Passports are not required for US citizens to visit the US Virgin Islands, but they still serve as the best form of identification when traveling. For citizens from other countries, a passport issued by their country of origin is required. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available on all three islands, and most establishments accept credit cards and traveler's checks. English is the official language, but you can also hear colorful dialects and expressions.
Driving is on the left side of the road, and a foreign license is accepted for 90 days. Seatbelts are required by law, and it is illegal to drive while talking on a cell phone. The climate in the Virgin Islands is warm and sunny all year round, with an average temperature of 77°F (25°C) in winter and 82°F (28°C) in summer. Most hotels are not pet friendly, so check with your hotel beforehand.
A health certificate from your vet is required for pets, certifying that their vaccines are up to date. The Caribbean sun is intense, so cotton clothing is recommended and sunscreen should be used. Clothing should be appropriate in public areas, and swimsuits should only be worn on the beach or pool. When traveling, store money and cards in a safe place as a backup, and bring necessary medications with you.
Respectful behavior is important when exploring new cultures. When entering the US Virgin Islands, travelers must present a valid passport or other proof of citizenship (such as an embossed birth certificate and government-issued photo ID). All passengers and cargo traveling from Hawaii to the continental United States are screened prior to departure to prevent any non-native plant species, pest, or plant disease that may be present on one of the islands from entering the mainland. Citizens of the United States do not need to present a passport when leaving the US Virgin Islands for trips to the mainland or other US territories.
Children must present their own passport. After visiting the airport lobby, travelers must go through customs and immigration before being allowed into the country. All incoming visitors must submit negative molecular or antigen test results no more than 5 days before travel, as well as their travel certification from the portal upon arriving in the US Virgin Islands.
