Country guides
Caribbean
Electricity
The U.S. Virgin Islands use a 120-volt, 60Hz system, and standard two-flat-pin plugs like those in the U.S. are the norm.
Language
English is the official language. Spanish, Creole and some French are also spoken.
Money
The official currency of the U.S. Virgin Islands is the U.S. Dollar (USD), divided into 100 cents. Most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, are widely accepted and can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. Digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also increasingly accepted, especially at hotels, restaurants and larger retailers that support contactless payments. However, smaller businesses and taxis may not accept digital payments, so it's a good idea to carry some cash or a physical card as a backup. Currency exchange services are limited, and many banks and hotels do not exchange foreign money, so travellers should arrive with U.S. Dollars.
Tipping
Tipping 15 to 20 percent is customary for good service, though some hotels and restaurants may automatically include a service charge and room tax in the bill.
Health
Tap water is usually safe in the main towns, but it's best to stick with bottled or filtered water, especially on St. Croix. Medical facilities on St. Thomas and St. Croix are good, but care can be pricey, so travel insurance (including evacuation coverage) is a smart idea. No special vaccines are needed, but visitors should make sure their regular ones are up to date.
Safety
The U.S. Virgin Islands are generally safe for travellers, and most visits are trouble-free. However, it's wise to take normal precautions against petty crime, especially in less busy areas or backstreets at night. Visitors should avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach while snorkelling or swimming.
Local customs
Politeness is important in the US Virgin Islands and people customarily greet others before asking questions or requesting assistance. Locals may also be heard thanking jumbi (spirits) for good luck or blaming them for misfortune.
Doing business
The economy of the US Virgin Islands mainly depends on tourism, although petroleum refining takes place on St. Croix. Like many other Caribbean territories, the atmosphere is generally relaxed and formal business attire is usually not required. People are friendly and polite, and it's common for both men and women to shake hands when they meet. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with lunch breaks around noon.
Duty free
Travellers may bring in up to 100 cigars, or 200 cigarettes, or 2 kilograms of smoking tobacco, along with one US quart (approximately 0.95 litres) of alcohol duty-free.
Communications
The international country code for the US Virgin Islands is +1 340. WiFi is generally accessible and travellers with unlocked phones can purchase local SIM cards.
Passport & Visa
Entry to the US Virgin Islands follows the same rules as entry to the United States. U.S. citizens arriving from the mainland do not need a passport, only a valid government-issued photo ID or birth certificate. Visitors from countries in the Visa Waiver Program must have a biometric passport with an embedded chip and digital photo, along with an approved ESTA application submitted at least 72 hours before travel. ESTA is required for arrivals by air or sea. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the traveller's intended stay. Upon arrival, non-U.S. citizens are photographed and have ten inkless fingerprints taken by Customs and Border Protection. Travel between the U.S. and nearby regions, such as Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Central America, typically requires a valid passport or other approved travel documents.
Entry requirements
A valid US passport is required. A visa is not required.
UK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to the US Virgin Islands. British Citizens require a passport valid for duration of stay. Passports with other endorsements must be valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), most British citizens do not require a visa for holiday, transit, or business purposes provided that their passports are machine-readable, the stay does not exceed 90 days, a return or onward ticket is held, and they check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure to register.
Canadians require a passport valid for duration of stay but a visa is not required. Visitors should hold tickets and documents required for return or onward destination.
Australian nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay but do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Passports need to be machine-readable, a return or onward ticket is required, and Australians must check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay, and a visa is required. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.
Irish nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay, but as Ireland qualifies for the US Visa Waiver Programme, visas are not required for tourists or business stays of up to 90 days. Visitors must have machine-readable passports, return or onward tickets, and they must register on the ESTA site before departure.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay but do not need visas for stays of up to 90 days. New Zealanders require machine-readable passports and return or onward tickets, and must register on the US government ESTA website before departure.