The U.S. Virgin Islands consists of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, and 50 other surrounding minor islands and cays. The total land area of the territory is 133.73 square miles (346.36 km2). The territory’s capital is Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas.
In 1493, Christopher Columbus visited these islands. He had been searching for a route to India and consequently he called the people he encountered Indians. Columbus named the beautiful islands ‘The Virgins’ in reference to the legendary beauty of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.
As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination.
St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands nestled in the Caribbean, an unincorporated U.S. territory whose residents are U.S. citizens, although they are ineligible to vote in Presidential elections. Therefore it is not necessary to travel with a passport to visit St.
U.S. Virgin Islands/Official languages
There are a wide variety of languages spoken in the U.S. Virgin Islands: English is currently the dominant language. English has been the predominant language since 1917, when the islands were transferred from Denmark to the United States. Spanish is spoken by about 17% of the population.May 6, 2021
Croix is objectively superior to the other regarding tourist destinations. They both have lovely beaches, great views, and historical landmarks. That said, St. Thomas has more adventure and thrilling types of attractions.
Winner: US Virgin Islands. Both the BVI and USVI have much of the same things: national parks, beaches, water sports, and hiking trails. But ultimately, the US Virgin Islands has bigger national parks and things to do at them, and since everything else is mostly equal, it’s my pick for better tourist attractions.
The USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands) are a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit, and this applies to every island in the territory (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.)
Native name: Waladli or Wadadli | |
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Population | 95,882 (July 2018) |
Pop. density | 285.2/km2 (738.7/sq mi) |
Buying Process, Fees & Taxes
Yes, foreigners can buy property in the US Virgin Islands and the Government of the US Virgin Islands welcomes investment from overseas buyers.
A Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, is not required to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands from the continental United States. However, this card comes in handy along with a birth certificate to prove status if asked about it at any airport or security checkpoint.
The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is April to June, when you can expect mild weather and very little rainfall. In the USVI’s peak season, from December to March, the temperature ranges from the mid-70s to high 80s with breezy evenings.
Thomas does not have Uber or Lyft. However, there are numerous Taxi Associations and private drivers on St. Thomas.
U.S. Virgin Islands/Currencies
As a U.S. territory, the currency is the U.S. dollar. Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found throughout all three islands. Most establishments accept credit cards and traveler’s checks.
As in most Caribbean countries, Christianity is the dominant religion in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Protestantism is most prevalent, reflecting the territory’s Danish colonial heritage. There is also a strong Roman Catholic presence.
People from the Virgin Islands are called Virgin Islanders and based on the island of residence are called St. Thomian, St. Johnian, Crucian and Water Islanders respectively. The first people known to have inhabited what is today the Virgin Islands were the Carib, Arawak and Ciboney Indians.
Phones operating in the mainland U.S. under those plans will usually operate seamlessly, and without any excess roaming charges, in the U.S.V.I. … If your cellphone is not equipped for reception and transmission in the U.S.V.I.
The quick answer is yes, you need a car. With so many places to explore on the island, driving is truly the best and easiest way to get around. You can take taxis, but it can often be a hassle to get a return ride.
Drinking Water
The water is safe to drink at most establishments. Your hotel or villa will tell you if they recommend against drinking tap water; if they don’t mention it you can ask. Bottled water is available in stores and at restaurants if you wish to purchase it.
The cost of living in the U.S. Virgin Islands is higher than on the U.S. mainland. On average, apartments cost $2,000 per month. A two-bedroom house costs at least $285,000. Not everyone can afford health care on the U.S. Virgin Islands.
St John’s beaches are probably considered better, because of the incredibly gorgeous views and great snorkeling, but St Croix has more accommodations on beaches than St John. Both have lots of good restaurants.
Saint Lucia | |
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Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
Time zone | UTC−4 |
Driving side | left |
Calling code | +1 758 |
island of St. John
Some of the best beaches in the US Virgin Islands can be found on the island of St. John and its northern shore. St. John is known for having some of the world’s most protected beaches in the world.Jun 10, 2020
The U.S. Virgin Islands has reopened to travel with enhanced health and safety protocols in place amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. … Thomas—is among the most accessible to Americans, who won’t need a passport to visit or a negative COVID-19 test result to return home to the mainland U.S. after their trip.
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