[Mommy K]

For the US virgin islands--dd has Guatemala bc, coc and Guatemalan passport. I was thinking this is enough but now I am second guessing that she needs a US passport.

Thank you-

[avoel]

It looks like, for Entry into the US Virgin Islands, the CoC is fine. I would not, under any circumstances, pull out the Guat BC or Guat passport. Requirements for Guatemalan citizens entering the US are MUCH different and you don't want to confuse the issue.

FWIW, my fear is always reentering the mainland US. I know you are not technically leaving US soil. BUT...will you have to go thru customs/immigration when you reenter the US? I know you shouldn't but will everyone on your flight only be coming back from the same place or does your flight stop over from somewhere else? It could be a problem. And what happens if there is an emergency and you end up somewhere else in the carribean? My personal bias is to get the passport whether you end up needing it or not...but that is just me and I may be paranoid

[robandjulie]

I felt the same way. We went to Canada last week and young kids can still get through customs with just a BC/COC etc.

First, I didn't want to carry the COC around with us in case it got wet or lost or crumpled. The passport is easier to replace and is a bit tougher and easily stored for transportation. Secondly, I wanted something that was easily and obviously an "ok" document in case we had issues getting back into the US. The passport was easy to get and -- assuming you don't pay expediting -- is only $65 so not that expensive for the peace of mind when traveling.

JMO. Otherwise, yes, the COC should suffice.

[ej-momtobe]

We just got back from Puerto Rico 2 weeks ago and did not need anything different than travelling in the continental US. Driver license for DH and I, and nothing for DS. I had called the airlines ahead of time to verify.

I am not sure if the US virgin islands are handled the same was as PR, but the airlines should know.

[DBNose]

Don't trust the airlines -- I 've been told by an airline that you need a passport to travel to PR, which is not true. When you travel to PR or the Virgin Islands you are not crossing international borders. You yourself don't need a passport, and neither does your child. When you travel from PR, the only ID you need is one to board the plane, as with any flight you take nowadays. You may have to go through customs when you come from VI (I don't know either way -- you don't when you come from PR), because of difference in tariffs and duties -- so that they may inquire about what products you bought and are bringing back to the mainline, but you will not pass through immigration/homeland security.

[Quesita]

Here is a link to the new rules, effective June 1.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

I think that USVI and PR are the only places you can travel without a passport at this point.