Passports

Citizens of the United States traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands will not require a passport. Travelers to the British Virgin Islands do, however, need a passport with at least six months validity remaining.

Getting There and Around

Visitors to the Virgin Islands can fly directly to St. Thomas from several major American cities. You can also fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and catch a commuter flight to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola’s Beef Island). Visitors from Europe can also consider routing through Antigua or Sint Maarten.

You should always make hotel (or charter boat) reservations ahead of time, and it’s a good idea to reserve a car in advance too, especially if you come in the high season. Other arrangements can be made once you get to the islands.

When choosing a hotel, remember that room rates can be up to 40 percent lower in the summer, and some hotels extend summer rates as late as mid-December. Many hotels also offer a wide range of rooms and room rates, charging the most for oceanfront rooms and less for rooms that face gardens or courtyards. Savvy shoppers can save money by choosing modest rooms and traveling at off-peak times of year.

© Susanna Henighan Potter from Moon Virgin Islands, 4th edition