Published: 17.10.2026
The .vi extension is the country-code domain of the United States Virgin Islands, a group of Caribbean islands with Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas as the capital. Hotels, cruise shore excursions, shops and local services use it to show a clear link to the islands. Use the form that sits just below this text to check whether your name in .vi is still available.
Check if a .vi domain is available .vi Check
A short history
The islands use the national code assigned to them, and the zone has grown along with the tourism and service sectors that shape daily life there. Many businesses on Saint Thomas, Saint Croix and Saint John now sell trips, accommodation and local products online. Government offices, schools and community groups also use the zone, which makes it a practical address for everyday island business.
Who runs it
The .vi zone is managed by a registry that keeps the list of names and publishes the terms for holders. Accredited registrars sell names to customers and send orders to the registry. The registry's published terms are the place to check holder conditions, contact requirements and renewal rules before you order a name.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: some zones restrict who may hold a name, so confirm whether the requirements fit your situation before you order.
- Contact information: the details must be accurate, and they may be checked when you register or transfer the name.
- Characters: characters are limited to letters, digits and hyphens, and the zone's length rules apply.
- Renewal: a name that expires can be picked up by someone else, so give renewal to a named person.
Who uses .vi
- Hotels, villa rentals and guesthouses on Saint John, Saint Croix and Saint Thomas.
- Shore excursion operators, charter boats and snorkel tours that welcome cruise visitors.
- Restaurants, rum and food producers, and shops that sell local crafts and goods.
- Schools, churches, health providers and community groups serving island residents.
Strengths
- The ending shows a clear link to the islands, which helps visitors find a local business before they arrive.
- English is the main language, so most visitors can read a site without translation.
- The short ending works well on shop fronts, boat signs and printed guides.
Things to keep in mind
- Many people call the territory USVI or the US Virgin Islands, so use these names in the site text as well.
- Visitors from elsewhere in the Caribbean and beyond may not know the ending, so show the full island name nearby.
- Good short names are often taken, so a neighbourhood or beach name can help you find an alternative.
- Terms for holders may change, so review the registration details regularly.
Tips before you register
- Search for the .com version of the name and for your business on the travel platforms you use.
- Give the owner's and the company's details exactly as they appear in official documents.
- Publish opening hours, booking terms and emergency contact details on the site from day one.
- Set up mail authentication records before the domain sends booking mail.
- Store the registrar login securely and keep two trusted people able to manage it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hotel based outside the islands register a .vi name? Some zones limit holders, so check whether the current terms fit a hotel based elsewhere before you order.
Is .vi a good fit for a business that serves only cruise visitors? It can be, since the name links to the destination. Pages that name the ports and ships you serve may also help visitors find you.
Does a .vi name change how search engines rank a site? It can be one geographic hint, but content, reviews and accurate listings count for far more.
