United States Visa RequirementsFor US Virgin Islands passport holders
The US Virgin Islands (USVI) is an organized unincorporated US territory. US citizens traveling between the USVI and the US mainland do not need a passport or visa. Foreign nationals must meet the same entry requirements as for the continental United States, including ESTA or a valid US visa.
Great news! US Virgin Islands passport holders can enter United States without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No visa or ESTA is needed for US citizens and permanent residents. For foreign nationals: VWP citizens apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov ($21). Non-VWP citizens apply for a standard US visa at their nearest US Embassy. Entry rules are identical to those for entering any US state.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
US Virgin Islands to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) are an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, acquired from Denmark in 1917. Travel between the USVI and the US mainland is domestic under US law.
US citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a passport to travel between the USVI and the continental United States. A government-issued photo ID is sufficient. However, a US passport is useful for travel to nearby non-US Caribbean islands.
For foreign nationals, the USVI uses the same entry rules as the US mainland. VWP-eligible citizens must hold a valid ESTA. Citizens of non-VWP countries require a valid US nonimmigrant visa. Note that the USVI is not part of the US customs territory, so travelers arriving from the USVI to the continental US may be subject to customs inspection, even if US citizens or permanent residents.
The USVI has a significant tourism economy and is a popular Caribbean destination for US travelers seeking a US-dollar, English-speaking destination without international travel requirements.
How to Get There
Direct flights operate to STT from Miami MIA, New York JFK, Philadelphia PHL, and other US East Coast cities. American Airlines, Delta, and United serve the islands. Flight time from New York is approximately 4 hours; from Miami approximately 3 hours. Seaplane service connects St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the official currency of the USVI. All US bank accounts, cards, and ATMs work normally with no conversion needed. The cost of living in the USVI is slightly higher than the continental US due to shipping costs for imported goods. Tipping follows US norms: 18 to 20 percent in restaurants. Emergency: 911.
Practical Tips
The main airport is Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, with a smaller airport on St. Croix (STX). The USVI drives on the left side of the road despite using US standards in most other areas. US dollars are used everywhere. The islands are a popular cruise destination; ports serve large volumes of international tourists. Emergency: 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a passport to travel to the US Virgin Islands?
No. The US Virgin Islands are a US territory. Travel between the USVI and the US mainland is domestic travel for US citizens. A government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license is sufficient for TSA check-in. A passport is not required, though it is useful if you plan to visit nearby non-US islands.
Do foreign visitors need a US visa to visit the USVI?
Yes. Foreign nationals must meet the same US entry requirements to visit the USVI as for any US state. VWP citizens need a valid ESTA; citizens of non-VWP countries need a valid US nonimmigrant visa.
Which islands make up the US Virgin Islands?
The main islands are St. Thomas (home to the capital Charlotte Amalie and the main airport STT), St. John (a national park island known for hiking and beaches), and St. Croix (the largest island, with a separate airport STX). There are also several smaller uninhabited islands.
Does the USVI use US dollars and English?
Yes. The US dollar is the official currency and English is the official language. US bank cards work without conversion or foreign fees. Prices and services follow US standards.
Why does the USVI drive on the left?
This is a historical anomaly. The islands were purchased from Denmark in 1917, when they drove on the left. The road network and cars were set up accordingly. Despite becoming a US territory, the USVI retained left-hand traffic. US-spec cars are sold there with the steering wheel on the left, which makes left-hand driving an unusual arrangement compared to most left-hand-traffic countries.
Can I take a day trip from the USVI to the British Virgin Islands?
Yes. The British Virgin Islands are a short ferry ride from St. Thomas or St. John. However, traveling to the BVI means leaving the US and entering a British Overseas Territory. US citizens will need a valid US passport to re-enter the USVI from the BVI. Non-US travelers with a US visa should check BVI entry requirements separately.