Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act of 2025

House Votes

This bill would let certain foreign visitors come to the U.S. Virgin Islands for short stays without a visa, similar to the program used in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Stays could be up to 45 days for tourism or business, and the visit would be only within the Virgin Islands. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could allow this only if proper arrival/departure controls are in place and it does not pose a safety or security risk.

DHS would set the rules within one year, including which countries qualify. The list would focus on countries that are members or associate members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), but DHS could leave out any country if it raises safety or fraud concerns. DHS could also pause the program for a specific country if there are too many overstays or other risks. An administrative fee would be charged to cover the costs of processing entries under this program.

• Who is affected: Travelers from approved countries, local businesses and workers in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and DHS border staff.
• What changes: Adds the Virgin Islands to a short-stay visa waiver (up to 45 days), limited to tourism or business in the Virgin Islands only; DHS will publish the country list (focused on CARICOM), may require extra safeguards, and will charge a processing fee; DHS can suspend access for a country if problems arise.
• When: DHS must issue the implementing rules within one year of the law taking effect.