As one of the few locations for Americans to travel during the pandemic, there are some things that you should know about visiting St Croix and the Covid travel restrictions to the Virgin Islands in 2021. So, we’ve put together some St Croix COVID-19 travel tips.
Updated: August 13, 2021
Covid Travel Restrictions Virgin Islands
Regardless of vaccination status, all travelers ages 5 and up arriving in the US Virgin Island are required to present a COVID-19 negative test result (PCR or Antigen) obtained within 5-days of commencement of travel to the US Virgin Islands. A positive Antibody test obtained within four months prior to the commencement of travel is no longer acceptable. Test results must be uploaded to the USVI Travel Portal within 5 days or commencement of travel in order to obtain clearance via a green QR code. You may be asked to present this at check-in PRIOR TO BOARDING the plane. If you don’t have it, you aren’t getting on. And they’re serious.
Travelers vaccinated in the U.S. Virgin Islands may be able to use their vaccine status, in lieu of a COVID-19 test result for travel from the U.S. mainland and/or from another U.S. Territory.
Travel From A Foreign Country
Travelers coming from a foreign country (regardless of whether you are a US citizen or permanent resident alien) must present test results within 3-days of commencement of travel to the Territory. (This means travel from any country that is NOT a US state, territory or possession of the United States).
You do not need to be tested when you leave the US Virgin Islands and travel (back) to the states. (The United States Virgin islands is NOT a foreign country.)
- Have a COVID-19 negative test result (PCR or Antigen) obtained within 5-days of commencement of travel
- *OR* if you are a resident of the USVI and were fully vaccinated in the USVI, you may be able to present your vaccine information.
- Certification from USVI Travel Portal (printed or digital) … you may be denied boarding without this.
👉🏽 Read the Current Official USVI Travel Requirements
✈️ Access the USVI Travel Portal
Covid Travel Restrictions Virgin Islands Residents
Travelers who originate in the USVI and return to the Territory, regardless of the length of time away, must take a test before returning and follow the same COVID travel restrictions to the Virgin Islands. A COVID-19 molecular or antigen test taken in the USVI is NOT acceptable for travel from the U.S. mainland. Antibody test results are no longer acceptable.
Click here for a handy list of COVID-19 related restrictions and requirements by state.
Effective July 24, 2021, passengers traveling from the British Virgin Islands to the U.S. Virgin Islands must provide evidence of:
- a COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken and negative result received (both within 48 hours of commencement of travel to the Territory)
Results from COVID-19 antibody tests will no longer be accepted for passengers from the British Virgin Islands.
Travelers should produce their original test results and travel certification received from the Portal upon arrival.
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 or $50 Antibody test and they take most insurance.)
The good news is that most all businesses 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. Be sure to follow our St Croix Calendar to see what’s happening on the island while you’re here. Reservations are always recommended as they are running at 75% 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.
View the Vacation St Croix Collection of Villas from 2-6 bedrooms.
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 underwater 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.
St Croix COVID-19 Travel Tips
Travelers Must upload negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test results within 5 days of travel to usvitravelportal.com prior to arrival. You won’t be allowed to board without it.
Wear a Mask. In fact, it’s 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.
Ready to pack your bags? Check out our packing recommendations for your Caribbean vacation and be sure to learn about Reef Safe sunscreen before you hit the beach.
2022 St Croix Calendar
L I M I T E D ⋅ E D I T I O N
Chock full of beautiful color images of the island by Cindy Leigh Photo you’ll also find local Virgin Islands Holidays and events on this quality wall calendar.
🌱 Printed on 100% recycled paper and certified FSC, Ecologo, Chlorine Free, Bio Gas Energy, Ancient Forest Friendly paper and using soy-based inks.
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!
Do you need a COVID test when traveling by boat from Puerto Rico to the USVI?? Do you need to report your entry by boat to the USVI from Puerto Rico on CBP Roam website??
Every traveler by air or sea must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 5 days of arrival. For further details and information, please refer to the official information from the USVI Department of Tourism at https://usviupdate.com/ regarding Coast Guard or CBP information regarding vessels, you would need to check directly with them if it is not addressed on the DOT site to be sure.
I have received both shots of the Moderna vaccine. Do I still need a COVID-19 negative test to travel from New Mexico to St. Croix. If so, why ?
Yes. All traveler’s to the US Virgin Islands are required to upload test results prior to arrival regardless of vaccine status. If you are at least two weeks post your final dose, you can obtain a positive antibody test result. This is valid up to 4-months prior to arrival.
I am going to get the Antibody Test since it is good for 4 months and makes planning a trip much easier. How do I get the results to the USVI Travel Portal. Thanks
The link is in the article above. https://usvitravelportal.com
Is there a Jump-Up Block Party event planned for July 2021 (the quarterly event where the streets are closed down and live entertainment)? If so, do you have the date? Thanks.
Not at this time. As of now, public events are prohibited and the limit for private events is 100 guests per current Governor Bryan’s Executive Order related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do you have to wear your mask outside in St. Croix? Or just inside? We want to go but my husband had bad asthma and has a hard time wearing it outside.
Hi Judy – Masks must be worn indoors at businesses and when entering restaurants. Outdoors in public spaces (and of course private) masks may be removed.
For those that have been vaccinated in the USVI the Polaris Key program seems to work great. It took about 10 days to complete the setup process but once done the it only took 20 minutes to get a “Green” approval response from the USVI travel portal. Worked very well and was easy.
Unfortunately, the Polariskey system seems to work great for some, but not at all for others. I’m fully vaccinated and have tried it 5 times in the past month to no avail.
Where is the green QR code obtained for entry into the St. Croix Covid testing portal? I have not found a testing site in my city that provides such a code or is even familiar with it.
The green QR code is provided by the USVI Travel portal after you upload your information and COVID test. The green QR code signifies that you have been approved to arrive in the US Virgin Islands. It is emailed to you after your submit your information.