Travel Insurance

It is to your advantage to have a rental car on St. John or you could miss many of the best parts of the island. Staying in a villa increases the need. Villa Luminaria is outside the town and exquisitely located for seclusion and views.

4 wheel drives are recommended for driving on the island. St. John's roads are rough, and often very steep. Also the concrete roads can get very slippery in the rain. Mileage is unlimited, you pay for the gas.

In order to rent a car on St. John, drivers must be 26 years or older with a valid drivers license and a major credit card. Check with your credit card company to make sure that your rental car insurance applies to the US Virgin Islands and to SUV's.

Foreign drivers should obtain a temporary permit from the Department of Public Safety.

Tips for Driving on St. John

Always drive on the left (a Danish remnant). Take your time when leaving a parking lot or turning into traffic - that is when the error of entering into the wrong traffic lane usually happens. The roads are narrow and windy, if you are on the wrong side you may not realize it until coming out from a curve and finding yourself nose to nose with an oncoming vehicle.

Seat belts are required in the front seat. This law is strictly enforced.

The speed limit in town is 10 MPH and 25 MPH, unless otherwise marked, outside of town. Stay slow and keep an eye out for the animals and hitch hikers that share the road with you.

Finding a parking spot in town can be difficult, the few official parking areas are often full. Most of the car rental agencies in town will tend your car for you while you are in town.

The 12,600 acres of paradise appeared above sea level approximately 120 million years ago and, primarily volcanic in its origin, it has a varied terrain offering moist subtropical forests as well as arid desert vegetation.

November through February the weather holds to a temperate 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with constant refreshing sea breezes. September to October is warmer averaging in the mid to high 80's but the subtropical breezes remain a constant. Usually there is more rainfall July through January, while spring and early summer can be quite dry. On any given day, however, brief rain showers are not uncommon.

Dress

Light cotton clothes are recommended. Sleeves or a light wrap may be desirable in the early morning or evening during the cooler season. St. John is a relaxed island and it is rare that formal attire is requested. Otherwise shorts & T-shirts, sun dresses, and sandals are all acceptable. Bathing suits are for the beach, the locals can be insulted if you do not cover up on the streets or in their business establishments.

US Citizens are highly recommended to bring along their passport when traveling to the US Virgin Islands. Although not officially required to show one on the flight down you will be required on your return trip to provide evidence of citizenship by showing a passport, driver's license, birth certificate or voters registration card along with a picture ID.

Non US citizens but permanent residents of the US need certificate of alien registration or green card on leaving territory.

If you are planning to make a day trip to the British Virgin Islands definitely bring your passports.

Citizens of other countries should carry whatever the US Travel regulations request. Where no visa is necessary have your passport and the green I-94. If a visa is required then bring the white I-94 and your passport.

US visitors, including children, can take back or have mailed, $1,200 worth of duty free imports every 30 days which is double the $600 limitation placed on Caribbean basin countries and much more than the $400 that US residents are allowed when returning from most foreign countries. When your exemption is exceeded the first additional $1000 is dutiable at flat rate 5%, above that your purchases will be subject to various rates of duty.

Family members traveling together may make a joint declaration.

US Visitors to St. John may mail undeclared gifts valued at up to $100 to family or friends at the rate of one mailing per day to the same address.

Island made items are customs exempt. Obtain a certificate of origin if value exceeds $25. Also original paintings, unset precious gems and various other items. Be sure to ask or call the Bureau of Customs (340) 774-2510

Exempt are up to: 5 cartons cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 5 bottles of liquor, (an additional bottle is allowed provided it is a product of the islands such as a Cruzan Rum)

Plants in soil cannot be transported, but some fruits can. Dept. Agriculture: (340)776-2787.

Leaving the islands all baggage subject to inspection by US customs. The customs agent may require you to show a receipt for your purchases.