01/11/2015 07:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,423
Miramichi NB Canada
Sandsailsun Offline
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Sandsailsun  Offline
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Miramichi NB Canada
Bumping this up with one more question...
Do British citizens require a Visa to enter USVI.?

Some sources say yes and others no.
One of our Reef Song partners is from England
...any one ??


Kim

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: Sandsailsun] #32865
01/11/2015 07:45 PM
01/11/2015 07:45 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
beerMe Offline
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Memphis, TN
I'm pretty sure they do if they are not coming in on a bonded carrier (flight/ferry). They can use the Visa Waiver Program otherwise. I'm getting this from the Visa Wizard at travel.state.gov.


Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: beerMe] #32866
01/11/2015 07:55 PM
01/11/2015 07:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,423
Miramichi NB Canada
Sandsailsun Offline
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Sandsailsun  Offline
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Miramichi NB Canada
He will be sailing Reef Song from BVI.
I am reading no visa needed on most sites.
This is one
http://www.vicl.org/usvi-clearance-information.html
Others say yes they need one....
Any British TTOL.ers out there know for sure?


Kim

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: Sandsailsun] #32867
01/12/2015 04:17 AM
01/12/2015 04:17 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,996
U.K. and Spain
Jeannius Offline
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Jeannius  Offline
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Quote
Sandsailsun said:
Bumping this up with one more question...
Do British citizens require a Visa to enter USVI.?

Some sources say yes and others no.
One of our Reef Song partners is from England
...any one ??
I would say Yes if they arrive in the USVI on Reef Song.

Some people say that if you've arrived in US, say St Thomas, firstly on a scheduled carrier using the Visa Waiver program, then that visa is valid if you go to BVI and then re-enter USVI on your own boat.

Other people have told me that this isn't true because you should have handed in the exit card (little bit of card they stick in 'Aliens' passports) when you left for the BVI and this cancels the visa waiver rights.

I've had both versions from customs officials in USVI so I certainly wouldn't risk not having a full Visa.

It is easy for a Brit to get a B1/B2 visa from the U.S. Embassy in London so why take the risk?

Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: Jeannius] #32868
01/12/2015 05:04 AM
01/12/2015 05:04 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
beerMe Offline
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beerMe  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
Hope we find a UK person to shed some light. I have a similar situation with one from Greece (but she has a 10 year visa in her old passport so I think we got lucky, she just needs that and her current passport with an expiration date of over six months) and one from Cyprus.

When I went to the link, travel.state.gov referenced under
"Specific requirements must be met for these Nationals to qualify. For more information visit: Travel.State.Gov.com"
it takes you to the Visa Waiver Program. The problem with the VWP is it doesn't work for private/charter boats. So even though they make you think you don't need a visa it only applies to commercial carriers like airlines and ferries. I think that is the specific requirement they mention in your link.

Of course, I may be wrong. That's just the way I am interpreting it.

Last edited by beerMe; 01/12/2015 05:10 AM.

Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
Re: BVI to CRUZ BAY and BACK to BVI How exactly to do [Re: beerMe] #32869
01/12/2015 01:34 PM
01/12/2015 01:34 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
Traveler
sail2wind  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
Mike is a UK person and did shed some light


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