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USVI closer to removing visa restrictions for C’bean nationals

-Visa Waiver Act if approved would allow regional nationals to stay for up to 45 days
The US Congress House Judiciary Committee has approved The Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act, in the United States Virgin islands (USVI) and the bill if approved , would allow visitors from the Caribbean to receive a non-immigrant visitor visa exemption to enter the US Virgin Islands, for up to 45 days. Photo: Internet Source
According to information, the Act was first presented to the Committee for amendment in September 2021 by Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a native of the US Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source
According to information, the Act was first presented to the Committee for amendment in September 2021 by Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a native of the US Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI - The US Congress House Judiciary Committee has approved The Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act, in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and the bill if further approved, would allow visitors from the Caribbean to receive a non-immigrant visitor visa exemption to enter the US Virgin Islands, for up to 45 days.

Regional media, Caribbean National Weekly reported that the amendment to the Act would apply only to the U.S. Virgin Islands and does not allow entry into other parts of the United States and the Act was first presented to the Committee for amendment in September 2021 by Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a native of the US Virgin Islands.

While a press release from the Congresswoman’s office did not state specifically which countries will benefit from the amendment, the scope of the amendment will, however, be limited to the Caribbean community and other countries permitted by the Department of Homeland Security.

Congresswoman Plaskett in a statement after the Act (H.R. 5460) was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in a bipartisan vote of 24-14, spoke on the restrictions of the visa. 

Up to 45-days stay 

“The Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act would allow the Department of Homeland Security to consider approving non-immigrant visitor visa waivers for entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to 45 days (primarily for residents of neighbouring Caribbean countries). Such a non-immigrant visitor visa waiver program is already being utilized successfully in both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for nationals of other countries. 

“This legislation would extend this same program to the U.S. Virgin Islands. This limited visa waiver program would better enable the Virgin Islands to compete economically with other islands and nations in the Caribbean community. A nationwide U.S. Visa Waiver Program already allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. This bill would apply solely to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and because the Virgin Islands is outside the U.S. customs zone by law, it would not allow entry into any other part of the United States”.

As detailed, the amendment is similar to the limited visa waiver program which allows citizens of some countries to visit overseas US territories, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands by completing a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form I-736 prior to arrival and presenting their country’s passport on arrival.

The Visa Waiver Act is also expected to be an impetus for increased visitors and economic activity in the USVI.

49 Responses to “USVI closer to removing visa restrictions for C’bean nationals”

  • Innovator (09/04/2022, 15:57) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    Yes, its a great move to boost the economy. They must be vaccinated and have a clean police certificate from the various Carribbean Countries police forces.
  • asura (09/04/2022, 16:25) Like (12) Dislike (12) Reply
    good move free the black people
  • island man (09/04/2022, 16:38) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    At least we will be able to travel like the tolians
  • immigration dept will be busy (09/04/2022, 17:19) Like (19) Dislike (28) Reply
    All dem island people going over deh to shop and wuk now and a lot ah dem wont come back out
    • @immigration dept will be busy (09/04/2022, 18:34) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
      If you are tolian you are an Island man/person. Even people from St.Thomas knows and accepts that. Some are even proud to be refer to as "being from the Islands" Try going to the US Main land and being asked "where are you from? You will wake up and realize you are truly from the Islands. Just to show Nah everybody ha badmind. The US Virgin Islands have always accepted and embraced people of all nationality even when they are from the " Islands".
      • @@Immigration. (09/04/2022, 23:05) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
        On the US mainland they know nothing about Tortola, they call them Jamaicans...
        • @@@immigration (10/04/2022, 07:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          If you behave bad you will stand out.
        • Hush (10/04/2022, 11:09) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
          You sound like a blooming fool! Please hush if you don't have anything to say with sense.
      • Oh Yeahy (12/04/2022, 12:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You should have a chat with the Tolians who needed to enter the USVI prior to the 1980s The 29 day arrangement. You start pissing yourself just, thought of immigration in the USVI. Stories that will bring tears. One Malcolm Lloyd is s name burnt in history.
    • lol (09/04/2022, 18:58) Like (19) Dislike (19) Reply
      Yes, good luck getting them to leave after 45 days…They might try to smuggle over to us if they do leave.
      • Peter (13/04/2022, 21:11) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        All Caribbean people are Island people,and all islands were colonized by European nations previously. Why is there still an issue amongst some Caribbean people hating and feeling superior to other island people? If you can't love your own you could never love anyone else.if you have love in your heart then you won't think that way. You did not create the world or mankind, and dust you are and will return. You came with nothing and will return with nothing. All other races can unite,or try to unite except some black people.the European nation countries travel freely,the Asians unite,Hispanic unite,so why is deep hatred for island people amongst Caribbean people who not from the U.S.V.I or BVI? U.S.V.I people are called and considered island people on the U S mainland so food for thought. Many usvi and bvi nationals have roots are from other Caribbean islands,yet still they hate island people when their parents came from other islands. The Bvi are British citizens, not Americans citizens so understand that. The usvi is territories of the USA,were purchase for 25 million in 1917,cannot vote in federal elections and treated as black island people like the rest of island people .
    • Hmm (09/04/2022, 20:36) Like (39) Dislike (10) Reply
      I sick of ppl with this island ppl nonsense. Tolians does move like tortola is a country. This place is one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean only thing goin for here is the us money you be spending that's not even yours.
      • Respect BVI (10/04/2022, 05:54) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply

        Shout your damn mouth you ungrateful @#4 get he'll out we country go Haiti. And see how u like it we got more going for us stop dissing the place

      • bvi (10/04/2022, 08:08) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
        But yet you probably here working on the same small island for the same USD, so hush.
      • ? (14/04/2022, 13:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Why you here? You come here to make and spend the same money. It ain’t yours but you can’t do better where you re from so you come here. Bet you don’t see Tolians in your home town trying to make a living, never. Stay in your lane.
    • Jha jha (10/04/2022, 03:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      U sound so stupid
    • @immigration (10/04/2022, 06:40) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yes a lot of them will go and birn their babies there just like the t.....
    • Lily Ann (10/04/2022, 10:58) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      It say up to 45 days. Yuh cyah read !?!?! This is for visitors only ... not long term work... unless its a short term work, and whats wrong with that, you never did illegal crap b4 ??? Its always our own who trying to hold us back
  • Mr.gage (09/04/2022, 17:45) Like (27) Dislike (6) Reply
    They should've already done this.
  • Concerned (09/04/2022, 18:08) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    @ Island man please tell the Caribbean Brothers and sisters do not blow it, but be greatfull.
  • bones (09/04/2022, 18:17) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    WELL , THIS IS ONE ISLAND MAN WILL BE GOING TO THE USVI TO DO MY SHOPING , EVERY MONTH END .!!!!
    • Hmm (10/04/2022, 06:42) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Especially if you live tola. They will stop shop locally watch and see how custom duties might rise because of this.
  • Santo (09/04/2022, 18:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is DR included in this legislation?
  • ... (09/04/2022, 18:45) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    ST THOMAS KNOW THE SHOPS GOING SELL OFF NOW CAUSE TORTOLA PEOPLE THE ONLY SEND FOR KFC NOW THEY THE ORDER EVERYTHING ELSE ONLINE
  • apple pie (09/04/2022, 19:11) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    They going through the shoot easily now
  • Fd (09/04/2022, 20:22) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    continental man , you are stupid to the core.
  • Peaches (09/04/2022, 20:39) Like (35) Dislike (6) Reply
    What they should do is remove the vaccine mandate for their sister, BVI people who are not vaccinated. The vaccine does not protect against the virus. It's time to stop the nonsense! BVIslanders used to spend millions of dollars shopping down there and now because some of us not vaccinated we can't put foot down there. What happen to the BVI/USVI Friendship.
    • Down Island People. (09/04/2022, 22:41) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      While The BVI are running us and seeing us as useless invaders the USVI are seeing us as an important asset. An economical contributor..Yep.
  • unfair (09/04/2022, 21:31) Like (38) Dislike (1) Reply
    Watch the BVI gov't impose a tax on caribbean expats to make it unfeasible for them to go St Thomas and shop! Remember, in the height of COVID, there came a tax on Caribbean expats doing money transfer. As if the poor people them weren't affected by pandemic. Then boasting bout how them make millions. Smh
  • Good Vision.. (09/04/2022, 22:36) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    While we in the BVI are cutting style and have no forward thinking economical development plan and or vision other countries are going to eat our lunch... Our tourism is gradually failing, our employees and employers who seek work permits are frustrated daily...Since Lavity passing and Ralph took over our office space Rental bill been getting higher and higher by each administration...None making an effort to build a state of the art 4 storage state building with a BVI flag flying high at the too..Which is a much better long term investment than paying these millions in rent every month...
    • Election Gimmicks every 4yrs. (10/04/2022, 06:46) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Its been about 12 yrs now I've been hearing this. It's like an USVI election talking point...Anyhow, if it should get done, now is the time, now there is a Democrat president. This will never even get consideration under a republican president.. Time to make it happen.
  • look pon trubble (09/04/2022, 23:46) Like (7) Dislike (10) Reply
    dem islun woman going geh married off down deh and all deh gangsta dem going to team up
    • Ohh (10/04/2022, 06:45) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      You sound so vex. Tell the locals to try marry off over there too
    • You think so? (10/04/2022, 08:06) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
      I don’t think so. You see, ST. Thomas men is not as silly and more smarter than Tortola men. ST. Thomas is not into marrying Island women for papers, they usually marry their own or someone from the States who is not looking for papers.
  • Hmm (10/04/2022, 05:28) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Worst thing ever usvi.
  • vi (10/04/2022, 06:48) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is an great move by Usvi
  • UK (10/04/2022, 08:34) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    @Hmm And that's the main reason you are in the BVI is because of the US dollar because you don't like the BVI people but god bless the BVI it gives you a chance to build your house back home and a better living in the BVI. I am not against people from other islands but I am sick of some of you who keep calling down the BVI. You love St. Thomas they have the US dollar which belongs to them so why don't you move there or back home.
    • @UK (10/04/2022, 10:30) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      I so thank UK for buying us and bringing us to this side of the world, for getting rid of the Arawaks and make us the indigenous.
  • Since Lavity BVI been on decline (10/04/2022, 09:40) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI best days were the days when parents living here could send for their children from where ever without the need for a Visa. The super markets, the stores, Govt. It created an economic rise all across the board ..Since the stupid no brain visa requirements especially for kids things not the same...I say drop all visa requirements for school kids. Let them provide evidence that they are student of such and such school..And allow them in...Time to grow..
  • Just one day is all I need.. (10/04/2022, 10:03) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice. I love this move by the Hon member and the USVI..Loving and caring for people is such a lovely, Godly and beautiful thing...I will take full advantage of it, no need going Barbados anymore, just one day is all I need, go do my shopping and out 2 days the most if I ajn get all my shopping done in one day..Thanks fo the Hon.Stacy Plaskett.
  • musa (10/04/2022, 10:40) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    With this move bvi supermarket & hardware store
    free advice better get them prices correct.
  • I will be shopping (10/04/2022, 11:27) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the USVI for everything when this is set in place. You stores in the BVI that is charging customers a arm and a leg better take notice. Everyone will be going to ST. Thomas to shop.
  • economy (10/04/2022, 15:01) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    Economy will be booming yes but they will spend more in the long run. 44 days of work in USVI then smuggle to BVI and return for 46th day of work. In seeking a better way of life while they create more hardship for their own.Thank you USVI they are coming then look for them USA is even easier to get to this way. You will end up paying the price. The smuggling ring will be the thing you will pay for. Brace your all selves for the positive effects but must also brace yourself for the negative.
  • hmmm (10/04/2022, 19:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yall think food that cheap in St Thomas
    I would like for some of yall get the opportunity
    To see the difference
    • @hmmmm (10/04/2022, 21:49) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      You have a point but what will stand out is the variety and quality. People dont mind spending a little more but you got to make that penny matter. Options are always better pound for pound.

      The merchants here in deep trouble because honestly its like we have been shaffed for so long we are just fed up and I am happy my fellow Caribbean sisters and brothers will have the opportunity to compare and decide for themselves where the bargains are and what works better for them. We should all embrace it and be thankful instead of bashing and hoping it fails - yes some may screw up but haven't we too?

      Happy shopping all or jus simply enjoy your day away from the 284 and be a tourist or visit a friend or loved one - just remember the protocol and not spoil a good thing
    • Hmmmm (12/04/2022, 11:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yall ???!!!!


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