Do I need a Passport to visit the United States Virgin Islands? Answer: No, American citizens visiting to and from the territories do not need a US passport.
What side of the road do you drive on? Answer: We drive on the left side of the road, but we do drive American cars. "Think Left!" when you visit the United States Virgin Islands.
What type of government exists in the United States Virgin Islands? Answer: The Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States of America. In 1917, America purchased the islands (St. Thomas, St. John, & St. Croix) from Denmark for $25M in gold. Ten years later, all citizens of the territory became United States citizens. The United States Navy administrated the territory from 1917 to 1932, when the Department of Interior took over administrative control from the Navy and established municipal government with the local authorities. In 1970, Virgin Islanders were able to elect their own government (Governor, Senators, and a non-voting Congressional Representative to the U.S. House of Representatives). We have both federal and local government. All U.S. laws apply. The local government is made up of a governor that is elected every four years and term limit applies. One Delegate to Congress elected every two years. Fifteen senators are elected from their respective districts (St.Thomas/St.John and St. Croix).
How far apart are the three islands that comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands? Answer: St. Croix is forty miles south of St. Thomas and St. John. St. Thomas and St. John are about three miles apart.
How do I travel between the islands? Answer: Transportation between the islands is available by sea and air. We have several commercial commuter airlines that makes daily round trip between St. Thomas and St. Croix. One Sea Plane company that flies between St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan Puerto Rico. For water-based transportation, there is a daily ferry that operates between St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Is American currency used in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Yes
Can I collect seashells from Buck Island? Answer: No. Buck Island Reef National Monument is a marine protected area, and a "no take" zone, which means you can only collect plants, animals, seashells, and other object, including artifacts, with a research permit. If you are a researcher, click here to complete the permit application.
https://irma.nps.gov/rprs/Investigator/Create
