Page 49 - The Virgin Islands

As of January 31, 2008, verbal declarations of identity and citizen-
ship alone will no longer be accepted. On this date, U.S. and Canadian
citizens entering the U. S. at land and sea ports of entry from within
the Western Hemisphere will need to present (1) government-issued
proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, along with (2) govern-
ment issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. ( Important Change
in International Land and Sea Travel Document Procedures ). While
a passport or other comparable document is not required for entry by
land or sea, U.S. and Canadian citizens are highly encouraged to carry
proof of identity and citizenship. Travelers 19 years and older should
also carry government-issued photo ID. Please visit CBP.gov for the
latest information on travel requirements. (CBP.gov - Travel Info)
SOUVENIRS - All native plants and animals of the USVI are protected
under the Indigenous Species Act. It is illegal to take, catch, possess,
injure, harass, or kill any native animal, or plant. All fish (unless har-
vested for food), coral, shells, and other marine life are protected. This
means no one is allowed to leave the territory with shells, corals or
any other marine life in their possession, or to mail them off-island.
in the past two years alone, more than 1 ton of sand, coral and shells
removed from St. Croix beaches have been confiscated by customs
agents at Henry E. Rohlsen International airport from visitors wanting
to bring a piece of paradise home with them. The Virgin Islands famed
white sand beaches are beautiful places to relax and hang out, but they
are also living organisms that play an important part in the balance of
our ecosystem as a whole. Sandy beaches are made of coral and shelled
organisms whose remains erode into sand particles. Shells also serve
as homes for hermit crabs and other sea creatures. By leaving the treas-
ures of the beach in their place, you will be helping to keep our beaches
beautiful so they can be enjoyed for years to come.