By Travel to the Virgin Islands · Updated October 27, 2026
The short answerChoose the trip, not just the territory
Start with the USVI if your wish list centers on St. John’s national-park beaches, St. Thomas resorts or St. Croix’s history and reef excursions. Start with the BVI if you want to build a trip around sailing between islands, The Baths and stops on Jost Van Dyke or Anegada. Both have beaches, resorts and boat trips; neither is the only choice for those experiences.
USVI and BVI at a glance
The USVI is a U.S. territory; the BVI is a separate British Overseas Territory. Here’s a starting point for planning—not a ranking.
Main islands
USVISt. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
BVITortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
A trip to build around
USVISt. John’s national-park beaches, St. Thomas’s harbor and resorts, or St. Croix’s history and reef trips.
BVIAn island-hopping sail, The Baths on Virgin Gorda, or time on the beaches of Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
Resorts & stays
USVIStart with St. Thomas for resort stays, St. John for a beach-focused base, or St. Croix for a separate island escape.
BVICompare Tortola bases with Virgin Gorda resorts and smaller, boat-accessed island stays.
Ferries
USVISt. Thomas and St. John are linked by passenger ferries and car barges. Plan St. Croix separately; do not assume the same connections.
BVIFerries connect several islands and the USVI, but routes and operating days vary. Check both outbound and return sailings.
Boat & sailing charters
USVIBrowse day sails, snorkeling trips and multi-day charters from St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
BVIBrowse Tortola-based bareboat and crewed charters for a trip between anchorages and islands.
Restaurants & beach bars
USVICompare town restaurants in Charlotte Amalie, Cruz Bay and Christiansted with waterfront and beach dining.
BVIBuild stops around Tortola, Virgin Gorda and the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke. Check opening days before sailing over.
Beaches & attractions
USVITrunk Bay, Magens Bay, Annaberg ruins and Buck Island offer different beach, history and snorkeling days.
BVIThe Baths, White Bay, Norman Island and Anegada offer boulder-lined coves, beach days and boat excursions.
Passports, dollars and crossing the border
USVI: U.S. travelers
U.S. citizens traveling directly from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico generally do not need a passport. You still need acceptable airport identification and should be prepared to show proof of citizenship when departing. Read official USVI guidance.
BVI: bring a passport
U.S. citizens need a passport to enter the BVI, including on a ferry day trip from the USVI. Other travelers should check passport and visa rules for their nationality. Check BVI entry requirements.
Both use U.S. dollars
You do not need to switch currencies between the territories. Costs depend on your dates, island, accommodation and boat plans, so compare the full trip rather than assuming one territory is cheaper.
Crossing between the territories is an international journey. Confirm immigration and customs procedures with your ferry or charter operator, allow time at both ends, and check current official requirements before departure. Passport-free travel to the USVI does not extend to the BVI.
Can you visit both on one trip?
Yes—ferry and charter options make a combined trip possible. Choose your arrival island and overnight base first, then check whether your intended connection operates on your travel day. For a day trip, confirm the return sailing before leaving; for a charter, ask whether international clearance is included. Avoid a tight connection to a flight after a cross-border boat journey.
Compare places for your itinerary
Official planning sources
Travel guidance reviewed October 27, 2026. Entry rules, services and availability can change; confirm directly before booking.