Traveling to St Thomas USVI

[ScotZ]

I am looking for information from anyone who has recently traveled there. Particularly their view on CCW. Is my Ohio/Florida CCW going to stand in the USVI? I am going to St Johns for a couple of days and would like to carry while I am there.

So far, all I have been able to find out is I must fill out a "Declaration of Armed Individual" at the airlines in the USVI. Sorry but that is all I have to go on right now. I am not talking about LEOSA. I am not a LEO (in my best Seinfeld,"Not that there is anything wrong with them") I have e-mailed their tourist bureau and I will keep you posted as my information comes in. Please share any information that you may have.

TIA
Scot

 

[TexasRifleman]

A license is required to posses, transport, or carry a firearm there.

The Virgin Islands Police Department issues them.

The Virgins Islands are part of the "United States" in name only for all practical purposes.

I've never heard of any kind of reciprocity at all.

You'll want to contact the PD directly, I wouldn't trust any information from the tourist bureau.

http://www.vipd.gov.vi/main/main.aspx

 

[Joe Cool]

I was there not too long ago and asked someone who carries a lot of cash.
He told me the Chief of Police was very gun friendly in Charlotte-Amalie and to do the asking in person when you are there so the next time would be cool. He said it would help if you show a carry permit from any other state.
Just hearsay, but hopefully good info for you.

 

[SCKimberFan]

Don't know about USVI, but I do know that Puerto Rico does not recognize CWPs from the states.

 

[LAR-15]

I would say the USVI and Puerto Rico have the strictist gun laws in the US.

 

[ScotZ]

Thanks for the replies. We are looking at purchasing a condo there. I will get in touch with the local authorities while we are there. I want to do the "right" thing so we are welcome back and I am viewed as honest and law abiding . No use in making waves our first trip.

Special THANKS to TexasRifleman. That link really helped!

 

[cruzan]

I would say the USVI and Puerto Rico have the strictist gun laws in the US.

Thats the absolute truth!!

Hey ScotZ I am from the Virgin Islands, and from what I know the only ones allowed to carry are the LEO's, Individuals Involved in Business and the many criminals we have down here .

I will get in touch with the local authorities while we are there.

Scot I am encouraged that you will be doing that , to many of the people here (Gun Owners) are not fighting to exercise their rights . I myself am on a quest to find all the laws pertaining to guns in the VI and working with fellow gun owners so that we can organize and get some of these BS laws changed.


This is a link for Firearms Laws in the VI http://www.michie.com/virginislands/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=vicode

Look in Title 23 Chapter 5


Feel free to PM me if needed Cruzan

 

[.cheese.]

I am looking for information from anyone who has recently traveled there. Particularly their view on CCW. Is my Ohio/Florida CCW going to stand in the USVI? I am going to St Johns for a couple of days and would like to carry while I am there.

I went there on a cruise and did not bring anything with me.

Also, if it's a cruise, check where the cruise ship is registered. If it's the Bahamas, while on the cruise you're legally "in the Bahamas" and therefore have to abide by their gun laws too.

That's at least my understanding of it. I could be wrong. IANAL (yet).

 

[TexasRifleman]

Special THANKS to TexasRifleman. That link really helped!

I'm not sure it will be much help, they basically told me "No" when I tried it, but let us know how it goes.

I was only going to be there for a week, and arriving on a private boat so it may be very different owning property there.

 

[Joe Cool]

The operative part of the law is this one:

460. Reciprocal recognition of out-of-state licenses

Unless otherwise prohibited by any state or federal law, a license to possess or to carry firearms, issued by any competent authority of any state or territory of the United States and in accordance with the same or similar requirements as set forth in the preceding sections pertaining to the applicant's eligibility, and the establishment of his reputation through fingerprints, shall be recognized as valid within the Virgin Islands and shall allow the holder thereof to exercise all of the privileges in connection therewith, while said licensee is a visitor or transient resident herein.

Any marshal, sheriff, constable, police or other peace officer, of any state or territory of the United States, whose duty it is to serve process and make arrests, may, while travelling through or in the Virgin Islands on official business, carry such weapons or equipment as has been authorized by his appointing authority.

Like I said, earlier make an introduction of yourself to the Chief of Police, and then bring your CCW to show him. I intend to do so on my next trip to our property there as well.

 

[Grayrock]

This doesn't help, but I just want to say I am jealous. I honeymooned on St. Thomas. Can't wait to get back there (perhaps after they start driving on the proper side of the road, though )

 

[brickeyee]

This doesn't help, but I just want to say I am jealous. I honeymooned on St. Thomas. Can't wait to get back there (perhaps after they start driving on the proper side of the road, though )

But they have to drive slow enough it is not that hard to get used to.
I have visited St. Thomas and have driven there.