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 travel insurance 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, these Caribbean 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.
Are there any COVID-19 travel restrictions?
Use the links below to find updated information on current restrictions if you want to travel to the US Virgin Islands.
PRO TIP: If you’re concerned about potentially contracting COVID-19 while traveling, purchasing a travel insurance policy could reimburse any medical expenses you incur or any additional costs if it delays your return home. It might even be helpful to look into purchasing a more flexible cancellation policy in which you can cancel your vacation for any reason at all and receive a partial reimbursement of your trip cost.
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.
Popular Tourism Locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands
In no particular order, here are a few spots many people frequent.
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 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.
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 travel insurance 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.
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
