US Virgins Islands: Whats the Difference? The British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas territory consisting of four larger islands (Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke), while the U.S. Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States consisting of three larger islands (St. Croix, St.

Yes, there is a significant geographical and political difference. "The Virgin Islands" is an archipelago in the Caribbean that is divided into two main territories: the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The USVI is an unincorporated territory of the United States and includes the major islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Travelers from the U.S. mainland do not need a passport to visit the USVI, and the currency is the U.S. Dollar. The BVI, on the other hand, is a British Overseas Territory consisting of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Visiting the BVI from the U.S. requires a valid passport. While they share a "High-Fidelity" climate and proximity, they have different laws, driving sides (USVI drives on the left in American cars, BVI drives on the left in a mix), and government structures. For a 2026 traveler, it is a high-fidelity necessity to know which territory you are entering, as crossing between them involves clearing international customs and immigration.