THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS – PEOPLE UNITED IN PRIDE AND HOPE
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI), officially the Virgin Islands of the United States, are a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an insular area of the United States. The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles.
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, and many other surrounding minor islands. The total land area of the territory is 133.73 square miles (346.36 km2). The territory’s capital is Charlotte Amalie on the island of Saint Thomas. Its ethnic groups are Black or 76.0% Afro-Caribbean (66.1% Non-Hispanic Black), 15.6% White (13.5% Non-Hispanic Whites, 1.4% Asian, 2.1% Mixed, 4.5% Other, and 17.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Population: 102,951 as of 2016
Capital: Charlotte Amalie on the island of Saint Thomas
Official languages: English
Sovereign state: United States
Largest City: St. Croix
Area: 133.73 square miles
Population Density: 297.63 people per square mile
The United States Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical climate, with little seasonal change throughout the year. Rainfall is concentrated in the high sun period (May thorough October), while in the winter the northeast trade winds prevail. Summer and winter high temperatures differ by 5 °F or less on average.
Tourism is the primary economic activity. The islands normally host 2 million visitors a year, many of whom visit on cruise ships. Additionally, the islands frequently are a starting point for private yacht charters to the neighboring British Virgin Islands. The manufacturing sector consists of mainly rum distilling. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are a small but growing component of the economy.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education serves as the territory’s education agency and has two school districts: St. Thomas–St. John School District and St. Croix School District.
The University of the Virgin Islands provides higher education leading to associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, with campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
American Citizen: American citizens do not need any new documents regarding work visas or papers. American citizens can freely travel and work in the USVI Social Security cards are required. Other identification documents to carry are a passport, drivers license, and a birth certificate.
Non-American Citizen: Non-American Citizens are required to be of resident alien status. The Federal immigration regulations for the USVI are the same as those for the US mainland. As such, either a work visa, student visa or temporary visa is required to live and work in the USVI.
The Islands enjoy a reasonably constant climate and temperature ranging in the high 70s to mid-80s. The USVI has no sales tax or state tax. The Islands are a U.S. territory and enjoy all the protective laws of the United States, including the legal system. Island lifestyle is very laid back. That being the case, things just don’t happen as fast in the USVI as they do on the mainland.
If you are moving to the USVI with a pet, tell your vet at least 30 days out, and begin to assemble to necessary paperwork. The Virgin Islands does not have any quarantine requirements. Pets traveling to the United States mainland from the Virgin Islands also will not require quarantine.
If you are bringing a pet into the USVI, a clean health certificate is required. A veterinarian must prepare the document within ten days of travel. All vaccinations must be up to date. Rabies shots are current if administered within six months of your travel date. This requirement applies only to animals 12 weeks of age or older. Keep all pet-related documents on hand when traveling. Due to public health and environmental concerns, importing pet snakes into the territory is not allowed. This includes all types of snakes.
Compass isn’t just your average moving company. Moving to or from the U.S. Virgin Islands requires more than packing boxes and transporting them.
Rely on our years of moving families like yours. Ask us for advice, tips and information. From planning your move to adjusting to life in or outside of the islands, we’re always here to listen and help.
United States Virgin Islands – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Virgin_Islands
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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING
“I’ve relocated several times and must admit that your company was by far the best company I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Thank you for such a wonderful professional service experience. I will certainly use your services and will gladly suggest your company to others.”
— Pam G.