Travel Vaccines and Advice for the U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are made up of approximately 50 islands and cays, many of which are uninhabited. The three major islands are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Less than half the population of all the islands is native-born.
Travellers will see the British Virgin Islands, which, at the closest point, are only half a mile away.
Do I Need Vaccines for U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for U.S. Virgin Islands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for U.S. Virgin Islands: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for U.S. Virgin Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for U.S. Virgin Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue is present on the islands and Zika poses a risk. Mosquito repellents are recommended for travellers. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should take extra precautions. Consider mosquito netting and possibly changing travel plans.
Traveller’s diarrhea is a threat throughout the world. Consider a traveller’s diarrhea kit to prevent these sometimes embarrasing symptoms.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the U.S. Virgin Islands
“The nurse was very helpful and clear. She was able to determine the recommended vaccines for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I felt comfortable to ask questions and she was helpful in answering and helping understanding risks.”
“I ve been here before and everyone is very friendly and helpful. They are knowledgeable, and willing to help find answers if they don t know. This is my go-to spot for vaccines. Thanks ladies.”
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
A passport which is valid until the expected date of departure is required to enter the country. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter U.S. territories. Those with a criminal record may be denied entry.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
The U.S. Virgin Islands has a warm subtropical climate.
June, July, and August are the hottest months for the islands with temperatures in the high-20’s. December, January, and February are usually cooler with highs in the low-20’s.
There is no rainy season for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The wettest months are May and August through November. Rainfall is short and occurs early in the morning or late at night. Sometimes day-long rains do occur. February and March are the driest months.
Hurricane season is from June to November.
How Safe are the U.S. Virgin Islands?
As part of the United States commonwealth, the U.S. Virgin Islands are relatively safe. But, you should still take some precautions while there.
Be sure to lock your hotel and car doors when leaving. Petty theft is common on the islands.
At night be particularly careful and stick to well-lit areas whenever possible. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen. Wear items like hats and sunglasses to help keep you safe.
Shop on St. Thomas Island
In Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas travellers flock to shop at the hundreds of duty-free stores. You can find places to go on a shopping spree everywhere from local boutiques to small malls. There are even stores in some homes.
Main Street (or “Dronningens Gade”) is one of the most popular shopping destinations. You can enjoy cobblestone streets while looking through diamonds, perfume, electronics and more. The island has anything one could ask for, so authentic souvenirs are not a problem.
If you do head to Main Street, consider avoiding going too early or too late. Many tourists go to the shopping hub as soon as possible in the morning. Many stores close in the late afternoon/early evening.
Consider a detour to Market Square, an open-air historical vegetable and fruit market.
What Should I Pack for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Make sure you bring these items with you on your trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands:
- Sun Protection – With so many great beaches, getting out in the sun is a must. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
- Traveller’s Diarrhea Kit – The U.S. Virgin Islands are a generally safe destination. But, traveller’s diarrhea can attack almost anywhere. Make sure you have a kit on hand for your trip.
- Bug Repellant – Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects are common on the islands. Make sure you bring some bug spray to help keep them far away.
Canadian Embassy in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For any consular needs, contact the Canadian consulate in Miami:
Canadian Consulate in Miami
200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1600,
Miami, Florida, U.S.A., 33131
Tel.: 1-844-880-6519
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
What is the Climate Like in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
How Safe are the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Shop on St. Thomas Island
What Should I Pack for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
