US-INS Traveling Back to Puerto Rico and the Continental US

Traveling Back to Puerto Rico and the Continental United States

Due to the location of the territory, the United States Virgin Islands has a pre-clearance inspection process for all flights from the territory to destinations in Puerto Rico or the Continental United States.  This process requires all passengers to present proof of citizenship to immigration to the satisfaction of the inspecting officer.

Proof of citizenship is accomplished by presenting one of the following:

  • A passport issued under competent authority
  • An Alien Registration Card (green card). 
    (United States of America permanent residents only.)
  • A certified copy of a birth certificate with government issued photo identification. (Canadian and United States citizens only.)
  • Certificate of Naturalization, issued by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.

If you are neither a citizen of the United States nor a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States you must present one of the following with your passport.

Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP)

Green I-94W, Record of Departure, indicating date and status of entry into the United States.

OR

Valid, non-immigrant visa with the white I-94, Record of Departure, indicating date and status of entry into the United States.

Citizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program

Valid, non-immigrant visa with the white I-94, Record of Departure, indicating date and status of entry into the United States.

Crewmembers 

Valid I-95, Crewmember Landing Permit, processed within the last 90 days.

All other persons should obtain documentation from their local Immigration and Naturalization Service Office indicating their legal status in the United States.