A Guide to a Memorable Trip to the US Virgin Islands
Almost everyone loves travelling during the summer and winter. They choose the hills, mountains, the countryside, and other continents. However, some people choose to visit islands, like the US Virgin Islands as well. This is why they apply for a USA travel visa to enjoy a stress-free travel experience.
If you too have been wanting to visit this location, then refer to the sections below for more information.
About the US Virgin Islands
Located about 4 hours by flight from New York City or 64 kilometers east of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands is a pristine paradise full of natural beauty, the sea and the rugged Puerto Rican mountains.
They are composed of 3 main islands: St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.
The climate remains mostly pleasant on these islands, though they may occasionally face rainfall.
When you use your USA travel visa to visit them, you can find a diverse mix of people with interesting religious beliefs.
Let’s now explore more about these islands below.
A Snapshot of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix
St. Thomas Island is the capital of the US Virgin Islands and is a popular shopping hub. However, people also prefer it due to the laid-back culture and the friendly nature of the natives.
St. John is known to be popular with those who love nature, which is why people love snorkeling and climbing the hills that are located in this area. You can see turtles and an eclectic collection of fish.
St. Croix is a place that is a paradise for history lovers. This island was home to the Knights of Malta, Denmark, Spain, Netherlands, France and England. So you can find many ruins of old estates along with well-preserved 18th-century houses.
Why You Should Visit the US Virgin Islands
Some reasons that should compel you to visit these islands with your USA travel visa are their wildlife, natural beauty, and friendly people.
These islands have about six national parks, like the Buck Island Reef National Monument located in St. Croix, the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, etc. where you can spot many animals.
You can also walk around the entire periphery of these islands by combining the Cinnamon and Reef Bay trails.
The people of these islands are also quite friendly, and love partying so you will never spend a dull moment there. Last, but not least, these islands are also known for their beaches.
When You Should Visit the US Virgin Islands
While we would recommend visiting between December and May with your USA travel visa due to the low temperature and minimal rainfall, you should still be aware of the overall weather and the events and festivals that take place for the full picture.
Winter (December to February) is a wonderful time to go to the US Virgin Islands. The weather is gloriously warm and rainfall is low, making it perfect for going snorkeling. This is also the time that the humpback whales arrive at the USVI shores to mate and give birth, making for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So, if you are planning to visit the USVI during the winter, make sure to buy tickets and apply for a USA travel visa sometime in advance. Peak tourist season will slow everything down.
Popular Events and Festivals
You can enjoy many events and soak in the essence of various festivals when you visit the US Virgin Islands with your USA travel visa.
Some of them are the Valentine’s Day celebrations in St. Croix, the International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas, Transfer Day, the Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix, and the St. John Festival on St. John’s Island, etc.
The Rolex Regatta is a competitive Yacht race, while Transfer Day celebrates the day of transfer of ownership from the Danes to the Americans.
On the other hand, you can enjoy about 80 different varieties of mango during the Tropical Fruit and Mango Melee and celebrate the USA Independence Day during the Independence Day festival.
Things You Need To Remember For Your Trip to the USVI
If you’re a US citizen, you won’t won’t require a USA travel visa, as these islands are part of the USA Territory.
However, you’ll need to provide, and carry documents like a Government ID (or a driving license) or REAL ID, a passport or birth certificate, a return journey ticket or documents showcasing your journey to your next destination, and hotel booking documents.
You can stay for an unlimited period.
On the other hand, if you’re a non-US citizen, you’ll have to apply for an electronic USA travel visa and have a valid passport, apart from having no criminal history, a police clearance certificate, proof of financial stability, a completed DS-160 form, and prior immigration records.
You can stay in USVI for 3 months with this visa as a non-US citizen. If you wish to extend this duration, you must contact your nearest Virgin Islands Embassy and state valid reasons for doing so. Do not, under any circumstance, overstay your visa.
Health and Safety Tips
You should remember to visit your doctor about a month before your trip to the US Virgin Islands and get inoculated for Shingles, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Flu, Diphtheria, Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Rabies and Typhoid.
Some other precautions you must take are avoiding bug bites, dirty or contaminated water, food that is contaminated with the saliva of rodents, etc.
Lastly, you should keep your belongings safe, as you can fall victim to pick pockets or purse snatchers. Apart from that, you should keep some dry foodstuff like nuts, crisps, crackers, fruits, etc. since you might also experience power outages there.
How Can You Reach the USVI?
If you’re a US citizen, then you can take a direct flight from Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, and Washington D.C. to St. Thomas Cyril E. King International Airport.
If you’re a non-US citizen, then you have to first book a flight from your home country to any of the cities mentioned above, and then switch flights to the St. Thomas Cyril E. King International Airport. You’ll be required to showcase your USA travel visa at the airport.
Commuting Between the Islands
You can use the inter-island ferry transportation system to travel between the three islands. You can visit the nearest port or contact the hotel authorities to know about the ferry schedule.
Ensure to carry your USA travel visa there, since you will have to furnish that when you travel between the islands.
What You Can Do in the US Virgin Islands?
While each island has its own distinct character and personality, a lot of people love to spend time on the beach and soak in the sun, and indulge in water sports as well.
Beaches and Water Activities
Some popular beaches on these islands are Magens Bay (St. Thomas), Cane Bay Beach (St. Croix), and Trunk Bay (St. John).
Magen’s Bay is known for its hiking trails, pristine beaches, and reputed food and drink vendors, so you can take a walk in the sun, and also eat your preferred snacks. Trunk Bay is popular with people for its underwater snorkeling, sailing, and beautiful landscape.
On the other hand, Cane Bay Beach on St. Croix is known for letting visitors scuba dive and snorkel there, since it is rich in marine life. You can also grab a bite there at one of the many restaurants.
Historical Sites of Interest
History buffs can explore Blackbeard’s castle, located on St. Thomas Island, and the Estate Whim Plantation Museum on St. Croix. Blackbeard’s castle was built by the Danish settlers in the 17th century to guard the harbor against invasions and attacks.
On the other hand, the Estate Whim Plantation Museum is known as the sole sugar plantation museum in all of the US Virgin Islands. It has a Great House, a factory complex, and a sugar mill that will take you on a journey through time.
Where Can You Stay in the US Virgin Islands?
There are luxury as well as pocket-friendly accommodations on these islands.
People who love luxury can choose the Ritz-Carlton on St. Thomas, The Westin St. John Villas on St. John Island, and the Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort on St. Croix.
On the other hand, if you wish to go for more budget-friendly options, you can opt for The Galleon House on St. Thomas, Marketplace Suites on St. Joh,n and Hotel on the Cay on St. Croix.
Dining and Nightlife in the USVI
If you are looking for places to let your hair down, you can check out Paddle-In Tiki Bar, The Beach Bar, The Windmill Bar, and Cruz Bay Landing, for live music, or music festivals and great food at St. John.
On St. Thomas, you can visit Duffy’s Love Shack, Virgin Haven, and Sapphire Beach Bar. On the other hand, do check out Levels, Dazzled STX, and Rhythms at Rainbow Beach for live music, great food, etc.
So, you can expect quite a happy atmosphere when you visit these places.
Have a Great Trip to the US Virgin Islands!
Make sure you have your documents with you while traveling within the US Virgin Islands, such as your passport, US travel visa, and personal IDs. Apart from those, you should also pack some much-needed essentials like:
- Light tank tops or T-shirts
- Shorts or skirts
- Sun-protective equipment (sunscreen, rash guards, wide hats)
- Waterproof phone covers or cases.
Also, you should carry medicines, a first-aid kit, and some snacks like dry fruits, crackers, etc. since you can experience power cuts when there. Don’t forget to carry your credit cards, and also some cash, in case of any network issues.
The islands also have a policy of voluntary tipping, which depends on the service charge of the restaurant you’re at. In other words, if the restaurant levies a service charge, then you won’t have to tip unless you like the service.
That’s all! Happy travelling!