| St. John, USVI Facts |
Capital:
Population: 5,000
Size: 20 square miles
Electric Current: 110
Official Language: English.
Currency: U.S. Dollar
Tipping and Taxes: Government tax is 8%, and hotels will often add a service charge of 10-15% to your bill. Restaurant tabs should be tipped 15%, but be sure it is not already added. Taxi driver should also get 15%.
Dress Code: Casual during the day. Many will dress up for evening activity. It's smart to pack a lightweight sweater or jacket for the sometimes cool, winter nights.
Telephone: Local area code is 340. |
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Exclamation points of shimmering sand, surf, and rolling hills dot the Atlantic, just as when Columbus discovered them 500 years ago. St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John are a true oasis, blessed with unspoiled beauty and perfect year round weather.
But the US Virgin Islands are more than just turquoise waters and pretty palms. The three islands are highly sought after for their unique blend of US government, European charm and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Some of the Caribbean’s best diving and water sports are on the USVI, as well as world-class golf, unspoiled tropical beauty, nature reserves, tax-free shopping, and incredible nightlife!
In 1971 the US bought the islands, which had been former pirate hideouts and ruled by over 7 European monarchies. Just minutes apart, each of the US Virgin Islands has its own personality and characteristics. Aristocratic roots are seen in the 17th century castles and homes, 200 year-old sugar plantations and rum factories.
Vacationers can Snuba dive, view famous sea horses and sharks with water visibility of 80 feet, camp on the ocean’s edge, rock climb, or sun bathe on what National Geographic describes as the most “beautiful beach in the world.” Duty-free shopping, beautiful beaches, ideal weather and lingering European charm, plus convenient transportation and accommodations, make the U.S. Virgin Islands an ideal destination any time of the year.
A 20-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas opens the door to the “friendliest” and smallest of the US Virgin Islands, St. John. Over half of St. John's 21 sq. miles is cared for by the park service and is open for exploration with fabulous trails and scenic views. Guests can camp out right at the oceans’ edge at Maho Bay, or, the most famous campsite in the Caribbean, Cinnamon Bay. Both camps offer watersports, food and supplies on-site. (Reservations are a must during high season.) Reef Bay Trail is also worth a hike! This downhill trail includes a 200-year-old sugar plantation and petroglyphs carved by the Carib Indians. Guests shouldn’t overlook Snuba, a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving. St. John is the only place in the Caribbean where it’s offered. Though St. John is not known for its nightlife, Cruz Bay does have colorful shops, lively bars, and some wonderful restaurants.
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| Entry Documents: |
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Beginning January 2007, US citizens need a passport for all travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada.
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter but do require proof of citizenship to return back to the states. A passport or birth certificate with photo ID is sufficient. Canadian and European travelers need a valid passport. |
| Airport: |
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Cyril E. King Airport; Flights from the U.S. are direct to St. Thomas. Transfers to St. Croix are via air or boat and St. John via ferry |
| Departure Tax: |
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None. |
| Driving: |
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On the left. |
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| Process: |
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Apply for a marriage license by writing to: Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, Box 70, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. 00804 or call and request an application at (340) 774-6680.
After the completed and notarized application is received in the islands, there is a required minimum eight-day waiting period. If either party is divorced, he or she must have a certified copy of the divorce decree or a notarized affidavit stating when the divorce was granted.
The marriage application fee is $25 and the marriage license fee is $25 (U.S. dollars) |
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