NEW YORK, NY -- Caribbean nations may be rushing to implement measures to cope with the U.S. passport rule, set to kick in on Jan, 23, 2007, but the US territory of the USVI is simply advising Americans of their “No Passport Required” rule.
The island has rolled out a promotion by the same name, to ensure U.S. nationals are aware that they won’t require a passport to travel there come next year. And tourism officials are also throwing in other attractions to lure travelers during the winter season.
These include a minimum of a 20 percent discount for 2007 onroom ratesat participating hotels, for a minimum of 5 nights booked througha favorite travel agent or on line travel professional through December 31, 2006.
The hotels included are on St. Croix, Hotel Caravelle and Divi Carina Bay Resort; on St. John, the Westin Resort; and on St. Thomas, Best Western Carib Beach, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort, and Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa.
As of Jan. 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all travelers re-entering the U.S. via air to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and Central and South America, to present a passport. U.S. passports may be obtained through the U.S. Postal Service while Caribbean and other greencard holder can obtain passports from their local consulates. U.S. passport fee are US$67 plus an execution fee of $30 and a photo fee of $15. Fees for children under age 16 are $52 plus the additional photo and execution fees.
