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Entering by boat: U.S. Virgin Islands

What to do to enter U.S. Virgin Islands by sea: the procedures, the papers to present and the ports where you can clear in.

Based on official sources, checked on 28 October 2026.

Before you arrive

The steps

  1. Before leaving: B1/B2 visas for foreign crew, a login.gov account and profiles in the CBP ROAM app.
  2. On arrival, report immediately (ROAM or the port's phone line); nobody goes ashore.
  3. Report in person at the designated CBP office (Charlotte Amalie, Cruz Bay or Gallows Bay) with passports and ship's papers.
  4. Request a cruising license or buy the user fee decal if required.

Papers to have on board

  • Passports for the whole crew
  • Visas, if your nationality requires them
  • Boat papers (registration certificate)
  • Crew list
  • Outward clearance from the previous country

Good to know

  • Report arrival to CBP IMMEDIATELY (ROAM app or phone): since January 2026 CBP has issued 12 penalties totalling US$60,000 to boats that did not (St. Thomas Source, May 2026).
  • Non-exempt foreigners need a B1/B2 visa obtained in advance: ESTA does not apply to arrival by private yacht.
  • ROAM does not cover people needing an I-94, a cruising license or paying duties: they must report in person at the CBP office.
  • Coming from Puerto Rico you stay in US territory, but foreign boats still report at each new port.

Ports of entry

The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.

St. Croix

St. John

St. Thomas

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Sources

This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.

    Entering U.S. Virgin Islands by boat: entry formalities | Hullteam