The U.S. Virgin Islands, also known as the USVI, is a tried and true unspoiled Caribbean paradise! It’s no wonder it’s on the bucket list for many travelers to rejuvenate. The question is, “Are the US Virgin Islands safe?”. We’ll unpack updates of the latest travel safety tips in this blog. Curious how other countries compare? We routinely update all of our travel safety guides!
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Can you currently travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes! Travel to the US Virgin Islands for non-essential tourism ramped back up on September 13, 2020. Hotels and other types of accommodations are allowed to welcome guests. This means the airports are open too! Before you book your trip, though, make sure you’re aware of the U.S. Virgin Islands travel requirements below.
Don’t forget to protect your vacation investment with in case something unexpected causes you to cancel your vacation. Get a free travel insurance quote today!
Are the U.S. Virgin Islands Safe?
Yes, the US Virgin Islands are fairly safe to visit. Be mindful that areas of St. John and St. Croix have increased in crime in recent years. Use the resources below to keep tabs on any changes to the safety status in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Places to Avoid in the U.S. Virgin Islands for Safety Reasons
While the U.S. Virgin Islands are generally safe for tourists, there are a few areas where visitors should exercise extra caution or avoid altogether, especially after dark.
- Sion Farm (St. Croix) – This neighborhood has experienced higher rates of violent and property crimes compared to other parts of the island. Much of the crime is related to gangs here. Travelers are advised to steer clear of this area to ensure a worry-free visit.
- Watergut (St. Croix) – Similar to Sion Farm, Watergut has seen increased crime activity. Avoiding this area, particularly at night, helps minimize risk.
- Certain Isolated or Poorly Lit Areas in Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) – While Charlotte Amalie is a popular tourist hub, some isolated streets and less populated zones can be less secure after dark. The good news is that tourists aren’t usually targeted, and most incidents happen via personal disputes between locals. Staying in well-trafficked areas and using reputable transportation is recommended.
Travel Safety Tips for Visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands
Avoid Displaying Valuables or Cash
This will help reduce the risk of petty theft in the Virgin Islands. Use a money belt or hidden pouch to carry important documents and cash. Limit smartphone and jewelry use in public, especially in crowded markets or beaches, to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Use waterproof pouches or lockers when swimming or snorkeling. Avoid leaving bags unattended on the sand. Carry only essentials when exploring, and consider anti-theft backpacks or bags with lockable zippers.
Use Reputable Transportation Services
Official taxis and licensed rental cars are the safest options when visiting the US Virgin Islands. If renting a car, always lock doors and park in well-lit, secure areas. Again, these are normal precautions you should take no matter where you’re traveling.
Be Aware of Local Weather Conditions
This is especially true if visiting during hurricane season, which is June through November. Always check forecasts before outdoor activities, and know your accommodation’s emergency procedures. Consider registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for travel alerts.
Can you travel to the Virgin Islands Without a Passport?
If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from the United States, you won’t be required to have a passport to enter the USVI. That’s because it’s a territory of the United States. That being said, it might be helpful to pack it in case you’re asked to show proof of citizenship.
If you plan to visit the BVI, then you’ll definitely need your passport since you’ll be in a foreign territory. One thing you may not know about travel insurance is that it can be put to use if your travel documents get lost or stolen while on your trip.
How do you get to the US Virgin Islands?
The easiest way is by flying into one of the main airports:
- Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix
Both airports offer direct flights from major U.S. cities, making travel convenient and straightforward. Once there, travelers can use ferries or local transportation to explore the islands. There are usually transport vans near the airport that take travelers to common accommodations for a fee. Drivers always appreciate tips as well! If you need to venture over to the British Virgin Islands, you can use a ferry or book a water taxi.
Popular Tourism Locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands
In no particular order, here are a few spots many people frequent in the USVI.
St. Croix: This island is full of rich history that involved several different countries at different points. You’ll find plenty of gorgeous beaches, farmers’ markets, and festivals in St. Croix. If you want to dive deeper into the culture of this island, try visiting a few of the museums during your stay.
St. John: Nature lovers will love all the outdoor recreation and adventures St. John has to offer. With crystal-clear blue water, it offers some of the best snorkeling and water activities in the Caribbean, and the unspoiled white sand beaches are truly a marvel. This may be the smallest of the islands, but you won’t run out of things to do while you’re here.
St. Thomas: Those seeking to immerse themself in the culture of the USVI should definitely take time to see St. Thomas. The locals here will make your stay feel like you’re at home, and they’ll be sure to offer recommendations on all the spots to note. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, try a yacht charter in St. Thomas to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Which U.S. Virgin Island is the Safest?
Of the three US Virgin Islands, the crime in St. John is the lowest. Theft and burglary are still common here, so don’t put your guard completely down. As we mentioned before, St. Thomas and St. Croix aren’t as safe as they once were due to increased homicides, robberies, and property crimes.
When is the Best Time to Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands?
If you’re searching for fewer crowds, mild weather, and no hurricanes, then you’ll want to visit the islands during the off-season between April and June. The rainy season from June through November means a greater chance of hurricanes and less-than-ideal weather. If you’re looking for a price-conscious vacation, aim for the summer months if you don’t mind higher temperatures and humidity.
U.S. Virgin Islands Resorts & All-Inclusives
There are many stress-free ways to enjoy the USVI! We vote for the resorts and all-inclusives for a much-needed getaway. Don’t forget you can insure the expenses subject to cancellation penalties under your travel insurance policies, not just your airfare. If you aren’t sure what amounts to protect under your plan, be sure to check out our calculation guide. Here are some of the most popular locations in St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort on St. Croix: This family-friendly all-inclusive is a great spot that doesn’t charge extra for much like some other resorts. There are plenty of activities everyone in the family will love. Plus, kids under five eat and stay for free!
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas: If you’re looking for a place to truly relax by the pool or on the beach, this is the resort for you! Your stay includes access to scuba lessons, watersports, and a swim-up bar. Plus, this place is family-run with an affordable price tag!
Marriot Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star on St. Thomas: This hotel is the perfect spot to redeem those Marriot Rewards. Although it’s not an all-inclusive resort, you can book a specific package with another person that includes meals and drinks.
Are the U.S. Virgin Islands a Safe Family-Friendly Destination?
Most definitely! The USVI is an easy destination to visit and offers various outdoor adventures, beaches, and relaxation activities that will spark interest in all travelers. Plus, there are an endless number of Caribbean beaches to explore. Speaking of adventure, there’s even hiking in the Virgin Islands National Park!
We think St. Croix is a great family-friendly destination. It offers various activities for kids of any age –snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding. They even have hermit crab races! Plus, the food is amazing. Who doesn’t love a good barbecue?
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!
Now that you’re aware of what to be prepared for when you travel to the US Virgin Islands, don’t risk losing your trip investment if something ruins your Caribbean vacation plans. It happens all the time –you get sick, a family member passes away, there’s bad weather, or new travel advisories are put in place. You might lose your vacation payments if you have to cancel your vacation because one of these happens, and you don’t have a comprehensive travel insurance plan.
On average, travel insurance for a trip to the US Virgin Islands costs 3 – 8% of the total trip cost. It’s a small price to pay to get your trip costs back if you suddenly have to cancel your trip due to getting sick, a hurricane happening, or a work event popping up.
Buying insurance is a simple process when shopping on Yonder’s comparison site. You can filter plan options based on the types of coverage you’re looking for so you are insured for what you need. If you need help deciding on a policy, reach out to our team of friendly humans for a recommendation!
As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance.
Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.
Tags: coronavirus, travel safety
