Kamilla Henke
The US Virgin Islands are a group of Caribbean islands consisting of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. They are known as America's Caribbean Paradise, offering pristine beaches, turquoise waters, a rich culture and a storied history. Each island has its own unique character, with St. Thomas known for its luxury, St. John attracting honeymooners and nature lovers, and St. Croix offering a glimpse into the islands' colonial heritage. The best time to visit is between April and June, when the weather is mild and dry. The US Virgin Islands are a convenient travel destination for US citizens, as no passport is required and travel is considered domestic. However, a passport is necessary if you plan to visit the nearby British Virgin Islands.
What You'll Learn
Travel requirements for the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands are open to travellers from the US and international travellers, with no restrictions on travel to the islands. However, there are specific requirements for entry depending on your nationality and your point of origin.
US Citizens
US citizens do not need a passport to enter the US Virgin Islands, but they will need to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving the territory. This can be a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, or a passport. A raised-seal birth certificate may also be required. From May 7, 2025, US travellers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
International Travellers
International travellers must follow the same rules and customs as when travelling to the US. A valid passport is required, and a US visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) may be needed, depending on your nationality. Non-US citizens/non-US immigrants must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status within the USVI travel portal. Tests must be taken within 24 hours of travel by air or within 5 days if travelling by ferry.
COVID-19 Requirements
As of May 2023, non-citizen, non-immigrant air passengers do not need to be fully vaccinated to board a flight to the US Virgin Islands. However, travellers should check for the latest health warnings and guidance before travelling.
Ferry Travel
All commercial ferry and private water taxi vessels entering or leaving the US Virgin Islands must comply with the maximum capacity certified by the US Coast Guard. Vessels can only operate at 75% of their occupant capacity.
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Getting to St Thomas
St. Thomas is one of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, along with St. John and St. Croix. It is known for its luxury—from megayachts in the harbour to high-end storefronts along Main Street.
Getting to St. Thomas
There are two ways to get to the Virgin Islands: by air or by sea.
By Air
If you're flying to St. Thomas, you will land at the Cyril E. King Airport, about 3 miles west of the central business district in Charlotte Amalie on Route 30. From there, you can take a taxi to your hotel or villa.
Flights from mainland cities in North America and overseas often connect through Miami or San Juan. Direct flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands are available from several U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Miami, and San Juan.
By Sea
Ferries from St. Thomas are the most efficient way of getting to St. John (which has no airport) or even the British Virgin Islands.
Taking a cruise is also a popular way to travel to the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, and St. Croix also accommodates cruise ships. Popular cruise lines that include St. Thomas and St. Croix on their Caribbean itineraries include Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, Disney, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Seabourn Cruise Line.
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Where to stay in St Thomas
St. Thomas is known for its luxury, from the mega yachts in the harbour to the high-end shops along Main Street. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from luxury resorts to private villas. Here are some of the best places to stay in St. Thomas:
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is the number 1 resort in St. Thomas. It offers spacious suites that can accommodate up to 6 people, with prices ranging from $1000 to $2500 per night depending on the season. The resort has multiple pools, a private beach, water sports, and an Italian restaurant. It is also conveniently located near popular attractions such as Magens Bay.
Belle Vue Villa
Belle Vue Villa is a newly renovated five-bedroom villa located just minutes from Hull Bay Beach. It offers stunning sunset views, a large private pool, and spacious living and dining areas. The master bedroom includes a private outdoor shower and direct access to the jacuzzi and plunge pool. The price starts at $1800 per night.
Lovango Resort
Lovango Resort is a private island eco-resort located just a short ferry ride from St. Thomas. It offers a mix of luxury and adventure, with accommodations ranging from hillside villas to glamping tents. The Beach Club has private cabanas and an infinity pool, and the resort offers amazing snorkelling opportunities. Prices start at $1650 per night.
Crosswinds Villa
Crosswinds Villa is a three-bedroom property located in the exclusive Peterborg area, offering privacy and stunning ocean views. It features a large great room, private balconies for each bedroom, a master bedroom with an outdoor shower and soaking tub, and an outdoor grill and dining area. The price starts at $400 per night.
Marriott Frenchman’s Cove Hotel
The Marriott Frenchman’s Cove is a classic choice for families and groups, offering spacious two-bedroom villas with full kitchens and private balconies. The resort has multiple pools and direct access to a calm, swimmable beach. It is also conveniently located near restaurants and shops, with prices starting at $850 per night.
Azure Vista
Azure Vista is a five-bedroom villa located in Wintberg Estate, offering luxurious and comfortable accommodations for up to 10 guests. It features an open floor plan with a spacious kitchen, dining area, and living room. Each bedroom has a private balcony or garden view, and the infinity pool offers breathtaking views of Magens Bay. Prices start at $600 per night.
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How long to stay in the Virgin Islands
The length of your stay in the Virgin Islands depends on what you want to do and see. The islands offer sophisticated dining, turquoise waters, and quaint towns. The US Virgin Islands are made up of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, each with its own unique character.
If you're only visiting St. Thomas, some travelers suggest that 5 nights is enough time to see the island. You can take a day trip to St. John and go on a sailing trip, leaving you with 2 full days to enjoy the beach on St. Thomas. However, others recommend staying for a full week to see everything. If you're an avid explorer, you might even find that 7 days is not enough to fit in all the activities you want to do.
St. Thomas and St. John are close to each other, with regular ferry services, so it's easy to island-hop between the two. St. Croix, on the other hand, is more isolated and doesn't offer the same convenience.
For a more comprehensive trip, you can divide your time between the three main islands. Spend the first four days in St. Thomas, exploring the beaches, going snorkeling, and visiting the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. Then, spend 3 days in St. Croix, staying at a resort and exploring the island by car. On your final day, take a day trip to Buck Island Reef National Monument for snorkeling and viewing the coral reef.
If you're a US citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the US Virgin Islands. However, if you're planning to visit the British Virgin Islands during your stay, you will need to bring your passport.
The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is from April to June, when you can expect mild weather and little rainfall. The peak season, from December to March, sees temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s, with breezy evenings. July to October is the region's hurricane season, with average temperatures in the upper 80s.
No matter how long you stay in the Virgin Islands, you're sure to enjoy your time in this tropical paradise.
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Getting around the Virgin Islands
The best way to get around the Virgin Islands is by car, taxi, ferry, or cruise.
If you want to travel between the US Virgin Islands, the best way is by car or taxi. You can rent a car at or near one of the two airports: the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas or the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix. Rental car agencies are located on each island, and car barges will allow you to transport your vehicle between islands. However, driving in the US Virgin Islands can be challenging due to narrow, winding, steep, and bumpy roads.
Each island also offers its own public transportation, which is affordable but not always reliable. Vitran buses circulate on St. Thomas and St. John, connecting popular tourist attractions. On St. Croix, buses run between Christiansted and Frederiksted approximately every 2.5 hours, with stops at shopping centres and tourist sites. Bus fares are between 75 cents and $1 per person, depending on age.
Licensed taxis are also available on all the islands and can be found in downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, or by the docks in St. John and St. Croix. Taxis are a great way to get around the islands, but they are not metered, so be sure to negotiate your fare before accepting the ride.
Ferries are another option for travelling between the US Virgin Islands and for day trips to the British Virgin Islands. Ferries frequently depart from the Red Hook dock in St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John, or Tortola, BVI. Charters are also available between St. Thomas and Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke, BVI. Passenger ferries between St. Thomas and St. John cost $8.15 one way or $16.30 round trip for adults. Ferries from St. Thomas to St. Croix cost $50 each way, with additional fees for luggage.
To get to the British Virgin Islands, you will likely need to take a boat as there are no direct flights from the United States to this island chain. Many people fly into St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and then ferry over. You can also take a connecting flight from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, or St. Maarten to Tortola Airport (EIS). Once in the British Virgin Islands, you may need to take another ferry or sail between the various islands that make up the archipelago.
On larger islands like Virgin Gorda or Tortola, you can rent a car or take a taxi to get around. Taxis are readily available near the ferry docks and airports, and they can also serve as tour guides. However, rates vary by island or cay and are determined by the distance travelled and the number of passengers.
For a cheaper option, you can take an open-air safari bus to well-known tourist spots. These buses hold around 20 people and charge between $2 and $5 for a one-way trip from the ferry dock to popular destinations.
Finally, taking a cruise is a popular way to travel to both the US and British Virgin Islands. St. Thomas and St. Croix are common cruise ports, with popular cruise lines including Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a passport if you are travelling from the United States to the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, you will need a passport if you are travelling from outside the U.S. or if you plan to visit the British Virgin Islands.
You will need to show a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than 5 days before your departure. You must also upload your test results to the USVI Travel Screening Portal and get approved before leaving.
The best way to get around the Virgin Islands is by car, either a rental or taxi. You can rent a car at the islands' two airports: the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix. There are also ferry services connecting the islands.
The Virgin Islands offer a range of activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, exploring historic sites, and enjoying the beaches. You can also visit the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of the island of St. John.
