Welcome to United States Virgin Islands

Unique Facts

• Pirates were a big deal here in the late 1600s. A few of the notables include Captain Kidd, Tempest Rogers and Black Sam Bellamy.
• There are two bioluminescent bays in the US Virgin Islands: Salt River Bay and Altona Lagoon. A local tour guide can best help you see these glowing marine plankton and jellyfish.
• Tiny Water Island, off the south coast of Saint Thomas, recently joined the USVI’s three main islands. It’s just 492 acres and gets its name from its many freshwater ponds.
• Quelbe folk music originated in the US Virgin Islands. Islanders call it “scratch band music” and players use all manner of household objects (anything that can be “scratched up”) to tell stories through music.
• The second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere is in Charlotte Amalie. The Synagogue of Saint Thomas was built in 1833 and sits on a hill in the center of town.

Language

The United States Virgin Islands’ official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Turks and Caicos is April and May, when the prices are lower and the crowds are fewer. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Airports

Rohlsen International Airport, St. Croix
Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas

Passport Validity

No passport required for US citizens

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting the United States Virgin Islands: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage: 110V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: United States Dollar

Getting Around

The best way to get around in the United States Virgin Islands is by rental car or taxi. Ferries run between St. Thomas and St. John.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

n/a

Local Visitor Info

US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Charlotte Amalie
St. Thomas 00802
Tel: +1 340-774-8784

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occasionally occur. Do not leave valuable unattended and avoid walking along, particularly at night.