Are the U.S. Virgin Islands exempt from the Jones Act?


Are the U.S. Virgin Islands exempt from the Jones Act? The U.S. coastwise trade laws, commonly known as the Jones Act, carve out an exception for the USVI. Under this exception, transportation of merchandise and passengers between the USVI and other U.S. ports does not require a U.S. flag vessel with a coastwise trade endorsement.


Can you go from U.S. Virgin Islands to British Virgin Islands without a passport?

Generally, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to the British Virgin Islands, as well as proof of anticipated departure from the British Virgin Islands. This includes travelers arriving by airplane and by private sea-going vessel.


Do U.S. laws apply in Virgin Islands?

The U.S. Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States. Many but not all federal laws apply to the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to the U.S. Constitution, which is the supreme law of the U.S., federal laws include statutes that are periodically codified in the U.S. Code.


What law governs U.S. Virgin Islands?

The U.S. Virgin Islands do not have their own constitution. The main governing document of the U.S. Virgin Islands is the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1954.