Travel in the Time of COVID-19

As one of the few locations for Americans to travel this season, there are some things that you should know about visiting St Croix and the US Virgin Islands for the 2020/2021 Winter season.

At this time of publication (because we all know from this year that things can change!) all travelers ages 5 and up arriving in the US Virgin Island are required to present a COVID-19 negative test result obtained within 5-days of commencement of travel to the US Virgin Islands.

If you absolutely cannot get a test prior to travel (we don’t recommend it), you will be required to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days or until you receive a COVID-19 negative test result after arrival in the Territory. Testing is readily available on a walk-in basis at places like Plessen Urgent Care in Sunny Isles (open 7 days a week; $95/PCR test and they take most insurance.)

The good news is that most all business in the US Virgin Islands are open with COVID-19 protocols and some restrictions in place. You’ll find St Croix restaurants and bars open – including some new ones! – with live entertainment. Reservations are always recommended as they are running at 50% capacity. With many of the island’s restaurants open-air establishments – dining out isn’t a lot different these days. Just wear your mask when you’re not seated at the table.

No Mask, No Service. Masks are required to be worn inside all public spaces including stores, restaurants, hotel lobbies, taxis, etc. There is a first time fine of $50 and subsequent fines of $100 for violating this mandate.

Social Distancing of at least six feet away from other people that are not of their same household, is encouraged whenever possible.

One of the perks of the islands is, of course, that we have summer year-round and outdoor activities abound. There are plenty of places and spaces for you to practice social distancing while enjoying your vacation. Vacation villas, like the collection at Vacation St Croix, are also a great way to enjoy your vacation while maintaining some distance from others. You have your own private pool and fully equipped house to relax and enjoy for the duration of your stay.

Want to know what’s happening while you will be here? Be sure to follow the St Croix Calendar for live music, events and more.

And of course there are still plenty of tours and things to do that are operating under current guidelines with plenty of open air. Ride horses on the beach with Cruzan Cowgirls or head out to Buck Island for a snorkeling trip with Caribbean Sea Adventures or one of the many other boats headed that way. If staying under water is more your style – there’s plenty to see! Check out our favorite Scuba operators and they’ll get you out to the best spots.

COVID-19 Travel Tips

Travelers can upload negative COVID-19 PCR test results to usvitravelportal.com prior to arrival this will help speed up the process when you arrive on St Croix where all passengers are required to go through a screening process prior to heading to the baggage carousel.

Wear a Mask. In fact, its required by all airlines. Your best option is an N-95 mask if you can find one available. But other commercially made and home-made masks or face-coverings will do. Remember, the purpose is NOT exactly to prevent you from getting the virus, it is to prevent you from SPREADING the virus as an asymptomatic carrier. It’s about protecting others. Check with your airline in advance regarding their specific guidelines. (for example masks with exhalation valves or vents cannot be worn as air flowing out can spread the virus which defeats the purpose of wearing your mask.)

Sanitize Sanitize Sanitize! When I traveled recently, I had a baggy full of Clorox Wipes handy so that I could wipe down the arm rests and tray table as soon as I sat down (though I found that the airplanes were sparkling clean and attention to detail was apparent). I also used them to open bathroom doors in the airports when I had layovers. And, of course, I used PLENTY of hand sanitizer throughout my trip.

Consider purchasing travel insurance. Check with your credit card, often they offer automatic travel insurance but you need to be aware of the restrictions. Otherwise, check out travel insurance to see what may be available in the case of a delay or cancellation due to illness or even weather. Most accommodations here in the islands will happily credit you for a stay at a later date if you need to cancel for reasons due to COVID-19. But, it’s always wise to ask about cancellation policies at the time you are booking your stay.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to St Croix and the US Virgin Islands. Just please be respectful while you are here and help to protect our community from the virus in the same way you would protect your family.

And please don’t give your servers, tour operators or other business owners and employees a hard time about the local policies in place. They are simply following the guidelines so we that we can keep our businesses open and continue to share our beautiful island with you!