US Virgin Islands USVI

Local Expertise:  USVI clearance information and cruising regulations reviewed by local yacht agents - Sept 2026

Source see: https://www.vipca.org/chartering/

1. Arrival & Clearance

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are a U.S. territory and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration and customs requirements apply. Requirements differ significantly between private and commercial yachts; commercial yachts should confirm all pre-arrival formalities with CBP or a local yacht agent before departure for the USVI.

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Yachts arriving from a foreign port, including the BVI, must report directly to CBP and nobody may disembark before clearance. Private pleasure yachts can report through CBP ROAM, subject to CBP instructions. Commercial yachts must submit advance crew and passenger manifests to CBP through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), using the USCG’s (US Coast Gard) eNOAD portal, in-person clearance and an International Carrier Bond. All vessels of 300 GT or more must submit eNOAD. A recommended local yacht agent can coordinate the applicable formalities and berth.

Official Ports of Entry/Departure

• Edward Wilmoth Blyden Marine Terminal, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – principal marine clearance location.
• Red Hook Ferry Terminal, St. Thomas – clearance on foot only; yachts can berth at American Yacht Harbor or anchor nearby before attending as instructed.
• Cruz Bay CBP Terminal, St. John – suitable for vessels able to anchor, moor or berth locally and attend the terminal.
• Gallows Bay, St. Croix – marine clearance point for St. Croix.

Superyachts should arrange a suitable berth or anchorage before arrival. Office locations, opening hours and after-hours attendance must be confirmed with CBP.

2. Documents required

Captains should have the following available:

• Vessel registration and flag-state documents
• International Tonnage Certificate and statutory certificates, as applicable
• Clearance from the last foreign port
• CBP Form 1300, Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement
• CBP Form I-418, Passenger and Crew List
• Passports for all crew and guests
• Valid visas or evidence of lawful U.S. admission
• Crew employment documents, seafarers’ books and certificates of competency
• APIS/eNOAD submission confirmations, where applicable
• International Carrier Bond documentation for commercial yachts
• Charter agreement and evidence of USVI business and operating licences, when chartering
• Yacht liability and P&I insurance
• Tender registration details
• Declarations for food, plants, animals, pets, firearms and other controlled goods
• Pet health, vaccination and import documentation, where applicable

Firearms and ammunition must be declared to CBP and are also subject to USVI firearms law. They must not be landed or used without the required authorisation.

3. Fees

Private-yacht customs clearance is not generally subject to a standard entry fee, but commercial processing, after-hours attendance, carrier bonds, marina or harbour charges and local permits may incur costs. Separate fees apply for National Park overnight moorings, charter/business licences, fishing permissions and some DPNR (US Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources) registrations or permits.

4. Visa & Immigration

The USVI applies U.S. immigration rules. First arrival aboard a private yacht generally cannot be made using ESTA alone. Foreign yacht crew commonly require B-1 or C-1/D visas: D status is limited to crew departing the United States within 29 days, while Visa Waiver admission is limited to 90 days. CBP determines each person’s authorised stay on arrival.

Official visa/immigration links:

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.html

Crew Arriving and Departing by Air / Crew Changes

Crew flying in or out clear through airport immigration; joining crew should carry their passport, correct visa, employment or joining letter, yacht details, berth and onward-travel evidence.

5. Biosecurity

All food, meat, fresh produce, plants, seeds, animals and wildlife products must be declared to CBP. Inspectors decide whether items may enter based on their type and country of origin; undeclared prohibited goods can be seized and penalised. Pets must meet current CDC, USDA and territorial entry requirements. No separate USVI-specific antifouling inspection regime was identified, but applicable U.S. ballast-water and anti-fouling rules remain in force.

6. Navigation & Cruising

No domestic port clearance is normally required when moving between the main USVI islands after lawful entry. Around St. John, follow NPS (US National Park Service) anchoring, mooring, speed and fishing restrictions. Park moorings accommodate yachts only up to their marked limit—currently a maximum of 100ft—and anchoring is prohibited in protected coral and monument areas.

7. Chartering

Foreign-flagged yachts may charter, but must meet USCG (US Coast Guard) passenger-vessel, manning and certification requirements and obtain the applicable USVI business licence. A foreign yacht with foreign crew cannot operate a USVI-only itinerary: the charter must include a genuine foreign port, such as the BVI. Commercial arrivals and departures require APIS reporting and an International Carrier Bond. Passenger-number and tonnage rules must be assessed individually.

8. VAT/duty Exemptions

The USVI has no European-style VAT. No general duty exemption for visiting yachts’ technical work, refit services or imported spare parts could be confirmed; customs treatment should be established before parts or equipment are shipped.

9. Security

Normal Caribbean precautions apply, particularly at anchor: control tender access, secure equipment and avoid leaving valuables visible. Major superyacht facilities on St. Thomas provide managed access; Yacht Haven Grande advertises gated dock security, while Crown Bay Marina lists on-site security personnel. Captains should obtain the current security procedures directly from their chosen marina.

10. Private Jets

Private jets use Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, or Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix. International flights require advance handling, CBP coordination and electronic passenger reporting; passengers and crew complete U.S. customs and immigration through the airport/FBO arrangements.

11. On-board private helicopters / landing pad

Operating or importing a private helicopter requires prior coordination with FAA, CBP, the Virgin Islands Port Authority and the intended landing-site operator. Yacht-helipad operations and local landing permissions must be arranged individually; no general USVI yacht-helicopter permit procedure was found in our research.