U.S. Virgin Islands

Use Normal Level of Caution

The US Virgin Islands are located between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The population is approximately 110,000 people.

The US Virgin Islands are an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States. The chief of state is the president of the United States and the head of government is a governor elected by popular vote. The citizens of the US Virgin Islands do not vote in the US federal presidential elections, however, they may vote in the presidential primary elections for delegates to the Democratic and Republican party conventions.

Tourism accounts for 80 percent of the GDP and employment. The islands are famous for the white sand beaches, climate, and clear blue water. The island of St. John is known for parkland and beaches, hiking and snorkeling. St. Thomas is the most commercialized island and is a stop for many cruise lines. St. Croix has rainforest, sugar plantations and forts, and scuba diving.

Currency	USD: US dollar
Language	English
Capital	Charlotte Amalie
Recent Alerts	None
Latest Alert	Not Available

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in U.S. Virgin Islands. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in the US Virgin Islands through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is an intermediate risk for acquiring hepatitis B in the US Virgin Islands.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in the US Virgin Islands, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in the US Virgin Islands, and the risk to travellers is significant.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning This kind of marine seafood toxin poisoning occurs sporadically in the US Virgin Islands.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.
Zika Fever Zika virus occurs in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to U.S. Virgin Islands.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to U.S. Virgin Islands.

None required.

Safety and Security in U.S. Virgin Islands

Emergency Numbers

911

Personal Safety

Travellers to the US Virgin Islands rarely have any serious safety and security problems, although petty crime does occur. Ensure your belongings and valuables are kept safe, do not accept food or drink from strangers, and avoid unpopulated beaches after dark.

Get A Free Account!

Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

Plan A Trip

Updated: November 15, 2016