Travel Requirements: Unlocking The Us Virgin Islands

what are the requirements to travel to us virgin islands

The US Virgin Islands are a popular tourist destination, known as America's Caribbean Paradise. They offer a unique blend of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history. Visitors can explore the islands' colonial heritage and the history of slavery at forts and plantations, as well as enjoy pristine beaches and turquoise waters. The islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix each offer something different, from luxury yachts and shopping to dedicated parkland and nature.

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport to enter the US Virgin Islands, but a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, is required. However, a valid passport is necessary if you plan to visit the nearby British Virgin Islands. International travellers to the US Virgin Islands will need a valid passport and may also need a US visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), depending on their nationality.

There are currently no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry to the US Virgin Islands, but travellers are advised to be mindful of health risks and check for updates before their trip.

Characteristics Values
Vaccination Status No restrictions for vaccinated or unvaccinated visitors from the US
COVID-19 Test Not required for visitors from the US
Quarantine Not required for visitors from the US
Masks Not required in public spaces
Travel Documents US citizens: government-issued photo ID or passport. International travellers: passport and US visa or ESTA
Driving US driver's license can be used. International Driving Permit recommended.
Currency US Dollar
Power Outages Common
Crime Petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs. Violent crime is rare but also occurs.
Hazards Riptides, scooter accidents, dangerous wildlife (including bats and mosquitoes), hurricanes

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A passport is not required for US citizens, but is needed for travel to the British Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States, and as such, US citizens do not need a passport to travel there. However, they will need to show proof of their citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License or a birth certificate. They will also need to provide a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay.

When travelling to the US Virgin Islands, US citizens can enjoy the conveniences of domestic travel, including online check-in. However, it is important to note that the islands have experienced power outages that can impact essential services such as banking transactions and the purchase of basic necessities.

On the other hand, the British Virgin Islands are a separate territory, and a passport is required for US citizens to enter. This is because the British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas Territory. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay and ideally for an additional six months after your planned departure date. It should also be in good condition and have enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps, and a visa if one is required.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, you may be able to enter the British Virgin Islands with your shipboard ID and a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document that allows you to re-enter your home country. For example, US citizens can enter with an original or notarized birth certificate and a valid photo ID. However, it is still recommended that you carry a valid passport in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires you to disembark and return by air.

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US citizens can use their driver's license as a government-issued photo ID

The US Virgin Islands are a US territory, so the rules applying to US citizens are the same as for domestic travel. If you're a US citizen travelling from the mainland US or Puerto Rico, you don't need a passport to enter the US Virgin Islands. You can use your driver's license as a government-issued photo ID. This is because travelling to the US Virgin Islands is considered domestic travel for US citizens.

From May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant photo identification will be required to board all US domestic flights, including flights to and from the US Virgin Islands.

While the US Virgin Islands do not require a passport, you will need to present a photo ID before you take off for your flight. You will also need a photo ID to return to the US mainland.

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Vaccination status is not a requirement for entry, but travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines

The US Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States, and as such, travellers from the US do not need a passport to enter. However, a passport is the best form of identification when travelling, and non-US citizens will need a passport issued by their country of origin.

While vaccination status is not a requirement for entry to the US Virgin Islands, it is important to be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travelling. This is because, while the islands may not require proof of vaccination, the country you are travelling from might. Additionally, being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines will help to protect you and others from the virus, which is still a global health risk.

It is also recommended that travellers to the US Virgin Islands are up to date with routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza. This is because travellers may be at risk of contracting preventable diseases while in the US Virgin Islands, and being vaccinated will help to protect you and others.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the US Virgin Islands have banned the use and possession of sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene. This is to protect the islands' ecosystem, so it is essential to use "reef-safe" sunscreen that does not contain these ingredients.

Finally, it is worth noting that the US Virgin Islands consist of three islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Each island offers something different, from luxury yachts and high-end stores on St. Thomas to pristine beaches and dedicated parkland on St. John. St. Croix allows visitors to explore the colonial heritage and history of slavery at forts and plantations, and it is also home to the Cruzan Rum Distillery.

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There are no longer any COVID-19 health requirements or screenings for travellers

When travelling to the US Virgin Islands, there are no longer any COVID-19 health requirements or screenings for travellers. However, it is important to check the latest government travel advice and entry requirements before your trip, as these can change at any time.

Currently, most visitors from the United States, regardless of their vaccination status, can enter the US Virgin Islands without restrictions. US citizens travelling directly to the US Virgin Islands do not need a passport, although it is highly recommended to carry one. If you are returning to the mainland US from the US Virgin Islands through another country, such as Mexico or Bermuda, you will need a passport to re-enter.

Non-US citizens visiting the US Virgin Islands need a passport and a US visa, unless they are from a country that is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows certain nationalities to stay in the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. It is recommended to check the website of the US State Department for the list of countries included in the VWP.

In addition to travel documents, there are a few other things to keep in mind when travelling to the US Virgin Islands. Firstly, customs officials may ask to see proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay, as well as a return or onward ticket. Secondly, there are restrictions on what goods you can bring into the country, particularly certain foodstuffs and plants. Finally, the US Virgin Islands regularly experience power outages, which can impact essential services such as banking transactions and the purchase of basic necessities. It is recommended to keep a supply of water, food, fuel, and an emergency kit on hand.

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The US Virgin Islands uses the same electrical standard as the mainland US

To travel to the US Virgin Islands, there are no major requirements for US citizens, who can enjoy the conveniences of domestic travel. However, it is always good to be prepared. The US Virgin Islands comprise St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, and are known for their rich culture, history, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and friendly people.

Electrical Standards in the US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands use the same electrical standards as the mainland US, so you won't need a power converter if travelling from the US. The voltage in the US Virgin Islands is 110V, which is very similar to the 120V used in the US, and the frequency is 60Hz.

The power outlets used are type B and A, with type B being the primary power supply. The type B power outlet can be identified by its two slots for live and neutral blades and a semicircular hole for the earthed pin. The type A outlet has two thin slots adjacent to each other.

If you are travelling from the US, you will not need a plug adapter as US plugs will fit into the type B power outlets in the US Virgin Islands. However, type A outlets will require a power plug adapter. It is recommended to bring a multiple USB travel power adapter to power multiple devices with a single charger.

If you are travelling with many electronic devices, it may be useful to bring a travel power strip, which can power multiple appliances simultaneously and also convert voltage for low-wattage devices.

For those who intend to use high-wattage appliances like hair dryers or curling irons, a power converter will be necessary.

Frequently asked questions

If you are a US citizen, you don't need a passport to enter the US Virgin Islands, but it might be helpful to bring one in case you are asked to show proof of citizenship. If you are planning to visit the British Virgin Islands, you will need a passport.

Items that cannot be imported into the US Virgin Islands include meat or meat products, narcotics and certain medicines, alcohol containing artemisia absinthium, plants, seeds, vegetables and fruits, soil, livestock and animal pests, unprepared fish and fish eggs, and imports from embargoed countries (Iran, Myanmar and Sudan).

If you are a US citizen, you won't need a visa. Non-US citizens planning to stay long-term will need to apply for a suitable visa, such as an H1B, H2B or student visa.

The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is between April and June, when the weather is mild and there is little rainfall.

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