U.S. Virgin Islands / Island Essentials

All travellers to the US Virgin Islands will need to know the essential island facts. The information on USVI shown below is current (2011).

Airport

The main airport in the US Virgin Islands is Cyril E King airport (STT) in Charlotte Amalie on St Thomas Island. There is another smaller international airport on St Croix island, Henry E Rohlsen (STX) located 10km from Christiansted.

Check-in/Check-out

As a general rule check out times are 12 noon and check in is not usually before 3pm, during which time the accommodation is made ready for new arrivals. The relative lateness of the check in is not usually a problem because the majority of international arrivals into the country are in the early to mid afternoon. Some properties may provide day rooms/shower facilities for departing guests if you are leaving after check out. Similarly, if you know that you will arrive on island before check in, get in touch and they may be able to have a room ready for you ahead of time.

Departure Tax/Taxes

A departure tax must be paid when you leave the USVI. It is US$5 by ferry and $10 when leaving by air. This tax is only payable in cash and in US Dollars, so please remember to keep enough with you at the end of your trip. 

The US Virgin Islands are a duty free port, with no sales or luxury taxes on items such as watches, cameras, jewellery, china, and leather goods. US citizens are allowed a duty free shopping quota of $1,600. A flat rate of six percent duty is charged on purchases over your $1,600 allowance.

Electricity

The domestic electricity supply is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two flat-pin American style plugs are standard on the Islands.

Embassies/Consulates

There are no foreign Embassies or High Commissions in the US Virgin Islands and the closest political representation is given below. 

Canada 

The nearest Consulate General of Canada for Canadian citizens to contact is actually located in Miami. The office there covers Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. t 305 579 1600 miami-td@international.gc.ca

United Kingdom 

For British Citizens, the nearest British Honorary Consulate can be found in Puerto Rico, San Juan, 242 Monaco Street, Palmas del mar, t 1 407 254 3300. The nearest British High Commission is in Jamaica: British High Commission, PO Box 575, 28 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, t 1 876 936 0700.

Emergencies

For Police, Fire and Ambulance call 911

Nudity

Topless and nude bathing is illegal in the United States Virgin Islands and is frowned upon, but it’s been known to happen in Little Magens beach, St Thomas and Solomon Beach, St John. It is also frowned upon for men to go bare chested except on the beach and so you should wear a shirt around town.

Service Charge/Tipping

Tipping is expected at a rate of 10-20% of the bill and is customary for good service. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add a service charge as well as the statutory room tax.

Time Zone

The USVI is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is four hours behind GMT, ie Britain in winter, and five hours behind Europe. During the winter it is an hour ahead of the eastern seaboard of the USA. 

The USVI has no daylight saving time, so when northern hemisphere clocks change in summer the island is on the same time as the eastern seaboard, five hours behind Britain, and six behind Europe.