St. John's Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in St. John's.
Healthcare System
St. John has limited medical facilities with basic healthcare services available through the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center. For serious medical issues, patients are typically transferred to Roy Lester Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas or evacuated to Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland.
Hospitals
The primary facility is Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center in Cruz Bay, which provides outpatient services, basic emergency care, and limited inpatient observation. For serious conditions, patients are transported to St. Thomas (20-minute ferry ride) or airlifted to Puerto Rico or Florida.
Pharmacies
Limited pharmacy services are available at the health center and some retail locations in Cruz Bay. Selection may be limited compared to mainland pharmacies. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications, as refills may be difficult to obtain. Over-the-counter medications are available but more expensive than on the mainland.
Insurance
While not legally required for U.S. citizens, comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended due to limited on-island facilities and potential need for medical transport.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of prescription medications plus extras in case of travel delays
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor for controlled substances
- Know that medical evacuation can cost $25,000-$50,000 without insurance
- Keep your insurance card and policy information easily accessible
- For diving-related injuries, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is on St. Thomas
- Tap water is generally safe but may come from cisterns; bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Theft from rental vehicles, particularly at beach parking areas and trailheads, is the most common crime affecting tourists. Thieves target cars with visible valuables, luggage, or beach bags.
Strong currents, rip tides, and rough surf can be dangerous, especially at beaches without lifeguards. Coral cuts and sea urchin stings are common injuries. Jellyfish are occasionally present.
Intense tropical sun, high humidity, and outdoor activities lead to frequent cases of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration among tourists unaccustomed to the climate.
Opportunistic theft of unattended belongings at beaches, restaurants, and bars. Pickpocketing is less common but can occur in crowded areas when cruise ships are in port.
Driving is on the LEFT side of the road (British style) but most vehicles have left-hand drive (American style). Roads are narrow, winding, steep, and often lack guardrails. Potholes and road damage are common.
While rare, encounters with aggressive donkeys, mongooses, and occasional shark sightings can occur. Mosquitoes can carry dengue fever and other diseases.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers quote inflated fares to tourists unfamiliar with standard rates, particularly from the ferry dock or airport. Shared taxis may charge per person when tourists expect per-vehicle pricing.
While U.S. dollars are the official currency, some vendors may try to confuse tourists by giving incorrect change or claiming they don't have change for larger bills.
Aggressive salespeople approach tourists with offers of free activities, discounted tours, or gifts in exchange for attending timeshare or real estate presentations that can last hours.
Individuals offer unofficial boat tours, snorkeling trips, or island tours at attractive prices but may lack proper licensing, insurance, or safety equipment.
Beach vendors selling drinks, snacks, or rentals may charge significantly inflated prices to tourists, especially at remote beaches where there are no alternatives.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Beach and Water Safety
- Never leave valuables unattended on the beach; use waterproof pouches for essentials
- Bring your own snorkel gear if possible; rental equipment quality varies
- Use only reef-safe sunscreen (required by law to protect coral reefs)
- Check current conditions and weather before water activities
- Wear water shoes to protect against sea urchins, coral, and sharp rocks
- Don't touch or stand on coral - it damages the reef and can cause painful cuts
- Be aware that many beaches lack lifeguards and facilities
- Bring plenty of water and snacks as beach vendors may be limited or expensive
Driving and Transportation
- Remember: drive on the LEFT side of the road with left-hand drive vehicles
- Rent a 4WD vehicle if planning to explore beyond main roads
- Drive slowly on narrow, winding roads; honk before blind curves
- Avoid night driving due to poor road conditions and limited lighting
- Fill up gas tank when possible; stations are limited and may have irregular hours
- Download offline maps as GPS and cell service can be unreliable
- Be patient with other drivers and allow extra travel time
- Watch for free-roaming livestock, donkeys, and wildlife on roads
Accommodation Security
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Lock doors and windows, even when briefly leaving your room
- Don't leave valuables visible from outside windows or doors
- Be cautious about sharing accommodation details with strangers
- Keep rental car keys secure; vehicle theft is rare but break-ins occur
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
- Note emergency exits and evacuation procedures upon arrival
Money and Valuables
- Use credit cards when possible for better fraud protection
- Carry only necessary cash and cards; leave extras in hotel safe
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- ATMs are limited; plan cash needs accordingly
- Be discreet when handling money; don't flash large amounts of cash
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Photograph important documents and store copies separately
- Be aware that prices are generally higher than U.S. mainland
Health Precautions
- Bring adequate prescription medications plus extra supply
- Pack a comprehensive first aid kit including blister care and antiseptic
- Stay hydrated in the tropical heat; drink water regularly
- Use insect repellent daily to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Be cautious with ice and tap water if you have a sensitive stomach
- Know symptoms of coral cuts, sea urchin stings, and when to seek medical care
- Consider bringing motion sickness medication for boat trips and winding roads
Communication and Connectivity
- U.S. cell phones work but may incur roaming charges with some carriers
- Verify your plan covers the U.S. Virgin Islands before traveling
- WiFi is available at most hotels but may be slow or unreliable
- Download offline maps, guidebooks, and important information before arrival
- Keep emergency contact numbers written down in case phone dies or is lost
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card for extended stays
- Cell service can be spotty in remote areas and on hiking trails
Environmental Responsibility and Safety
- Stay on marked trails when hiking to avoid getting lost and protect vegetation
- Bring trash bags and pack out all waste; help keep beaches and trails clean
- Don't feed wildlife, including fish, birds, or donkeys
- Respect marine life; don't touch turtles, rays, or other sea creatures
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only to protect fragile coral ecosystems
- Be aware of protected areas and follow National Park regulations
- Report any environmental damage or illegal activities to park rangers
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
St. John is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The island has a welcoming atmosphere and many women travel here alone without incident. As with any destination, standard precautions apply, and women should be aware of their surroundings, particularly in isolated areas and after dark. The small size of the island and tourist-friendly environment contribute to overall safety.
- Solo beach visits are generally safe during daytime at popular beaches with other visitors present
- Use caution when accepting drinks from strangers at bars; watch your drink being prepared
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Inform accommodation staff of your plans when hiking or visiting remote areas alone
- Catcalling is relatively uncommon but may occur; ignoring and walking away is usually effective
- Taxis are generally safe; consider using hotel-recommended drivers, especially at night
- Wear appropriate swimwear at beaches; topless sunbathing is not culturally accepted
- Carry a charged phone and portable charger when exploring alone
- Connect with other solo female travelers through accommodation or tour groups for shared activities
LGBTQ+ Travelers
As a U.S. territory, St. John follows U.S. federal law, meaning same-sex marriage is legal and LGBTQ+ individuals have the same legal protections as on the U.S. mainland. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited under federal law.
- LGBTQ+ travelers generally experience no issues when visiting St. John
- Most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are welcoming and inclusive
- Public displays of affection should be modest, as they would be for any couple
- The island lacks a specific LGBTQ+ nightlife scene due to its small size
- St. Thomas (20-minute ferry) has more LGBTQ+-specific venues and events
- Wedding and honeymoon services are available for same-sex couples
- Local attitudes are generally live-and-let-live, though some residents may hold traditional views
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel groups or forums for current information and recommendations
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for St. John due to limited on-island medical facilities, the need for potential medical evacuation, hurricane risk during summer/fall months, and the high cost of activities and accommodations. Medical evacuation alone can cost $25,000-$50,000, and trip cancellations due to hurricanes or other emergencies can result in significant financial loss. The island's remote location makes insurance particularly valuable.
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