St Thomas
Port of Call – St Thomas
Perhaps the most bustling town in the US Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas is arguably the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. The cruise port combines the convenience of being on US territory (no passport for US citizens) with a decidedly Danish culture and atmosphere.
Among vying attractions, the vibrant and scenic town of Charlotte Amalie is the most alluring. The European-styled city, coloured with the pastels of the Caribbean, is set against deep green hills and a rich and deep bay.
Cruise ships come to St. Thomas via two ports: the more often used Havensight or the newly built Crown Bay Centre. Havensight is next to Charlotte Amalie city centre and Crown Bay is just to the west. When berths are full passengers are tendered into the port docks. Both ports have all conceivable passenger amenities, although Havensight is the larger and has a bit more on offer.
Shopping in St Thomas
Havensight has an enormous shopping centre that will take some time to peruse. In Charlotte Amalie great boutique stores are best found along its Main Street also called Dronningens Gade. Cheaper souvenirs are best sought at Vendors Plaza near Fort Christian. US residents get extra duty-free allowances.
Best Buy:
Jewellery or rum
Dining in St Thomas
Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill – scenic spot for drinks and light meals.
Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill Restaurant – great fresh seafood on the beach.
Paradise Point – top of the tram ride, with the best island view.
Best Dish:
Callaloo soup
Travel to US Virgin Islands
Climate in US Virgin Islands
The islands are hot and humid throughout the year, with most rain falling between August and October. The busiest tourist season is from December to May, and outside of these months rooms are cheaper and the islands less crowded. Between April and August, the waters are calmer and underwater visibility is best for diving and snorkelling. Most travellers prefer to avoid the rainy season in the US Virgin Islands, but this Caribbean gem can be enjoyed at any time of year.
Health Notes when travelling to US Virgin Islands
Only bottled water should be drunk outside the major towns, but other than that there are no significant health risks. Medical facilities are of a high standard but travel insurance is vital as medical care is very expensive.
Safety Notes when travelling to US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands are generally safe for travellers and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free. But normal precautions against petty crime should be taken, especially in the back streets of towns during the night. Don’t leave valuables lying on the beach when snorkelling or swimming.
Customs in US Virgin Islands
In the US Virgin Islands, politeness is important. Greet people before asking questions or requesting assistance. You may hear locals thanking jumbi (spirits) for good luck, or blaming them for misfortune.
Duty Free in US Virgin Islands
Travellers may transport 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 2kg smoking tobacco; and a US quart of alcohol.
Doing Business in US Virgin Islands
The economy in the US Virgin Islands revolves primarily around tourism, though petroleum refining takes place off St Croix. Like many other Caribbean countries, things are pretty relaxed and formal business attire is generally not considered necessary. The people are friendly, polite and shaking hands is common upon introductions for men and women. Business hours are typically 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with lunch breaks around 12pm.
Communication in US Virgin Islands
The international country code for the US Virgin Islands is +1 340. The main mobile service providers on the islands are AT&T Mobility, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA.
Tipping in US Virgin Islands
Tipping of 15 to 20 percent is customary for good service. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add a service charge and room tax.
Passport/Visa Note
Entry requirements are the same as for the United States of America. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. There is no immigration control for visitors arriving from mainland USA. Visitors from countries that qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a bar code on the photo page. Eligible travellers under the VWP must include biometrics in their machine-readable passports if they wish to enter the country without a visa; this means that unique personal data, such as fingerprints or iris details, must be included in passports. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. Those travelling under the VWP must also register on the US government ESTA website three days before departure, which allows the US to screen visitors before travel. All visitors to the USA will have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the Visa Waiver Programme. All travellers arriving or departing by air, land or sea between the USA and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America are required to present a valid passport. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
A valid US passport is required. A visa is not required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for duration of stay but a visa is not required. Visitors should hold tickets and documents required for return or onward destination.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to the US Virgin Islands. British Citizens require a passport valid for duration of stay. Passports with other endorsements must be valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), most British citizens do not require a visa for holiday, transit, or business purposes provided that their passports are machine-readable, the stay does not exceed 90 days, a return or onward ticket is held, and they check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure to register.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay but do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Passports need to be machine-readable, a return or onward ticket is required, and Australians must check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay, but as Ireland qualifies for the US Visa Waiver Programme, visas are not required for tourists or business stays of up to 90 days. Visitors must have machine-readable passports, return or onward tickets, and they must register on the ESTA site before departure.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay but do not need visas for stays of up to 90 days. New Zealanders require machine-readable passports and return or onward tickets, and must register on the US government ESTA website before departure.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay, and a visa is required. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.
Tourist Offices
US Virgin Islands Tourist Office, St Thomas: +1 340 774 8784 or http://www.usvitourism.vi
US Virgin Islands Embassies
- In Canada:
United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 5335.
- In the United Kingdom:
United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
- In Australia:
United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6214 5600.
- In Ireland:
United States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +354 (0)1 668 8777.
- In New Zealand:
United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 462 6000.
- In South Africa:
United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 4000.
Foreign Embassies in US Virgin Islands
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Washington DC, USA: +1 202 682 1740.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Washington DC, USA: +1 202 588 6500.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Washington DC, USA: +1 202 797 3000.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 3939
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 328 4800.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Washington DC, USA: +1 202 232 4400.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
