Quick Answer
US, UK and EU citizens do not need a visa for a tourist yacht charter in the main Caribbean charter destinations. What you do need is a valid passport (we recommend at least six months’ validity) and, for several islands, a free online arrival form completed shortly before you fly: the BVI, Antigua, Sint Maarten, St Lucia and Grenada all use one. Always use the official government website – never a paid third-party site.
A Caribbean yacht charter often means several islands and several countries in one week. The good news: for most guests from the US, the UK and the EU, entry is simple. But many islands now ask travellers to complete a short online arrival form before they fly, and a few rules surprise first-time visitors. This guide explains what you need for each of the main charter destinations.
Last checked: November 2026. Entry rules can change at short notice, so please confirm with the official government website and your airline before travelling.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
| Destination | Visa for US / UK / EU tourists | Online arrival form | Official website |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Virgin Islands | Not required | Yes – mandatory ED Card, from 72 hours before arrival | bviedcard.gov.vg |
| US Virgin Islands | US entry rules apply (US citizens need no passport; others need ESTA or a US visa) | No separate form | – |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Not required | Yes – ArriveAntigua, within 72 hours of the flight | arriveantigua.com |
| Sint Maarten (Dutch side) | Not required | Yes – free ED form, up to 7 days before | entry.sx |
| St Martin (French side) & St Barths | Not required; EU citizens may use a national ID card | No | – |
| St Lucia | Not required | Yes – online immigration form for air arrivals | stlucia.org/entry |
| St Vincent & the Grenadines | Not required | Check before travel – an online system is being introduced | – |
| Grenada | Not required | Yes – online ED Card (since March 2026) | edcard.gov.gd |
| Martinique & Guadeloupe | Not required; EU citizens may use a national ID card | No | – |
| Bahamas | Not required | Arrival card; check before travel | – |
Destination Notes
British Virgin Islands
Since January 2025 every traveller must complete the online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card, which replaced the paper immigration and customs form. It opens 72 hours before arrival; you receive a confirmation with a barcode to show on arrival. Use only the official address bviedcard.gov.vg. Read our BVI yacht charter guide.
Antigua & Barbuda
Air travellers complete the ArriveAntigua form within 72 hours of their flight and show the QR code on arrival at V.C. Bird Airport. Read our Antigua yacht charter guide.
St Martin / Sint Maarten and St Barths
Princess Juliana Airport is on the Dutch side, Sint Maarten, where all arriving travellers complete a free digital ED form at entry.sx, up to seven days before travel. The government has warned about look-alike websites charging a fee: the form is free on the official site. The French side and St Barths have no separate online form. See our St Barths yacht charter guide.
St Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe
St Lucia asks air arrivals to complete an online immigration form at stlucia.org/entry and show the QR code on arrival. Martinique and Guadeloupe are part of France. Read our St Lucia & Martinique yacht charter guide.
US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands follow US entry rules. US citizens do not need a passport while they stay within the territory, but need one as soon as the yacht visits the BVI or any other country. Read our US Virgin Islands yacht charter guide.
The Schengen Visa Trap
St Barths, Guadeloupe, Martinique and French St Martin are French, but they are not part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa therefore does not give entry to these islands. This matters only for guests who normally need a visa for Europe: US, UK and EU citizens can visit without one.
Crossing Borders on Your Yacht
When your yacht sails from one country to another – for example from the US Virgin Islands to the BVI, or from St Lucia to Martinique – your captain handles customs and immigration clearance for everyone on board. Keep your passport on the yacht, and share your passport details with us before the charter so the paperwork can be prepared in advance. Some islands are extending their online forms to sea arrivals, and your captain will tell you if anything is needed.
Your Pre-Charter Checklist
- Passport: valid for at least six months beyond your return date, with blank pages.
- Online arrival forms: completed for your arrival island shortly before you fly, on the official government website only.
- Return or onward ticket: most islands ask for proof of onward travel.
- Passport copies: send them to us before the charter for the crew list.
- Travel insurance: recommended for every charter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for a Caribbean yacht charter?
No. US citizens can visit the main charter destinations without a visa for a tourist stay. A passport is required everywhere except the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Do UK and EU citizens need a visa?
No. UK and EU citizens can visit the main Caribbean charter destinations without a visa for a tourist stay. EU citizens can enter the French islands with a national ID card.
Are the online arrival forms free?
Yes, on the official government websites. Several governments have warned about third-party sites that charge a fee, so always type the official address directly.
Who completes the forms when the yacht crosses borders?
Your captain clears the yacht and all guests with customs and immigration when you sail between countries. You only need to keep your passport on board.
Does a Schengen visa work in St Barths or Martinique?
No. The French Caribbean islands are outside the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa is not valid there. Travellers who need a visa must apply for one for the specific territory.
Planning your charter? Browse our Caribbean yacht charter collection or contact us – our team will help you with every detail, from flights to paperwork.