CARICOM nationals may soon travel to the US Virgin Islands visa-free

The House Judiciary Committee of the United States Congress has approved an Act which would allow the US Department of Homeland Security to consider approving nonimmigrant visitor visa waivers for entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to 45 days (primarily for residents of neighboring Caribbean countries).

The Act must now be passed by the full House and the Senate.

The Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act (H.R. 5460), which was sponsored by Congresswoman Stacey E Plaskett, representative of the Virgin Islands, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in a bipartisan vote of 24-14, a release dated April 7, 2022 said.

“I and my team have worked steadfastly with the House Judiciary Committee over several years on the Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act. I would like to thank my Republican colleague, Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky for his vote in favor of this bill,” representative Plaskett said in a release after the Act was approved.

“… 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…”

Plaskett said in an earlier release: “The U.S. Virgin Islands must compete with other Caribbean islands for cruise ships and tourist visitors and for the most competitive tourist attraction. This visa waiver program will lead to increased tourism, greater opportunities to host international events, and more support for our small businesses that have been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on the travel and tourism industry.

“For example, the Virgin Islands annually hosts numerous yacht shows and regattas; however, due to the extensive visa acquirement process currently in place, participation and attendance is significantly lower in comparison to similar events in other Caribbean islands.

“This amendment would remain reasonably limited in scope to the Caribbean community and other countries approved by the Department of Homeland Security. A provision also allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend waivers to any individuals or countries if they pose a risk the law enforcement or security interests of the United States or at the Secretary’s own discretion.”