4 Safety Tips for Tourists Traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands

 Posted on July 12, 2026 in Personal Injury

The U.S. Virgin Islands draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Many of them have safe, enjoyable stays. However, there are real hazards that tourists should be mindful of when visiting in 2026.

A US Virgin Islands personal injury attorney can advise you on how to keep your trip as safe as possible. If something does go wrong, you may have legal options.

What Are the Most Common Safety Risks for Tourists in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

There are several categories that see the highest incident rates for tourists visiting the islands.

Crimes of Opportunity

Violent crime targeting tourists is relatively rare in the USVI. Petty theft and personal property theft are less so. Rental cars are a frequent target. Bags left unattended on beaches, cameras left on restaurant tables, and unsecured hotel rooms are also common targets.

While most crimes will not physically injure anyone, it is possible for fights or confrontations to ensue if someone tries to stop a crime in progress. Theft of money or documentation such as drivers’ licenses or passports can also pose problems for your return journey.

Don't leave anything of value visible in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Use your accommodation's safe for passports and electronics when you're out. If you are the victim of a crime in the USVI, report it immediately to the Virgin Islands Police Department by calling 911 and keep a copy of the report.

Tourist Activities

The USVI offers many different land and water attractions. These can be formal excursions run by companies or more low-key beach activities such as snorkeling or swimming.

It’s important to consider the risks of both of these options. Check online to see whether the beach has lifeguards and whether there are any current safety advisories or dangerous surf conditions.

With planned excursions, read the precautions and risks carefully. Review the company’s policies and qualifications before booking so you are confident you are in good hands. Tour companies may be legally responsible if injuries result from negligent maintenance, defective equipment, or unsafe operating practices. Wear any safety gear provided, such as a life jacket or helmet. Always remember that when preparing to embark, you're within your rights to refuse to board if conditions seem unsafe or equipment looks questionable.

Vehicles

Traffic in the Virgin Islands moves on the left, the way it does in the United Kingdom and many Caribbean islands. What makes the USVI especially tricky is that most of the rental cars are left-hand-drive American vehicles even though traffic keeps to the left. For many people, this makes it difficult to overcome their years of instincts for driving on the right side of the road.

Accidents involving tourists who are unfamiliar with left-hand driving happen regularly. Roads are also often narrow, poorly lit at night, and hilly. Some tourists indulging in alcohol will also opt to drive home rather than pay the high costs of taxis.

V.I. Code Ann. tit. 20, § 493a prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. If you are injured by a motorist who has been drinking, you may have a strong legal claim.

Lack of Infrastructure

Parts of St. Thomas and the other islands simply don't have the infrastructure most mainland Americans are used to. This can pose problems for unaware visitors.

Sidewalks are limited or nonexistent along many roads. While it is possible to walk along roadsides in some areas, they are often full of debris that makes walking difficult or hazardous. Power outages are also fairly common, and access to water in an emergency may be affected. If you're renting a private property, ask in advance about water sources, backup power, and what to do in an outage.

Medical infrastructure is another consideration. Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas handles most acute care. Serious injuries, however, often require medevac transport to Puerto Rico or the mainland. That transport can cost tens of thousands of dollars without adequate travel or health insurance. Check your coverage before your trip begins.

What Should You Do if You're Injured in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

If an injury does happen, take the following steps:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.

• Document the scene with photos before anything is moved or changed.

• Report the incident to the property owner, tour operator, or police. Get a written copy of your report.

• Preserve any physical evidence, including equipment that failed or gear you were wearing.

• Get the information of anyone else involved, including witnesses.

• Do not sign any release or accept any payment from a tour operator or business before speaking with an attorney.

USVI injury cases can involve complex questions about local and federal laws. Getting legal advice early from someone familiar with the area and the different jurisdictions at play is advisable.

Call a St. Thomas, USVI Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you were hurt while visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, Colianni & Leonard LLC is ready to help. We have a physical office right in St. Thomas. This affords us much more immediacy and faster response time in our cases than many mainland law firms.

Call our US Virgin Islands personal injury lawyer at 340-719-1766 today to set up a free consultation about your case.