Who owns Virgin Islands?

History & Political Status In 1917, the United States purchased the Danish part for $25 million, mainly for strategic reasons to assure tranquility in the Caribbean Ocean. U.S. citizenship was conferred on U.S. Virgin Islanders in 1927.



The Virgin Islands are an archipelago divided into three distinct political jurisdictions: the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), the British Virgin Islands (BVI), and the Spanish Virgin Islands. The USVI (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John) is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning they are owned by the US and residents are US citizens, though they do not vote in presidential elections. The BVI (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke) is a British Overseas Territory, where ultimate executive authority is vested in the British King, represented by an appointed Governor. The Spanish Virgin Islands (Vieques and Culebra) are part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and thus also fall under US sovereignty. In 2026, while the USVI and BVI share a close economic and cultural bond—often using the US dollar as their primary currency—they remain strictly separate entities under the governance of the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively.

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Passports for U.S. Citizens are NOT required for the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving the territory (such as a government issued photo ID or your passport). Citizens of countries other than the U.S. should follow U.S. travel regulations.

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U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.

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What Caribbean Countries Do Not Require a Passport? Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are two Caribbean destinations that do not require a passport for American citizens when traveling by air or sea. Essentially, these US territories are regarded as domestic travel within the United States.

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When you are moving to the US Virgin Islands from the USA, if you are an American citizen you will not require a visa. However, non-US citizens willing to stay in the Virgin Islands for a long term need to apply for suitable visas. There are H1B, H2B and student visas available to move to the islands and live there.

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Five territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) are permanently inhabited, unincorporated territories; the other nine are small islands, atolls, and reefs with no native (or permanent) population.

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Conditions on the islands were harsh and many slaves tried to escape in the bush. It wasn't long before the number of slaves on the island exponentially outnumbered the free men. Reports say that on St. Thomas in 1725 there lived 324 whites compared to 4,490 enslaved Africans.

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The islands remained under Danish rule until 1917, when the United States purchased them for $25 million in gold in an effort to improve military positioning during critical times of World War I. St. Croix, St.

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Nearly 100 islands and cays make up the Virgin Islands, and each boasts its own unique charm and appeal. These Caribbean island hideaways are world-renowned for their water sports, shipwreck dives and underwater adventures, surf-worthy waves, and perfect beaches.

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St. Croix However, perhaps the most appealing aspect of living in St. Croix is its affordable cost of living. Housing costs, while often still expensive, are more reasonable compared to the other islands. These prices make it an attractive option for families on a budget who want to live in the Virgin Islands.

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The Virgin Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea, are a popular retirement destination for many Americans seeking a tropical and relaxed environment with access to outdoor activities, stunning beaches, and a welcoming culture.

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The capital, Charlotte Amalie, is located on the island of Saint Thomas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 population is 87,146. 71.4% of the population is Black or African American, 13.3% is white, 1.0% is Asian, 0.04% is American Indian and Alaska Native, 6.3% is other, and 7.5% is mixed.

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1. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Welcome to the largest of the U.S. territories, my favorite U.S. territory. Holding more people than all other territories combined, Puerto Rico (PR) also happens to be the cheapest territory for travelers, which makes it perfect for those who prefer spending more on adventures.

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