TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Passport Emergency!

Our family of 4 (2 adults, a 13 year old and 17 year old) leave in 4 days for Tortola. We went to pull out the passports last night and realized our 17 year old daughter has somehow lost her passport. We arrive in STT and will ferry to Tortola. There is no time to get a replacement passport. We were just in BVI in March and they should have her passport info in their system. We also have her old expired passport, her notarized birth certificate, and drivers license. What are the chances they will let us in without one passport but the other supporting documents?

You have time to get a new passport. I used www.cibt.com when I need to expedite a Visa and they can do the same for your passport.

Worst case scenario, you fly or drive to the nearest passport center and get a replacement issued.

Pretty much Zero.

There are services that can expedite the process and get you a replacement before you leave, but it will cost you.

Here is one you might try, or maybe find one close to you.

http://1dayuspassport.com/?gclid=CJTg8sXD7s0CFZKGaQodAqUJGQ

One of the reasons a county will demand a passport valid out x months. Six months in the case of the BVI. Is they do not want someone stuck there overstaying their welcome due to the claim or fact they cannot leave the territory because their passport is expired. You need a valid passport for everyone traveling. Use an expedite service.

Looks like you are in Cedar Rapids. If so, the Chicago Passport Agency is your closest option.

Since at least 2 of you would need to make the trip, the expedited service is probably cheaper. You should be able to get it back by Thursday if you send it out today.

I just found this info on the BVI tourism site: http://www.bvitourism.com/arriving-by-sea

Arriving by Sea
Your captain may clear all crew, provided he or she has all of the required documentation, including the ship’s documentation and valid passports for all crew members. In the absence of a passport, Canadian & US citizens need an original or notarized copy of their birth certificate and at least one piece of photo ID such as a driver's license if travelling between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.

Is this outdated information?

Agree with the other responses. You need to pay the fees and get the expedited passport. That's your only hope! (...as they used to say in Star Wars! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />)

As of January 31, 2008, U.S. Citizens travelling by sea may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined to enter or re-enter the United States. Visitors from other countries may also require a visa for entry.

The operative word is MAY.

Best advice is to get on the expedited replacement NOW.

On an offhand chance, you may be able to get into the BVI. It's getting back into the U.S. that will be the big problem.

We had a similar situation when we found our that we could not travel to/from Mexico unless my 5-year old's passport had 6-months remaining on it after our time of travel. American Express recommended an expediter called Visa Central (www.visacentral.com). They were not cheap but got us his passport in 48 hours. They delivered as promised so I recommend them. You may get sticker shock as it cost us about $400 for the exercise but it was well worth it rather than having to leave my boy in Mexico! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Spend the money. Do it right and have a worry free vacation!

Just a suggestion-- make sure the 17 yo's passport is not still in any carry-on, purse, camera bag, PAD holder or checked luggage taken to the BVI in March......

These things happen !

I think it's the coming back to the US that is the problem.

Well - the US can't box you out. They can make you wait uncomfortably at the airport, but they will let you back in eventually.

I agree with the above posters that you can get a passport in 4 days notice, it's just very expensive. If it's not going to break the bank, just go for it. Who knows how many family vacations you'll have in the upcoming years with a daughter about to turn 18

Actually you do not need a passport to return to the US from the USVI. You DO need a passport to enter the USVI from the BVI.

Read and heed the above. Search every piece of luggage taken the last time the passport was used. If you fail to find it then call a expediter ASAP! If and its a big if you are allowed into the BVI you will pay a hefty fine to renter the US. The info posted about not needing a passport is for day trippers.

This happened to my husband days before our last trip to the bvi. He went to Philadelphia which is a central office and they were able to get it to him in three days. However, if you can prove you are leaving within two days they will do a same day. You do not need to pay a company other than the central office. It does cost a lot but it was worth it. I'm not sure where you live but if you are close enough to one of the centralized offices (located in big cities) you can show up as they open with all of your documents ready.

You can clear into the BVI by boat with an original birth certificated and drivers license.

You can get back into the US in Cruz Bay with a original birth certificate and a drivers license if it is an enhanced license. I'm not sure how this would work for air travel if you are flying out of Beef Island.

I can provide you with the CBP paperwork showing this is allowed if you like. Just PM me. We do this a few times a month on the boat I drive.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/...y-into-the-u.s.

This is similar to the documentation I have at work.

Thank you all for the helpful suggestions. My wife and daughter got up at 3am yesterday and made the 4 hour drive into our regional facility Chicago and were able to get in to get a replacement passport even though they didn't have an appointment. Long day for them but now we are set to go. Pretty sure our 17YO daughter won't make this mistake again!

I'm glad it worked out for you! Crappy lesson to have to learn but at least you're good to go.

Cheers,
Jason

Glad to know the day was saved, and yeah, I'm sure it was a LONG day.

You are good to go.

Don't be surprised if someone in the house runs across the lost passport and everyone wonders what all the fuss was about. It happens !

So glad to hear you got it resolved!! Enjoy your trip!

I keep all family passports. They get bundled with a rubber band and go to a specific place in a specific drawer. If somebody needs theirs they can have it, but I get it back.

We're either all making the trip, or no one is...

Just for reference, The passport service advertises 6 weeks for normal service and 3 weeks for expedited. Last Thursday I realized that my passport had expired. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Went to the local post office and paid extra for expedited service and express mail return. Total about $200. Passport arrived this AM. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> That's 7 days total.

Allowing the time it took to get to the procesing center, the weekend an getting back to me I figure it took maybe two days total to process.

Thanks for the reference Glenn, waiting on my son's passport to arrive. He decided several weeks ago he would like to come down with me on July 28th but didn't have a passport yet. Can't wait to show him around Jost.

All good reasons why I hold my children's passports (19 and 24) and keep them up to date. Still, had passport drama after my kids traveled back separately from our March sail. My youngest failed to return her passport to me and could not find it. It was in her carryon luggage.

Cheers, RickG

Glad it got worked out!

Life lesson & a great story to tell! Remember that time.....

Most important advice of all now that you have this behind you... GO HAVE AN AWESOME VACATION!!! We set sail a week from Sunday. Can't wait!

We just renewed our passport normally last month and had it back in 10 days.....

Hi,

Can you site source for the 6 months? we called BVI Tourism a few weeks ago regarding passports expiring in November for our kids and were told they would be fine for end of July travel. Now I am worried again.

Thanks!

You have the source. Don't be worried. in.the.least.

Our experience was specifically with regard to travel to/from Mexico. We were warned by American Express (who booked our trip) and then confirmed with Customs & Boarder Patrol on their web site as well as with our airline (United). the 6-mopnth rule does NOT apply to all countries so I would ask.

Passport only has to be valid for dates of travel. No six month requirement for the BVI.

You do not have the source, the tourism board has nothing to do with customs, who can change their mind because they don't like the hat you are wearing. Why does everyone want to push the envelope, renew 6 months out.

State Department (which keeps track of such things) lists passport requirements. No six months for the BVI.

If CI is going to go rogue, then six months won't help you either. 12 months? Two years? Or they could just assault you on the spot.

Evan if you haven't learned yet to take your hat ( and sunglasses) off at BVI customs, that's on you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

BVI has no such 6 month requirement. Winding up a BVI visitor over a non-issue serves what purpose ?

My wife entered the BVI with a passport that was only valid a few weeks after our departure. There we no questions ask.,

Lucky you..suggestion? Don't push your luck a second time..and BTW..why would you? Proving points here on the I net is one thng..being sent home is another..

As household CEO, I also keep all passports. While I am all for teaching kids responsibility, there are some areas in which I will not tolerate any issues. Travel and vacation is one of them, serious business! I have a bright yellow family passport wallet so it's very visible whether it's in the drawer or in the carry on or in the hotel/rental safe.

And to add to the discussion.... a passport is good and authoritative for many other things. Like getting a drivers license when you move to another state for example. Otherwise multiple forms of identification are needed. Same with employment at a new employer -- just present your passport, that is the only form that you need for the I-9 Form.

Many years ago, (while living in the DC area) my brother lost his passport. Finally determined that it was by the counter next to the trash can -- DUMPSTER is where it went!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

He was leaving within 24 hours for Europe. He had a copy of his passport, fortunately -- we now keep copies at home and other places, just in case! We went got the photos BEFORE we went to the State Department - passport office (that was a key -- they did NOT have that capability on a Saturday -- we went with them in hand, at that time) (actually they said at the beginning, if we did not have the photos, then SOL), called the State Department in DC (on a Saturday) -- a lot of stuff, but he made the Sunday morning flight with the new passport in hand.

Not sure we want to do that again!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> But if you are in the right location, etc it is possible.

But at the time (many moons ago) if he did not have a copy of his passport and if we did not get the photos, etc. then he would have been SOL without question. And we called on a Saturday first thing in the morning, rushed shall we say............... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> But the end result was positive. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> So it is possible, but not something I would count on.... things have to be and work just right, and I don't think there are any exceptions.

We know where are passports all at all times, and before a trip - at least a minimum of a month out we always find them again and check the dates.

Only exception to that rule ---- last minute (literally) leaving the country.

Actually sort of did that one time (now doubt you could do what we did without prior approval). But it was fun............. remember the old AMEX commercials?