Virgin Voyages FAQs for Travel Requirements
Travel Requirements
Our voyages require Sailors to have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after the voyage end date. Additionally, depending on your country of citizenship, certain ports may also require a visa for entry.
However, we understand that spontaneous getaways sometimes occur without sufficient time for passport arrangements. If you fall into this category and you are sailing out of Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, or New York on an eligible closed-loop voyage, and are a United States citizen, we can make an exception to the passport requirement. In such cases, you will need to present one of the following documents:
However, we understand that spontaneous getaways sometimes occur without sufficient time for passport arrangements. If you fall into this category and you are sailing out of Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, or New York on an eligible closed-loop voyage, and are a United States citizen, we can make an exception to the passport requirement. In such cases, you will need to present one of the following documents:
- Original valid US Passport
- Original valid US Passport Card
- Original valid Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST)
- Original or copy of your state-issued birth certificate AND a physical Government-issued photo ID
- Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not acceptable
- Hospital-issued birth certificates are not acceptable
- Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State AND a physical Government-issued photo ID
- Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services AND a physical Government-issued photo ID
Due to the ever-changing requirements with visas, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate of the destinations you will be visiting to establish the necessary visa requirements.
Passport books should always be your default. If a passport card is all you have, they will only be accepted on closed-loop Caribbean itineraries departing from Miami, Florida. Voyages traveling to the French Caribbean Islands of Martinique & Guadeloupe will be strictly passport book only (passport cards will not be accepted at these ports).
Due to these itineraries including ports of call in Cartagena, Colombia, and the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, all Sailors must have a Passport Book to sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Passport cards will not be accepted at these ports.
Voyages traveling to the French Caribbean Islands of Martinique & Guadeloupe will be strictly passport book only, and passport cards will not be accepted at these ports.
The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) prohibits the transportation of passengers between two different U.S. ports on any vessel other than a U.S.-flag vessel that meets all requirements for U.S. coastwise transportation. U.S. ports include U.S. states and U.S. island territories and possessions, with the exception of American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is also exempt from the PVSA until such time as U.S.-flag vessels service that route.
Foreign-flag vessels like Virgin Voyages’ vessels may transport passengers between two different U.S. ports without violating the PVSA if the vessel stops at a distant foreign port and the passenger travels with the vessel to that distant foreign port.
Sailors who miss the ship in the homeport are not allowed to embark on the ship in any port of call if it is in violation of the PVSA. Any Sailor who unexpectedly disembarks the ship at a U.S. port of call, i.e., Alaska, Key West, Hawaii, and Catalina, due to an emergency, which results in a violation of the PVSA, will be responsible for the resulting fine.
Foreign-flag vessels like Virgin Voyages’ vessels may transport passengers between two different U.S. ports without violating the PVSA if the vessel stops at a distant foreign port and the passenger travels with the vessel to that distant foreign port.
Sailors who miss the ship in the homeport are not allowed to embark on the ship in any port of call if it is in violation of the PVSA. Any Sailor who unexpectedly disembarks the ship at a U.S. port of call, i.e., Alaska, Key West, Hawaii, and Catalina, due to an emergency, which results in a violation of the PVSA, will be responsible for the resulting fine.
All travelers (excluding British and Irish citizens) must have permission to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) or Northern Ireland before arrival.
Depending on their nationality and immigration status, this will require either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or proof of status through an eVisa.
It is the Sailor's responsibility to identify and obtain all necessary visas before commencing their Voyage.
Depending on their nationality and immigration status, this will require either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or proof of status through an eVisa.
It is the Sailor's responsibility to identify and obtain all necessary visas before commencing their Voyage.
All travelers (excluding British and Irish citizens) must have permission to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) or Northern Ireland before arrival.
Depending on their nationality and immigration status, this will require either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or proof of status through an eVisa.
Please check if you need an ETA to travel to the UK by visiting www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation. If an ETA is required, you can apply at https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/.
Depending on their nationality and immigration status, this will require either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or proof of status through an eVisa.
Please check if you need an ETA to travel to the UK by visiting www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation. If an ETA is required, you can apply at https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/.
Travelers can apply for an eVisa or ETA through the official UK government website dedicated to these processes by visiting www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation. If an ETA is required, you can apply at https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/.
It's important to ensure you complete your application in advance of your travel date to avoid any complications.
It's important to ensure you complete your application in advance of your travel date to avoid any complications.
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