Get Your U.S. Virgin Islands Visa Online
Fast visa processing for Caribbean beaches, island hopping, and tropical adventures — US visa rules apply
TrustpilotHow to Get Your U.S. Virgin Islands Visa
Simple 4-step process - same requirements as visiting the United States mainland
1
Complete the online application
Fill out the required visa application form with your personal details, travel plans, and accommodation information. Since the U.S. Virgin Islands is a US territory, standard US visa requirements apply. Our system guides you through each section to ensure compliance with USCIS standards.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph meeting US visa photo specifications, and supporting documents. Our visa specialists verify each document against US immigration requirements to minimize rejection risks.
3
We process your application
Your verified application is prepared for submission to US immigration authorities. We monitor processing status and provide real-time updates on your application progress via email and SMS notifications throughout the review period.
4
Receive your visa approval
Once approved, you will receive confirmation of your visa status. Print all necessary documentation and prepare for your Caribbean adventure. The same visa that allows US mainland entry grants access to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Visa types needed for Virgin Islands, U.S.
United States ESTA - 2 years, Multiple entry
The Virgin Islands, U.S. Electronic Travel Authorization provides access to Caribbean beaches, Charlotte Amalie, and American territory. Valid for 2 Years with multiple entry, this visa allows stays up to 90 days. Perfect for tourism and business.
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- 🛂 Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
- 📸 Digital Photo: Recent passport-style photograph
- ✈️ Travel Details: Confirmed travel itinerary
- 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel or host booking
- 💳 Payment: Credit or debit card for fee
Important to know
- Maximum stay: 90 days per visit
- Print visa for presentation at immigration
U.S. Virgin Islands Visa Requirements & Entry Information
US Citizens
Unlimited stays
No passport or visa required - domestic travel for Americans
B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa
Up to 6 months
Standard US visitor visa for tourism and leisure travel
ESTA Waiver
Up to 90 days
For Visa Waiver Program countries - same as US mainland
Business Visa
Up to 6 months
For business meetings, conferences, and commercial activities
Essential Requirements
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity beyond stay
- US visa photo 2x2 inches, white background
- Hotel reservation or accommodation confirmation
- Return or onward flight itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Valid US visa or ESTA approval if required
Entry Requirements
The U.S. Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning US immigration laws apply. This creates unique entry requirements that differ from independent Caribbean nations.
US Citizens and Permanent Residents
American citizens and green card holders enjoy the same freedom of movement to the USVI as any other US state. No passport is required, though government-issued photo ID is recommended for air travel. There are no visa requirements or stay limitations.
Visa Waiver Program Countries
Citizens of the 40 VWP countries (including UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, and others) can visit for up to 90 days using ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The same ESTA valid for US mainland travel works for the Virgin Islands.
Visa Required Countries
Travelers from countries not in the Visa Waiver Program must obtain a US B-1/B-2 visitor visa before traveling. This requires an interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa process is identical to visiting the continental United States.
Visa Types & Requirements
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas
The standard US visitor visa covers both tourism (B-2) and business (B-1) purposes. Most applicants receive the combined B-1/B-2 visa. Tourist activities include beach vacations, diving, sailing, visiting friends and family, and medical treatment. Business activities include attending conferences, negotiating contracts, and consulting with business associates.
ESTA for VWP Countries
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a quick online application requiring passport details, travel information, and eligibility questions. Approval is usually instant or within 72 hours. ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Work and Study Visas
Planning to work or study in the USVI requires appropriate visa categories (H, L, F, J, etc.) just like the US mainland. Employment in the territory without proper authorization is illegal and can result in deportation.
Cruise Ship Passengers
Visitors arriving by cruise ship from foreign ports must meet the same visa requirements. However, those on closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same US port) may have simplified documentation requirements.
Travel Information
Getting There
Two major airports serve the U.S. Virgin Islands: Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas handles most international and domestic flights with connections from Miami, Atlanta, New York, and other US cities. Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix offers additional connections. St. John has no airport and is reached by ferry from St. Thomas.
Inter-Island Travel
Ferries connect St. Thomas and St. John regularly (20-minute journey). St. Croix is accessible by seaplane or short flight from St. Thomas. The British Virgin Islands are just a short ferry ride away, though you will need to clear customs and may need a separate visa.
Currency and Costs
The US Dollar is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted. As a popular tourist destination, prices are generally higher than the US mainland. Duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie offers savings on jewelry, liquor, and designer goods.
Customs Allowances
Returning US residents enjoy generous duty-free allowances: $1,600 per person (double the normal US allowance), 5 liters of alcohol (including 1 liter of local rum), and unlimited local products like bay rum and spices.
Destination Highlights
St. Thomas
The most developed island and cruise ship hub. Charlotte Amalie offers duty-free shopping along historic Main Street. Magens Bay is consistently rated among the world's best beaches. The island also features excellent restaurants, nightlife, and water sports.
St. John
Two-thirds of this island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park. Pristine beaches like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay offer exceptional snorkeling. The park includes hiking trails through tropical forests and historic sugar plantation ruins. A more laid-back atmosphere appeals to eco-tourists.
St. Croix
The largest island with the most diverse offerings. Christiansted and Frederiksted feature Danish colonial architecture. Buck Island Reef National Monument provides world-class underwater experiences. The island is known for its rum distilleries, including Cruzan Rum.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from December to April offers ideal weather with temperatures around 25-30 degrees Celsius and minimal rainfall. This is peak tourist season with higher prices. The shoulder months of May-June and November offer good weather with fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs June through November.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.6Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"DoVisa made my ESTA application incredibly simple. Approved within 2 hours and I was ready for my St. Thomas vacation. The beaches were absolutely stunning!"
"Wasn't sure about US visa requirements for the Virgin Islands. The team explained everything clearly and helped with my B-2 visa application. Excellent service!"
"Good guidance on documents needed for US visitor visa. Processing took a few weeks but that's normal for US visas. Happy with the support received."
"Family trip to St. John was amazing! DoVisa handled all four ESTA applications smoothly. Virgin Islands National Park is a must-see destination."
"Straightforward ESTA process. Had a question about my travel history and got a helpful response within the hour. Would recommend."
"Third time using DoVisa for US travel. Always reliable and fast. The duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie was worth the trip alone!"
"Business trip to St. Croix went smoothly thanks to proper visa documentation. The DoVisa team knows US immigration requirements inside out."
"Helpful service for US visa application. The interview prep guide was particularly useful. St. Thomas exceeded all expectations!"
"Perfect experience from start to finish. ESTA approved instantly, and the trip to the Virgin Islands was unforgettable. Trunk Bay is paradise!"
U.S. Virgin Islands Visa FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. US citizens and permanent residents need no visa or passport - just a government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. Visa Waiver Program countries (40 nations including UK, Germany, Australia, Japan) can visit for up to 90 days with ESTA authorization. All other nationalities require a US visitor visa (B-1/B-2) obtained at a US embassy before travel. The U.S. Virgin Islands follow identical immigration rules to the US mainland.
What is the difference between the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands?
These neighboring island groups have different political status and entry requirements. The U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix) are a US territory using US immigration law, US dollars, and requiring US visas. The British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada) are a British Overseas Territory with separate entry requirements, British-style regulations, and requiring different visa arrangements. Ferry service connects both territories, but travelers must clear customs and may need separate visas.
What is ESTA and who can use it?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system that determines eligibility to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. Eligible countries include the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and 34 other nations. Application is completed online with passport details and security questions. Validity is two years or until passport expiration. Stay limit is 90 days maximum per visit. Cost is $21 USD. ESTA approved for US mainland travel is automatically valid for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What documents do I need for U.S. Virgin Islands travel?
US citizens need only a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID) for air travel and no documentation for cruise arrivals from US ports. ESTA travelers require a valid passport from a VWP country, approved ESTA, proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds. Visa holders need a valid passport with US visa, supporting documents shown at the embassy interview, accommodation proof, and travel itinerary. All international travelers should carry travel insurance documentation.
How long can I stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Stay duration depends on your status. US citizens can stay indefinitely with no restrictions. ESTA travelers are limited to 90 days per visit, and this counts toward your total US stay allowance (you cannot reset by briefly leaving to another Caribbean island). B-1/B-2 visa holders typically receive up to 6 months, determined by the immigration officer upon arrival. Extensions are possible through USCIS but must be requested before your authorized stay expires.
Can I extend my visa while in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
ESTA travelers cannot extend their 90-day stay - you must depart before it expires. B-1/B-2 visa holders can apply for extension through USCIS Form I-539, submitted before your current authorization expires. Extensions are granted for compelling reasons such as medical emergencies or unexpected circumstances. Processing times can be several months, but you can legally remain while the application is pending if filed on time. Working while on an extended visitor stay is not permitted.
Can I work in the U.S. Virgin Islands on a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas and ESTA do not authorize employment. Permitted activities include tourism, visiting family, attending conferences as a delegate, and business meetings without compensation from US sources. Not permitted: receiving salary from any employer, starting a business, performing services for hire. To work legally requires appropriate work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.) sponsored by a US employer. Unauthorized work can result in visa revocation, deportation, and future entry bans.
Is there duty-free shopping in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes, the USVI is famous for duty-free shopping. Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is the Caribbean's premier shopping destination. Popular items include jewelry, watches, electronics, liquor, perfume, and designer goods at significant savings. Returning US residents enjoy a $1,600 duty-free allowance per person (double the normal $800), plus 5 liters of alcohol. Tip: Compare prices carefully as not all items offer significant savings compared to home prices.
What is the best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands?
The dry season from December to April offers the best weather with temperatures averaging 25-30 degrees Celsius, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. This is peak tourist season with higher prices and busier beaches. May-June and November offer good weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. Hurricane season runs June through November with peak risk in August-September. The islands rarely experience direct hits but tropical storms can disrupt travel. Year-round water temperatures remain warm at 26-29 degrees Celsius.
How do I travel between the three main islands?
St. Thomas to St. John: Regular passenger ferries run from Red Hook (20 minutes) and Charlotte Amalie (45 minutes) to Cruz Bay. No reservations needed; ferries run frequently throughout the day. St. Thomas to St. Croix: No direct ferry service. Options include seaplane (scenic 25-minute flight) or small aircraft from STT to STX airports. Car ferries are available but infrequent. Tip: Renting separate vehicles on each island is often easier than bringing a car by ferry.
Do I need a passport to fly to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
US citizens do not need a passport for travel between the USVI and US mainland - it's considered domestic travel. A REAL ID compliant driver's license or state ID is sufficient for TSA airport security. However, carrying a passport is recommended in case of emergency medical evacuation to a foreign island. Non-US citizens must carry their passport and valid US visa or ESTA, even for domestic flights within the US and its territories.
What if my US visa application is rejected?
US visa rejections can occur for various reasons. Common causes include insufficient ties to home country, incomplete documentation, prior immigration violations, or concerns about intent to overstay. After rejection: You receive a letter with the refusal reason. You can reapply with strengthened documentation, though there is no appeal process. Prevention tips: Demonstrate strong ties to your home country, provide comprehensive financial evidence, bring all supporting documents to your interview, and answer questions honestly. DoVisa assistance: We offer pre-application review and interview coaching to maximize approval chances.
Are there any vaccination requirements for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
No vaccinations are required for entry to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the US mainland or most other countries. Recommended vaccinations include routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus-diphtheria) being up to date. Hepatitis A is suggested for all travelers. COVID-19 vaccination requirements have been lifted. Health considerations: Use sunscreen and stay hydrated in tropical heat; mosquito repellent advisable for evening activities; tap water is safe on St. Thomas and St. John but bottled water is common on St. Croix.
Can I visit the British Virgin Islands from the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes, ferry service connects St. Thomas and St. John to the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda). Important: This is international travel requiring you to clear customs and immigration. Documentation needed: Valid passport, and potentially a BVI visa depending on nationality (different from US visa requirements). Ferry services operate from Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie to Road Town, Tortola. Tip: Check BVI entry requirements separately as they differ from USVI rules. Day trips are popular but allow extra time for immigration processing.
What currency is used in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
The US Dollar (USD) is the official and only currency used in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available in main towns on all three islands. Tipping follows US customs: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15% for taxis. Costs are generally higher than the US mainland due to shipping expenses for goods. Budget travelers should expect to spend more than in other Caribbean destinations.
What are the main airports in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Two airports serve the territory. Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas is the main gateway, handling flights from Miami, Atlanta, New York, Charlotte, and other US cities, plus some international connections. Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix offers connections primarily from Miami and San Juan. St. John has no airport - visitors fly into St. Thomas and take a ferry to Cruz Bay (20-45 minutes depending on departure point). Major US carriers including American, Delta, United, and JetBlue serve the islands.
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