Alain Brady
The US Virgin Islands are a United States Territory, meaning that US citizens do not need a passport to travel there. However, a passport is required for all non-US citizens entering from any foreign destination and for all travellers upon departure. The islands can be reached by air or sea, with flights available from the US mainland to St Thomas and St Croix, and cruise ships also serving as a popular mode of transport. St Thomas is the most popular cruise ship destination in the Caribbean, with St Croix and St John also accommodating cruise liners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ways to travel | By air or by sea |
| Airports | Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St Thomas, Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St Croix |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, Cape Air, Spirit Airlines |
| Ferry | Public ferry between St Thomas and St John, Car ferry between St Thomas and St John, Ferry between St Thomas and British Virgin Islands |
| Cruise | Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line Disney, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Int., Seabourn Cruise Line, Topaz International Shipping |
| Yacht | Yacht charters available |
| Currency | US dollar |
| Tipping | 15-20% is standard |
| Best time to visit | April to June |
| Sunscreen | Banned oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene |
What You'll Learn
Travel by air or sea
The US Virgin Islands are a popular tourist destination, known for their natural beauty, colonial history, and luxury experiences. The islands can be accessed by air or sea, with varying travel times and costs depending on your origin and chosen mode of transportation.
Travel by Air
If you are travelling from the United States, there are several airports you can fly out of to reach the US Virgin Islands. These include:
- General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix are the two airports in the US Virgin Islands that you can fly into. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to get around the islands.
Travel by Sea
Taking a cruise is another popular way to travel to the US Virgin Islands, especially to the island of St. Thomas, which is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. Popular cruise lines to the islands include Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
Ferries are also an option for getting around the islands, with regular routes between St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island.
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No passport needed for US citizens
The US Virgin Islands are a United States Territory, so US citizens do not need a passport when travelling there from Puerto Rico or the US mainland. This makes travelling to the US Virgin Islands easier than ever, with all the conveniences of domestic travel, including online check-in.
There are two ways to get to the Virgin Islands: by air or by sea. The main airport is the Cyril E. King Airport in St Thomas, with the smaller Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St Croix. There are daily, non-stop flights to St Thomas and St Croix from many cities across the US, including New York, Miami, and Chicago. Commuter airlines can transport you between the islands in as little as 17 minutes.
If you'd prefer to travel by sea, you can take a cruise or a yacht. St Thomas is the most popular cruise ship destination in the Caribbean, with more than 1,000 arrivals each year. Many cruises require that you fly to Puerto Rico to board the ship, but some itineraries begin on the US mainland, primarily in Miami, Florida.
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Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas
The Cyril E. King Airport (IATA: STT, ICAO: TIST, FAA LID: STT) is located on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. It is the main airport of the USVI and one of the busiest airports in the eastern Caribbean. It is situated on the southwestern side of St. Thomas, approximately two miles west of the capital city, Charlotte Amalie. The airport covers 280 acres of land and features a 7,000-foot-long asphalt runway, which is one of the largest deep-water, dredged runways in the Caribbean. The two-story airport terminal was built in November 1990 and measures 190,000 square feet on the first floor, with 11 gates and 60,000 square feet on the top floor.
The airport is open from 6 am to 11 pm, with aircraft rescue and firefighting services available during those hours. The Air Traffic Control Tower operates from 7 am to 9:30 pm, and the runway is open 24 hours. The airport offers daily, nonstop flights to various destinations in the United States, including New York, Newark, Baltimore, Atlanta, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. There are also connecting flights available to Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Miami, and Atlanta via San Juan.
The terminal has two departure areas. The main section serves flights to the United States and Puerto Rico, with a restaurant and bar, gift shop, and duty-free store. The three smaller departure lounges serve international and St. Croix departures. Arriving passengers from the United States and Puerto Rico over the age of 18 are greeted with complimentary samples of Cruzan Rum.
The airport has undergone modernisation and expansion projects, including plans for a new departure lounge and the installation of jet bridges. In 2019, a $2 million grant was awarded for the airport's modernisation, with each of the four construction phases expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
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St. Thomas cruise ship destination
St. Thomas is the most popular cruise ship destination in the Caribbean, with over 1000 arrivals each year. The island is served by two cruise ports: The West India Company Dock (known as Havensight) and Crown Bay. Most cruise ships will dock at the Havensight Pier, a short taxi ride from downtown Charlotte Amalie. However, some ships anchor in the Charlotte Amalie harbour, and if the port is busy, ships must dock at Crown Point Marina, west of the city.
The Havensight dock area has been developed with a large shopping mall, eateries, and a post office, all within walking distance of the ships. Crown Bay, a former naval base, is St. Thomas' newest cruise port, with ships docking on either side of a single pier. Walking from Crown Bay to downtown is challenging, so taxis are the preferred mode of transport.
St. Thomas offers some of the best photo opportunities in the Caribbean. The island boasts beautiful beaches, such as Magens Bay Beach, and attractions like Coral World, where you can get up close to sea horses and tropical fish. You can also charter a sailboat to explore secret coves and turquoise bays or enjoy water sports and ecotours.
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Best time to visit is April to June
US Virgin Islands: Best Time to Visit
April to June: Mild Weather and Fewer Tourists
The US Virgin Islands are a sought-after destination, known for their hospitality, quaint towns, nature, and astonishing beaches. The best time to visit is April to June, when you can expect mild weather and very little rainfall. This period falls between the peak season and the hurricane season, making it ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the clear blue skies.
Weather Conditions
In April, May and June, the temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 80.6°F to 89°F. This is the perfect time to visit if you want to make the most of the sunshine and explore the islands. The capital, Charlotte Amalie, sees average temperatures fluctuating between 80°F and 86°F in April, while in May, temperatures rise slightly, ranging from 82°F to 87°F. June is the warmest of these months, with temperatures varying between 84°F and 89°F.
Advantages of Visiting During This Period
This period offers a great balance: fewer tourists, comfortable temperatures, and affordable prices. You can expect pleasant weather with little rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities and beach days. The risk of hurricanes is also lower during these months, giving you peace of mind during your travels.
Travel Tips
When travelling to the US Virgin Islands, US citizens can benefit from the conveniences of domestic travel, including online check-in. However, keep in mind that a passport is required for all but US citizens upon departure. The main airport, Cyril E. King Airport, is located in St. Thomas, with daily nonstop flights from major US cities. St. Croix also has an airport, Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, offering convenient connections.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport to travel to the US Virgin Islands. However, you will need a passport if you plan to visit the British Virgin Islands during your stay.
The best way to get around the US Virgin Islands is by car, either a rental or taxi. You can rent a car at or near one of the islands' two airports: Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas or Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix.
The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is between April and June, when the weather is mild and there is little rainfall.
Each island offers something different. St. Thomas is known for its luxury, from megayachts to high-end stores. St. John, a short ferry ride from St. Thomas, appeals to honeymooners and nature lovers with its pristine beaches and dedicated parkland. St. Croix, located in the Caribbean Sea, allows visitors to explore colonial history and the islands' colonial heritage.
