When traveling to a new place, there are bound to be queried about the strange. It’s common to feel the need to look up information online, especially for locations outside of the continental U.S. Our “know before you go” guide to St. Thomas addresses everything from passport concerns to packing advice to make your St. Thomas tours and excursions simple.
Passports
The U.S. Virgin Islands does not mandate visitors to have passports. The same documentation is needed for flights to St. Thomas as it is for any other domestic travel inside the United States. The British Virgin Islands are close to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and there are numerous boating and sailing excursions that you may take to see them. Remember while making excursion reservations that you must have a current U.S. passport to access any British Virgin Islands.
Be aware: While a passport is not necessary to visit St. Thomas, it is for excursions to any British Virgin Islands.
Excursions to Islands
November through May are St. Thomas’ busiest months, so there may not be St. Thomas tours and excursion options then. Tour schedules typically shift to go out less regularly during the off-season, especially from August through October. With Caribba Connect, we advertise the lowest price online with no hidden fees, taxes, or service charge add-ons for Day Sails, Boat Rentals, Eco Tours, Island Tours, Private Tours, and more. It is best to use a booking service to book early and guarantee your excursions. Always confirm the requirements before embarking on an expedition, as some may only accept cash or call for a passport. It is usually a good idea to plan around the cruise ship timetable because St. Thomas is a well-liked cruise port. Excursions are controlled and are typically unaffected by a surge in cruise ships.
Be aware: No matter when you travel to St. Thomas, plan St. Thomas tours and excursions, check for requirements, and steer clear of service charges. If you’re hoping to visit well-known locations or shops only open on ship days, keep an eye on the cruise ship itinerary.
Island Clothing & Packing Advice
In St. Thomas, informal attire is typical. A swimsuit and coverup are appropriate for traveling from your hotel to the beach, but they are inappropriate for eating out or taking a stroll through the city. The fundamental rule is to wear regular clothes when you’re not at the beach. There is no need to dress up when dining at nice dining establishments. For a good supper, everything from shorts or pants and a blouse to a dress is fine for women. For males, shorts or pants and polo are always appropriate. Tennis shoes are not necessary unless you are going on a run or a walking tour; sandals and flip-flops are the perfect island footwear. You do not need any converters for chargers because the plugs in the US Virgin Islands are conventional U.S. plugs. If you are checking luggage, it would be prudent to take sunscreen because it is typically less expensive in the United States. Since the island is prone to mosquitoes and sandflies, you should take or buy insect repellent. If you own snorkeling gear, you should bring it instead of renting it. Don’t forget your camera, of course!
Be aware: When planning private tours in St. U.S. Virgin Islands, know that sandals and island-style clothing are always appropriate. Covers and swimsuits are only acceptable for beach settings. Consider bringing sunscreen and insect repellent; remember that the plugs are the same as in the US.
