The Department of Immigration is pleased to announce new requirements for the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme, designed to facilitate smooth and hassle-free travel for children of parents residing in the Territory during the summer and Christmas vacation months of June to August and December, respectively.

According to Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mrs. Nadia Demming-Hodge, “As part of our commitment to providing efficient immigration services, we are outlining the necessary procedures for parents wishing to utilise this programme for their children's legitimate travel.”

She said that parents intending to take advantage of the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme are being informed of the new requirements to be submitted to the Department of Immigration two weeks prior to the intended arrival, for approval. Qualifying children under this programme should be no older than 17 years old and enrolled in primary or secondary school in their home country. The requirements are as follows:

1. A written request from the residing parent for their child's entry;
2. Proposed travel itinerary (with a departure date no later than  August 31 and January 2 as necessary);
3. Copy of parent(s) residing in the Territory passport bio page;
4. Copy of parent(s) immigration entry permit;
5. Accommodation verification in the form of a lease or letter from landlord indicating the space rented and details on all persons residing within the space (multi-family homes are to be noted); and
6. An official letter from the school the child currently attends, indicating closure and re-opening dates.
7. Child’s birth certificate (original or certified copy)

Requests for the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme can be submitted via email to immigrationinfo@gov.vg or in person at the Department of Immigration Headquarters two weeks prior to the proposed date of travel.

Parents are encouraged to submit requests timely so that our dedicated team can promptly review your request and provide responses with relevant instructions prior to travel. 

Acting CIO Mrs. Demming-Hodge stated, “The revamp of the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme will further streamline the entry processes for parents seeking to have their children visit during the summer and Christmas vacation months.”

She further stated, “As the department continues to transform its processes to increase customer satisfaction, we also continue to enhance our ability to mitigate the very significant risk of irregular migration that may be facilitated by legal travel into the Territory.”

The Department of Immigration is committed to providing excellent service to all travelers visiting the Virgin Islands. The revamped Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme is a testament to our dedication to facilitating smooth and efficient travel experiences for families.

For any inquiries or further information regarding the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme, individuals can contact the Department of Immigration via telephone at 468-4705 or via email at immigrationinfo@gov.vg.