Is the US Virgin Islands Part of the US?
Have you ever found yourself wondering whether or not the US Virgin Islands are actually considered a part of the United States? If so, you’re in the right place.
As someone who has personally visited all of the Virgin Islands, I can tell you that there can be some confusion around this topic.
Are you traveling domestically or internationally? What kind of documentation do you need? These are all important questions to ask, and I’m here to provide some clarity. So sit back, relax, and read on to learn more about this stunning destination and its place within the US.
Booking travel soon? Here are my favorite reputable USVI resources
– Book your villas a vrbo.com
– Find tours at viator.com
– Search for hotels from booking.com
My Local USVI Partners
– Key N Go Car Rental (Use CaribbeanUncovered to let them know I sent you!)
Is the US Virgin Islands Part of the US?
Yes, the US Virgin Islands are a part of the United States. They hold the distinction of being an unincorporated United States Territory, which means that they are given the same rights and benefits as US citizens.
Despite having their own localized government, they are firmly under the jurisdiction of the US federal government, making them subject to all federal laws and regulations.
Is St Croix a US Territory?
Yes, St. Croix is a US territory. The island is part of the United States Virgin Islands, which is a territory under the jurisdiction of the US federal government.
US citizens do not need a passport to visit St. Croix and can freely travel to the island with just a valid government-issued ID. The same laws and regulations that apply in the US also apply in St. Croix.
Is St John a US Territory?
St. John is recognized as a US territory. Specifically, it is considered an island within the United States Virgin Islands, which has fallen under the jurisdiction of the US federal government since 1917.
Notably, US citizens can explore St. John without the need for a passport. Keep in mind that St. John is subject to the same laws and regulations as the US mainland.
PS. Don't confuse St John USVI with St John's Antigua - which is not a US territory.
Is St Thomas a US Territory?
Yes - St. Thomas is classified as a US Territory, entitling its residents to enjoy identical rights and privileges as US citizens. St Thomas, a territory within the US Virgin Islands, operates its own local government.
Notably, St. Thomas citizens are afforded almost all the rights granted to US citizens, with the biggest exception being able to vote in presidential and congressional elections.
Which Virgin Islands are Not U.S territory?
The British Virgin Islands - Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, are not U.S territory. These four Virgin Islands are part of the British Overseas Territory.
Despite being located just a few miles away from the US Virgin Islands, the BVI offer a unique blend of pristine beaches and fewer tourists than their American counterparts.
What is a US Territory
A US territory is a piece of land that the US owns but is not an official state of the United States. Territories have their own distinct local governments but operate under the federal laws of the United States. The United States currently owns four territories, including Guam, USVI, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands.
About the US Virgin Islands
When I dream of the perfect beach vacation, the US Virgin Islands always come to mind. There are three main islands - St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix - and a small island called Water Island.
Of the three, St. John is my personal favorite because it's made up of the Virgin Islands National Park, making it pristine and fairly untouched by tourism.
St. Thomas, on the other hand, has loads of tourist activities, but it's easy to immerse yourself in the culture no matter which island you're on. The Virgin Islands also have some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen - crystal-clear water and clean beaches that rival any of the other top beach destinations.
And the best part? There's no sales tax, which means you can shop duty-free and bring lots of goodies home without worrying about added expenses. And trust me - the USVI offers tons of great shopping opportunities!
But perhaps the most fun aspect of visiting the US Virgin Islands is their annual festivals, where you get to experience the colorful costumes, lively music, and unique cuisines that make these islands truly one-of-a-kind.
Traveling between St. John and St. Thomas is easy, too, with a ferry ride that takes only 20 minutes. Meanwhile, St. Croix is farther south and can be reached by a hopper plane from the main airport in St. Thomas.
All in all, if you're looking for a tropical paradise that offers a little something for everyone, the US Virgin Islands should definitely be high on your list.
FAQ: Is the US Virgin Islands Part of the United States?
Do I need a passport to go to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
No - US citizens do not need a passport to go to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The US Virgin Islands are a US territory in the Caribbean, meaning citizens of America can travel with ease without worrying about passports and visas.
You will need your passport if you plan to take a trip to any of the nearby British Virgin Islands, however.
Is a U.S. Virgin Islands a U.S. citizen?
Yes, anyone born in the U.S. Virgin Islands is considered a U.S. citizen with the same rights and benefits as those born within the 50 states. They can travel freely throughout the United States without a visa and can access federal programs and services.
One major difference: residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot vote in presidential and congressional elections.
Do you need a passport for St Thomas?
US citizens do not require a passport for travel to St. Thomas, USVI. St. Thomas is a US territory in the Caribbean, making it an easy destination for American citizens to visit without the need for passports or visas.
Keep in mind that a passport is necessary if you plan to explore the nearby British Virgin Islands.
Is St. Thomas expensive?
Yes - traveling to St. Thomas can be very expensive. Hotels range from $200-$800/night. Being on an island, cost of goods are higher, as everything needs to be imported.
Additionally, tourism is one of the top staples of the economy. It’s possible to find cheaper accommodations and eat at local shops vs high-end dining to save money during your trip.
Can I travel to U.S. Virgin Islands with driver's license?
Yes - US citizens can travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands with their driver’s license. As of May 2023, your license will have to be a verified REAL ID. If you don’t have READ ID, you will need your passport to travel through the United States and its territories.
Do you have to go through customs when returning from U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes - even though the US Virgin Islands are US territory, you will still need to go through customs when returning back to the mainland US. Give yourself at least an hour and a half at the airport to get through security and customs.
Best Things to Do in the US Virgin Islands
- Go shopping for local-made jewelry in Frederiksted
- Hop on a snorkeling tour from St Thomas to St John
- Take the ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, or the British Virgin Islands
- Hike in St John through Virgin Islands National Park
- Visit the fourth Virgin Island
Best Places to Stay in the US Virgin Islands
If you're staying in St Thomas, it's hard to go wrong. Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook are both great options. Red Hook is best if you want to be near the ferry to go to St John. You'll find villas all around the island.
St John - your best options are Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Cruz Bay is the "city" with hotels, restaurants, activities. Coral Bay is where you go to hang out in your villa and daze out for the week! Peace and quiet.
St Croix you'll either want to go to Frederiksted or Christiansted. Christiansted is livier, Frederiksted is quieter. Both offer a great spot to vacation. They're about 45 minutes driving distance, so you can easily enjoy both during your stay.
- Newly renovated and reopened in St Thomas: Marriott Frenchman's Cove
- Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel in St John
- Sand Castle on the Beach St Croix
Final Thoughts: Are the US Virgin Islands Part of the United States?
So, are the US Virgin Islands part of the United States? To sum it up, the US Virgin Islands are a hidden gem in the Caribbean that many American citizens may not even realize are part of the United States!
Thanks to its status as an unincorporated US territory, visiting the islands is incredibly easy and stress-free.
Plus, travelers have the unique opportunity to explore two or three different islands all in one vacation. And while the USVI may have a slightly different set of laws and rules than the mainland, citizens can rest assured that they'll have similar rights and protections while visiting.
So if you're looking for a tropical getaway with a bit of American flair, be sure to add the US Virgin Islands to your travel planning list!
