Travel Vaccines and Advice for the U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are made up of approximately 50 islands and cays, many of which are uninhabited. The three major islands are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Less than half the population of all the islands is native-born.
Travellers will see the British Virgin Islands, which, at the closest point, are only half a mile away.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
What is the Climate Like in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
How Safe are the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Shop on St. Thomas Island
What Should I Pack for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Do I Need Vaccines for U.S. Virgin Islands?
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for U.S. Virgin Islands |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Dengue is present on the islands and Zika poses a risk. Mosquito repellents are recommended for travellers. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should take extra precautions. Consider mosquito netting and possibly changing travel plans.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a threat throughout the world. Consider a traveller’s diarrhoea kit to prevent these sometimes embarrasing symptoms.
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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Travellers to the U.S. Virgin Islands can venture visa-free through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, if they are British citizens. Some exclusions can apply such as travellers to Libya, Iran and other Middle Eastern or North African countries since 2011. Passports must be valid for the duration of the stay.
U.S. Virgin Islands Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of the U.S. Virgin Islands and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
The U.S. Virgin Islands has a warm subtropical climate.
June, July, and August are the hottest months for the islands with temperatures in the high-20’s. December, January, and February are usually cooler with highs in the low-20’s.
There is no rainy season for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The wettest months are May and August through November. Rainfall is short and occurs early in the morning or late at night. Sometimes day-long rains do occur. February and March are the driest months.
Hurricane season is from June to November.
How Safe are the U.S. Virgin Islands?
As part of the United States commonwealth, the U.S. Virgin Islands are relatively safe. But, you should still take some precautions whilst there.
Be sure to lock your hotel and car doors when leaving. Petty theft is common on the islands.
At night be particularly careful and stick to well-lit areas whenever possible. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Be sure to apply plenty of sun cream. Wear items like hats and sunnies to help keep you safe.
Shop on St. Thomas Island
In Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas travellers flock to shop at the hundreds of duty-free shops. You can find places to go on a shopping spree everywhere from local boutiques to small malls. There are even shops in some homes.
Main Street (or “Dronningens Gade”) is one of the most popular shopping destinations. You can enjoy cobblestone streets whilst looking through diamonds, scent, electronics and more. The island has anything one could ask for, so authentic souvenirs are not a problem.
If you do head to Main Street, consider avoiding going too early or too late. Many tourists go to the shopping hub as soon as possible in the morning. Many shops close in the late afternoon/early evening.
Consider a diversion to Market Square, an open-air historical vegetable and fruit market.
What Should I Pack for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Ensure you bring these items with you on your trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands:
- Sun Protection – With so many great seasides, getting out in the sun is a must. Be sure to bring sun cream, sunnies, and hats.
- Traveller’s diarrhoea Kit – The U.S. Virgin Islands are a generally safe destination. But, traveller’s diarrhoea can attack nearly anywhere. Ensure you have a kit on hand for your trip.
- Insect Repellant – Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects are common on the islands. Ensure you bring some insect spray to help keep them far away.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in the U.S. Virgin Islands
If you are in the U.S. Virgin Islands and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
While there is no consulate or embassy in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is served by the British embassy in Washington, D.C.:
British Embassy Washington
3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20008
USA
Telephone: +1 202 588 6500
Emergency Phone: +1 202 588 6500
Email: britishembassyenquiries@gmail.com
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