[b:p4t7bhm1]Return Ticket Requirement FAQ [/b:p4t7bhm1]

[b:p4t7bhm1]What is it?[/b:p4t7bhm1]
One of the requirements to enter to the islands of Anguilla and St. Vincent is a return ticket for a flight within 90 days of your arrival (There is an extended date of 4 months/120 days  for a return ticket for St. Vincent ONLY).  All tourists and visitors to the island may be asked to show proof of this upon leaving their home country or upon entering the island.

[b:p4t7bhm1]Why?[/b:p4t7bhm1]
Tourists and visitors to each island have a 90 day window to stay.  The amount of time visitors can stay is three months in a 6 month period.  If a visitor to the islands reaches their 90 day limit they must leave the island and may not return until 90 days have passed.   
Upon arrival your return ticket determines the date customs will stamps on your passport.  Having the full or near 90 days give you that amount of time on the island before you get your residency permit.  This is important if you need extra time with immigration or run into any issues.

[b:p4t7bhm1]I will be a resident, why do I need one?[/b:p4t7bhm1]
To gain residency on the island a student needs to collect their immigration documents and turn them into our Chicago office, but this is not where the immigration process ends.  Your documents are submitted upon your behalf to the government of the island.  Upon arrival you inform customs that you are a Saint James student, your passport may be stamped, and a student ID will be issued at orientation.  Once you have these items you will be able to travel without a 90 day return ticket.

[b:p4t7bhm1]What Happens if I don’t Purchase a Return Ticket?[/b:p4t7bhm1]
If you choose not to purchase a return ticket within the 90 day window you may not be allowed to board your flight, you may be forced to purchase return tickets on the spot (at whatever price they are at the moment), or you may not be allowed to travel at all.  This is up to the discretion of the airline and the immigration officials on the island and SJSM is not liable for any issues incurred if you are stopped for this reason.  In St. Vincent without a return ticket you will not be granted residency on the island.

[b:p4t7bhm1]How can I meet this requirement and not waste a plane ticket?[/b:p4t7bhm1]
One you’ve arrived on the island you no longer need to maintain your 90 day return ticket.  Check with your airline to see how much they charge for you to change your flight or if they offer refundable tickets.  If you choose to change your flight you can then move the ticket to the first break or the next time you choose to visit home.  

[b:p4t7bhm1]Remember:[/b:p4t7bhm1]
Anguilla: 90 Day Return Ticket
St. Vincent: 4 Month Return (120 day) Ticket (Use academic calendar to schedule for first break)
If you have any other questions regarding return tickets contact your Advisor or Document Specialist