Skip to content
Voykit

Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

country

US Virgin IslandsUS Virgin Islands

First trip: 4 nights on St John for the national park and beaches (sleep on St Thomas only if St John is full), then 3 on St Croix by short flight or seaplane.

Not field-verified

The US Virgin Islands (St Thomas, St John and St Croix) are an unincorporated territory of the United States, so US entry rules apply; travellers flying back to the mainland go through a US customs check before departure. St Thomas has the main airport and cruise port, St John is mostly national park, and St Croix is larger and quieter. Cars drive on the left here, and hurricane season (June–November) is the main planning constraint.

Regions

St Johnplanned

Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay and Cruz Bay

3–5 nights

St Thomasplanned

Main airport, Charlotte Amalie and the cruise port

1–3 nights

St Croixplanned

Christiansted, Frederiksted, Buck Island reef

3–5 nights

Arrive

STT

Cyril E. King (St Thomas)

About 30–45 min by taxi to Red Hook for the St John ferry

STX

Henry E. Rohlsen (St Croix)

About 20–30 min to Christiansted

Time math

4 days
St John 4 (ferry from St Thomas)
7 days
St John 4 + St Croix 3
10 days
St Thomas 2 + St John 4 + St Croix 4

Country rules

Inherited by every page below
  • Entry follows US rules: international visitors need a US visa or ESTA as for the mainland. US citizens need no passport from the mainland, but must clear customs when leaving for the mainland.
  • The British Virgin Islands are a separate British territory: a ferry trip there is an international crossing and needs a passport.
  • Protect the reefs: do not stand on coral, and follow national park rules on St John.

Etiquette

  • Beachwear is for the beach: cover up in towns and shops.
  • Greet people before asking for anything; 'good morning' and 'good afternoon' are expected.
  • Share-ride safari taxis stop on request: signal clearly and pay as you get off.
St Thomas Carnival (usually after Easter)
Charlotte Amalie is busy; roads close for parades.
Crucian Christmas Festival (late December–early January)
St Croix's carnival; hotels fill.
Hurricane season (Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct)
Storms can close airports and ports for days; ferries and small flights are cancelled first.

Money & passes

Cash necessity: 2/5

  • Currency is the US dollar (USD).
  • Cards work in most places; carry cash for safari taxis, beach bars and tips.
  • Tipping follows US practice.

Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry

Safety

  • Traffic drives on the left, although most cars are left-hand drive: take extra care at junctions and when overtaking.
  • Emergency: 911.
  • Crime is higher in parts of St Thomas and St Croix, especially after dark: use taxis at night.
  • Sun and sea: the sun is strong all year; watch for currents and rip tides on unpatrolled beaches, and swim where locals swim.
  • Hurricane season (Jun–Nov): follow local warnings and your airline; if a storm is forecast, leave early or shelter where your accommodation tells you.

The US Virgin Islands are a short ferry from the British Virgin Islands and a short flight from Puerto Rico.

Open Americas

Sources