U.S. Virgin Islands

Recommended Vaccinations For U.S. Virgin Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

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.).

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.

Recommended Medications For U.S. Virgin Islands

There are no recommendations for U.S. Virgin Islands at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for U.S. Virgin Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is an intermediate risk for acquiring hepatitis B in the US Virgin Islands.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in the US Virgin Islands, and the risk to travellers is significant.

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.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

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.

Zika Fever

Zika virus occurs in this country.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Safety & Security in U.S. Virgin Islands

Personal Safety

The US Virgin Islands experience mixed safety conditions for visitors. Petty crime like pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs in tourist areas. While violent crime rates are relatively high in the territory, violence targeting tourists is rare. Most homicides result from domestic disputes, gang activity, and personal conflicts in residential areas where visitors don’t typically go. In 2024, St. Thomas recorded 20 murders, St. Croix had 13, and St. John had zero. St. John is the safest of the three main islands with the lowest crime rates. Most crimes against visitors involve theft. The territory experiences frequent power outages that can affect essential services. Coastal waters present hazards with common riptides. Hurricane season runs from mid-May through November, and storms can develop quickly and hamper essential services.

Extreme Violence

The US Virgin Islands has one of the highest homicide rates globally. The territory recorded 29 homicides by October 2024. Homicide incidents primarily involve domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, gang conflicts, and personal disputes rather than random violence. Most violent crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, affordable housing areas, and areas without tourist activity. Some shootings have occurred near beaches, highlighting risks in more accessible locations. Gun violence, drugs, and various violent crimes persist as serious issues the government actively works to address through federal enforcement programs. The overwhelming majority of victims and perpetrators are local residents involved in domestic or criminal disputes. Federal law enforcement has implemented Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods to investigate and prosecute violent crimes, with particular focus on illegal firearms. Despite high overall violent crime statistics, tourists are not typically targeted.

Political Unrest

The US Virgin Islands operates as an unincorporated US territory where residents hold US citizenship but cannot vote in presidential elections. The territory elects a non-voting delegate to Congress. Major political parties include the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands, Independent Citizens Movement, and Republican Party of the Virgin Islands. The islands elect 15 senators for two-year terms to their unicameral legislature. Political demonstrations occur occasionally. In 2020, protests took place on St. Thomas and St. John related to national movements. Political tensions sometimes surface around territorial status issues and representation rights. The territory experienced unrest following Hurricane Hugo in 1989 that exposed socioeconomic tensions on St. Croix. Recent political activity has centered on delegate protests regarding voting rights for territorial representatives in Congress. The territory generally maintains stable governance without widespread civil unrest or significant political violence affecting daily life or tourism.

Areas To Avoid

Sion Farm and Watergut on St. Croix have experienced higher violent and property crime rates related to gang activity. Visitors should avoid these neighborhoods, particularly after dark. Any area labeled as Estates, which are affordable housing projects, tends to have higher crime rates. Frenchman’s Hill has high rates of petty theft and is unsafe after dark. In Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, certain isolated or poorly lit areas and unfamiliar side streets should be avoided, especially at night. Back Street and Savan in Charlotte Amalie have higher crime rates after dark. Port areas on St. Croix can be hubs for drug trafficking. St. Croix has the highest crime rate among the three main islands. Crime tends to concentrate in local residential neighborhoods and housing communities where tourists rarely venture. Hotel areas, beaches, and downtown Christiansted and Frederiksted on St. Croix remain safe. Visitors should avoid deserted areas and alleyways at night across all islands.