Is US Virgin Islands safe for Black travellers?
Majority-Black US territory, popular with Black travellers; high homicide rate
Vibe check
Essentials
- Currency
- USD
- Language
- English
- Best time to visit
- Dec-Apr
- Visa
- US territory — no passport needed for US citizens.
- Health
- No specific vaccines needed.
Community warnings
- 35 homicides in 2025 across a population of about 87,000 (VIPD via VI Consortium)
- Gun violence concentrated in parts of St Thomas and St Croix
Border & airport tips
St. Thomas airport efficient for US travellers.
Why this rating
About 71% of the 87,146 residents identified as Black alone or in combination in the 2020 US census, and TheGrio and Travel Noire both list the USVI among destinations favoured by and welcoming to Black travellers. The score is held back by violent crime: police reported 35 homicides in 2025, a very high rate for a population under 90,000, though violence is mostly local rather than aimed at tourists.
Official advice: US territory: no State Dept advisory; FCDO covers it under USA advice (no advice against travel)
Sources: census.gov · viconsortium.com · thegrio.com · travelnoire.com
Reviewed Sep 2026 · evidence: medium · editorial rating, not official travel advice.
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Create a free accountThis page is an editorial summary, not an official safety rating, and conditions change. Visa and health details can change without notice. Check official advice before you travel, e.g. GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov.