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New Passport Code will result in need for Visa for USVI travel- SFC Report

- New code being placed on VI passports could result in a visa application via an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) being required to enter the USVI from the VI
The Virgin Islands (British) and the United States Virgin Islands have enjoyed a long standing relationship based on the same culture, family ties, religion and the ability of freedom of movement. One of the hallmarks of the strong ties between the greater Virgin Islands is the decades old agreement whereby residents of the Virgin Islands (British) born in the Virgin Islands (VI) with a VI Passport could visit the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) without the requirement of a visa. However, this might come to an end soon according to the Registrar General of the Civil Registry and Passport Office Mrs Stephanie R. Benn (above). Photo: HLSCC/bvi.gov.vg
The matter was raised during the Budget Debate on March 31, 2016 by Leader of the Opposition and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA (left). The Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (right) stated that if this matter is not addressed “it takes away a privilege that the Government of the Virgin Islands had negotiated many decades ago with the US Government where BVIslanders could travel to the USVI and stay for 6 months, but instead the new passport designation is now only allowing persons to stay for 3 months”. Photo: VINO/File
The matter was raised during the Budget Debate on March 31, 2016 by Leader of the Opposition and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA (left). The Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (right) stated that if this matter is not addressed “it takes away a privilege that the Government of the Virgin Islands had negotiated many decades ago with the US Government where BVIslanders could travel to the USVI and stay for 6 months, but instead the new passport designation is now only allowing persons to stay for 3 months”. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands (British) and the United States Virgin Islands have enjoyed a long standing relationship based on the same culture, family ties, religion and the ability of freedom of movement.

One of the hallmarks of the strong ties between the Greater Virgin Islands is the agreement that started in the mid 1970s whereby residents of the Virgin Islands (British) born in the Virgin Islands (VI) with a VI Passport could visit the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) without the requirement of a visa.

New code means visa needed for USVI visit

However, this might come to an end soon according to the Registrar General of the Civil Registry and Passport Office Mrs Stephanie R. Benn. She was at the time testifying before the House of Assembly’s Standing Finance Committee (SFC) as it deliberated on the 2016 Budget Bill.

The matter was raised during the Budget Debate on March 31, 2016 by Leader of the Opposition and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA.

Hon Fraser expressed shock that the free movement between the Greater Virgin Islands that our fore-parents negotiated could be taken away overnight and called on Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith to make this matter a priority.

During the SFC deliberation, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, a Territorial At Large Member and the Minister for Health and Social Development, stated that the Virgin Islands (VI) passport code had been changed from VGB to GBR.

Why the change?

The Registrar General (RG) Mrs Benn confirmed the change but blamed Her Majesty’s Passport Office who she told law makers had a contract with a third party for processing passports. The RG further stated that she had been trying to understand why the code changed from VGB to GBR and added that they were told that the VI is the only British Overseas Territory that was experiencing that problem.

Mrs Benn said that the passports had been ordered in bulk and that other countries had gotten their share.

It was also unearthed that with the new code change to the VI passports, according to Mrs Benn “if someone from the BVI's passport is swiped by Immigration in the USVI, it would come up in the system that that person requires ESTA [Electronic System for Travel Authorisation] because of the code.”

This is a significant development as it could wipe out the long standing agreement whereby Virgin Islands passport holders do not need a visa to travel to the USVI.

However, the RG told the Committee that her Office has been in dialogue with Her Majesty’s Passport Office and the Home Office in Washington to try and come up with a decent resolution and noted that the UK is saying that “it would cost them millions of dollars to change the code for the BVI only”.

Mrs Benn added that the UK was asking the US to come to an agreement where they continue to overwrite the code, so that persons wouldn’t have an issue where they are being asked for an ESTA.

She also made clear that even if they overwrite the code the Immigration in the USVI indicated “that it was just a temporary fix.”

A slap on VI/USVI Heritage

The Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Skelton stated that if this matter is not addressed “it takes away a privilege that the Government of the Virgin Islands had negotiated many decades ago with the US Government where BVIslanders could travel to the USVI and stay for 6 months, but instead the new passport designation is now only allowing persons to stay for 3 months.”

Hon Skelton, an indigenous Virgin Islander, asked Mrs Benn, if she understood what this change of code meant to Virgin Islanders. To this the RG stated that she understood.

As of publication time it is unclear if the matter has been addressed.

71 Responses to “New Passport Code will result in need for Visa for USVI travel- SFC Report”

  • bvibuzz (10/04/2016, 20:29) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is serious deman
  • eye observer (10/04/2016, 20:49) Like (23) Dislike (8) Reply
    See if Frazer was Premier he would have taken this matter seriously knowing he needs voters from Rock city
  • agreement (10/04/2016, 21:03) Like (5) Dislike (16) Reply
    Does this mean that the agreement between the USVI and the British is coming to an end. Does this mean that we can no longer either spend the US Dollar. I guess this whole situation is deeper than we think.
    • Really (14/04/2016, 09:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      spending the currency is a direct agreement with US Government, whereas the other matter is an agreement between BVI/USVI government
      • save us (16/04/2016, 16:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Both agreements are between the US and the U.K. there is nothing between the BVI/USVI
  • just asking... (10/04/2016, 21:04) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! has any one seen Dr, the Hon Premier D. Orlando Smith??????
  • Look Nah (10/04/2016, 21:04) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
    The demons flying left and right in this place. It tun up since elections and it getting worst and worst.
  • Political Observer (10/04/2016, 21:08) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Is this the administration talking about independence? When they cannot even address a passport code to keep the locals being able to travel to St. Thomas without the need for visa to go shop and see their families????? strupps they need to go sit down they so incompetent
  • Well (10/04/2016, 21:16) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    All they want is bvi to get the u k pass port
  • The EU (10/04/2016, 21:50) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    So would this mean that a person can now travel to the U.S mainland through St.Thomas using their local passport, if they get the ESTA clearance?
    • No (11/04/2016, 13:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      No. The ferries from what I understand would need a different type of CBP bond. Possibly that would be an additional expense if they do go that route. Of course means they would pass on the cost + 50% to your ticket price (as they always do).
  • I want to know (10/04/2016, 21:52) Like (49) Dislike (1) Reply
    What these politicians does on friendship day besides packing their gutz with food and chatting piss?
  • No! (10/04/2016, 21:53) Like (46) Dislike (9) Reply
    This could've never happened under a VIP lead government.
  • NDP less (10/04/2016, 21:56) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    We here in the virgin Islands are becoming just like north and south korea.
    • no no (11/04/2016, 09:40) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      WE ALREADY COME LIKE THE EASTER ISLAND THANKS THE /// FOR THAT PLUS THEY LIKE THE UK LEADER SAY ONE THING AND DO SOME THING ELSE .REMEMBER WE WERE TO HAVE A SUNSHINE GOVERNMENT BUT WE END UP GETTING DARK NIGHT GOVERNMENT.
  • chad (10/04/2016, 21:59) Like (24) Dislike (4) Reply
    No more speed boat rides to go shopping in St.Thomas... We will have to stay home and allow those greedy merchants in the BVI to slaughter us.
  • Flip side (10/04/2016, 22:01) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ok. But if the code is changed to GBR, wouldn't that now allow direct travel to the US (i.e. PR) with ESTA? Or no?
    • Jenny (11/04/2016, 09:57) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is what I am wondering also.
    • Opi (11/04/2016, 13:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Travelling to PR and USA with ESTA - that is what the UK passport is for. The BVI passport facilitated BVIslander's travel back home to BVI and also to the CARICOM countries. When one travels to the USVI they have a line for US passport holders, and one for visitors. When we reach home with a UK passport then we are liable to have all the forms and regulations that govern UK/other passport holders/Visitors here in BVI. What is going on? Are we progressing? Or throwing out all the privileges that our ancestors fought so hard for all these years? Who will take the challenge to stand up for BVIslanders?
    • NHI (12/04/2016, 08:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You r better off getting a GBR passport even though it cost more money which they want you to get anyway you don't need an ESTA because you already getting 3 months stay with it. With a VI passport you will have to renew every two years. That price too will be going up from $14.00 some day.
  • I wonder why? (10/04/2016, 22:08) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    Those politicians with down island ties haven't uttered one word.
  • dog (10/04/2016, 22:33) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    So if a BVIslander goes over for the day shopping, they need a visa which would require something from an electronic system? good luck with that. It means standing in line for hours if the machine scan is down, or even TRYING to comply would be a problem. kinda like the Canadian journalist not being allowed in because he didn't have a work visa which he TRIED to get for a while but was bounced from department to department.
    USVI is not a foreign country as we know it. It has a different government. This is ridiculous. Does the financial sector blunders have anything to do with this? why do you need a visa when you have a passport?
    • Birdseyes (11/04/2016, 10:02) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      @dog is that English or just barking?
    • Lily Ann (11/04/2016, 10:35) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
      Child, by right, the USVI is under US Governance. You cant fight that. If the US choose to enforce their laws and Up their security protocols, then we have to abide. All it takes is for you to comply, get your UK passport, buy your ESTA online for $14 (It lasts for 2 years) and you can travel the world !!!! Dont make EVERY new Law hard to abide by!!!! Thats school children mentality, you're an adult, ACT like it !!
      • Captin (11/04/2016, 12:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        What about going rock in your own boat?you can't travel on private boats with those passports
      • So easy (12/04/2016, 21:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Thanks LilyAnn
        For explaining this to the ones that want to make this difficult to understand.
  • When it rains it pours (10/04/2016, 22:40) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    All the Bad press we getting recently won't help our cause.
  • Mark (10/04/2016, 22:46) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    So technically we waste money on these friendship day taking ferry with a whole bunch of people to just go do nothing?
  • Wake up n work (10/04/2016, 22:47) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Listening to the Caymans leader. I'm impress. He ain playing. He said " _Caymans did nothing wrong its our PR people the fail us. They need to do their Jobs". Wow..Wow..That is a leader.. Its time people here start doing their jobs and stop reacting..
  • Really? (10/04/2016, 23:08) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    At least you get unfettered access to the UK.
  • Charley Rose (11/04/2016, 03:16) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is a serious problem for BVI residents. I wonder what Donald DE Castro is saying about this. The writing is on the wall and it is time for serious praying for this country. This is the kind of unforeseen challenges the Premier did not anticipate and they coming fast. The government is focusing on growing the economy and all these issues are floating around. Where is Myron Walyn with his empty speeches. Let him take his attitude to the United States authorities. The local economy will have a boost and the U.S.V.I will suffer economic hardship. Who laugh last will laugh the best. Down island people will travel to the U.S.V.I as the do normally with the U.S visa.
  • Welsa (11/04/2016, 05:47) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Too much smuggling
  • not surprise (11/04/2016, 05:51) Like (23) Dislike (11) Reply
    We can't have things our way all the time. No one should expect to get things their way all the time.. We turn back an innocent professional reporter After he spend almost a thousand dollars to get here all he was asking for is one day.. We operate like we are in a box and in isolation.. "Treat people the way you expect to be treated" That's the basic rule of life..
    • Yeswemust (12/04/2016, 09:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes, we must have things the way Virgin Islanders want it, not what others want for us. This going on to long. We want what is right for us. We are tired of people trying to dictate our future. We Virgin Islanders must chart our own future. We are tired of other nationalities telling us what to do. Hush, your mouth like Ralphie said, and behave yourself when you go in a man's country.
      We had a right to turn back the reporter. We don't care how much he spent.
      Did they care how much of us perished in route to these islands in Chains?
      His thousand dollars is nothing to the blood and lives of our people lost
      It goes back to that, my friends. Unless we are willing to right that wrong, we will always have problems.
      They treated us a way; and we have to give them their just pay.
      We are still good to them and let them come here and stay, but when they come they are out of order and want to rule our pants off our bottom and bring their filty discriminatory principles with them.
      Don't raise up the ants nest this morning. We want things our way -- Virgin Islands way, what is right for our people.
  • Music (11/04/2016, 06:41) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    You can get an ESTA online. It takes about five minutes, costs $14 and is valid for two years.
    • ESTA (11/04/2016, 10:47) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      A Virgin Islands passport isn't eligible for ESTA as we are not a part of the Visa Waiver program. The passport is flawed and the UK should correct their error.
  • St. Thomas needs us (11/04/2016, 06:55) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    St. Thomas and St. aCroix are so broke. They should be welcoming everyone to come and shop..even if they have to collect their Passport from immigration on their way out.. What happened to the OECS passport holders don't need Visa because they need people to come n shop to get the economy going again?
    • tretretrete (11/04/2016, 08:29) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
      Be careful with what u say about the USVI. They are reading the blogs too and might just as well not let the problem be fixed. Furthermore the tolians could now ask the down islands to shop for them on their visa
      • Wegotpride (12/04/2016, 09:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Tolians sailed the waters of the Virgin Islands with their hand-made sloops before some people were here.
        Tolians to ask you to shop for us, you dare?
        A people filled with pride, ambition and determination
        We will find an answer, a proper solution
        Never underestimate the Virgin Islander
        We will fight to the end, never surrender.
        The waters appear muddied at this time
        But we will win and continue to bask in our sunshine
        Mighty Virgin Islander
        No one our good name must slander!
    • ST. Thomas/ST.Croix (12/04/2016, 21:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Be very careful what you blog. You don't know who is reading. Take HMMM's advise.
  • pat (11/04/2016, 07:15) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    I long for a return of a VIP government
  • wow (11/04/2016, 08:15) Like (16) Dislike (6) Reply
    Everything our forefathers fought for in these BVI is being destroyed & taken from us under the NDP.
  • Sarah (11/04/2016, 09:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So if we need ESTA to get to the USVI, hope this passport can take me places without much hassle, just like the UK passport
  • Really? (11/04/2016, 09:45) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a UK problem and somehow we find it within ourselves to blame the Government of the VI for it. The story clearly states that the UK took over the processing of Passports and the error is THEIR FAULT! It goes on to say it will cost the UK millions to fix it, so screw us! How is this the BVI Government's fault? It also states that the situation is being worked on currently by UK, US, VI Governments.
    • be quiet (12/04/2016, 17:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don't you not think the Premier can explain this issue to U.K officials? We do not know if he has tried and I can bet you he has not. This government takes no priority in the things BVIslanders care about. I won't even be surprised if you are one the scums who voted for this incompetent administration.
  • down islands (11/04/2016, 10:20) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    TAKE DOWN ISLAND PEOPLE OUT OF THIS CHARLES ROSE DONT MENTION ABOUT US AT ALL PLEASE, WE DONT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS , STRUPES
  • i from here (11/04/2016, 10:41) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    only ronnie looking out for locals
  • clean (11/04/2016, 10:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VIP Gov passed a law in the house allowing their tourist to come into or shores via sailing to be free of red tape and immigration control. We need to revoke that. But that is how life and the US are if they don't get you one way they will get you the next. We need to clean up or house.
  • 100 (11/04/2016, 11:40) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
    So Tortola people too good to go Barbados and get 10 yr visas like the rest of the Caribbean? LOL
    Go get the Visitors visa and relax
    • @100 (11/04/2016, 16:33) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Barbados was and is actually telling BVI passport holders to go get a UK passport...
  • Well Sah (11/04/2016, 13:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHO REPRESENTING WE BUDDY? WHO ARE THEY (ndp) REPRESENTING?
  • Real facts (11/04/2016, 17:13) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Think, see what happens when dr. And his crew went to the uk and sign the white paper with out reading the find prints.we can't even spend our own money without consulting them, the people indicated that VIP is not good for the country,please me who is uncle Ralph work so hard with us government for agreement for us to travel to the usvi true visa waiver. And we lost this under this ndp government. Foolishnes because they think they head bigger than every one else. We sell out every thing back to the uk.GOD. must come down and tell we no .total sold with ndp. They must learn to ask question first then sign.What nexT
  • Wait (11/04/2016, 19:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    What is this. People of the B.V.I ....good luck !!! It looks like some of these people in office are looking out for themselves and the people be damned. This is negligence !!! How could some thing this crucial and fragile be overlooked.
  • Lord Help Us (11/04/2016, 19:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    we need ralph e to help our ship is sinking
  • tola (11/04/2016, 20:29) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pay the money and let England reprint passports for BVI with the old code. They are playing smart.Trying to impose hardship on BVI because of the country prosperity. A colony in their view is not supposed to be more prosperous than the mother country. BVI government ned to take action now.
  • Straight Pipe (11/04/2016, 22:05) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is plain and simple..Obviously the UK made an change to the VI Passport and it is therefore their responsibility to fix this problem costs notwithstanding. I dare say that when we issued our Passports locally we had no such problem. We understand and care about our situation more than anyone else...there is a lesson to be learnt here..


    • bad (13/04/2016, 17:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Pls y u all want to do what eve in other peoples country once they sets a rules u all ave big problems wit it gosh!!!!!!
  • UKPAY (12/04/2016, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The UK made the mistake, let them pay to print the passports. When we here make mistakes, they put us on Black List. Put the UK on a White list and tell them, pay for the mistake, or you know what, show them we are smarter than them, pay for their error. But what was our privilege of non-visa to USVI, we want it. We are not letting our greater Virgin Islands Ties be put to naught by these jealous Edomites.
  • Power shift (12/04/2016, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The UK just want greater control over the BVI because of the successful economy. If you think of it, you are seeing even more UK nationals migrated in the BVI. Soon they going to take over. Although we are governed by the UK, they have left us alone to do our own thing and now things are changing; they want control again. Wise up, we need to be talking about independence. Put more focus on other industries other the financial industry and tourism. We're acting like we're scared to actively think about independence.
  • Hmm (12/04/2016, 14:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It would behoove St Thomas to let the Tortolians come in, as they well know without Tortolians coming to shop, they(stthomas) would be up a creek.
  • Joc (12/04/2016, 16:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please help this cannot go on. We have a relationship with USVI dont let them take it away from us.
  • Not Listed (12/04/2016, 16:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The ESTA website does not list the British Virgin Islands as an eligible country.
  • Take Over (12/04/2016, 17:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Honestly, I would prefer for the U.K to take over the BVI, than remain under these imbeciles. At least, we would be able to go to the U.S without a visa if that happened.
  • Girls mama (12/04/2016, 20:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you still have the old BVI passport, you can still go to STT right?
  • Get to work (13/04/2016, 11:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stephanie, please assess and inform the government or the governor's department about the resources that you need to get the BOTC applications processed in a timely manner. There is an unacceptable back log ie waiting times over 3 years!
  • TOLA GONE TO THE DOGS (13/04/2016, 13:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP STRIKE AGAIN
  • Oh My (13/04/2016, 14:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmm suggestion.... what you all need to do is look up the most ranking passports of the world that is accepted around the world without having any problems with visa and then you will stop worrying about a BVI passport and try to get the Uk passport. Look how some people running for a US passport the UK passport is on the same level. Blind bats as ever.
  • HAHA (13/04/2016, 16:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Frazer!!! cant do nothing about it. tola belong to the UK
  • rewrsdffds (13/04/2016, 17:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    you all just need UK passports and everything going to be just fine
  • Hmm (14/04/2016, 14:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    take that all u tired do island ppl bad...stop the crying face it ....get a visa ...bye bye bye


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