Travel in the Time of COVID-19

Updated: April 7, 2021

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 in 2021. So, we’ve put together some St Croix COVID-19 travel tips.

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 or a positive Antibody test obtained within four months prior to the commencement of travel and certification from the USVI Travel Portal at check-in PRIOR TO BOARDING the plane. If you don’t have it, you aren’t getting on. And they’re serious.

‼️ Note: Though the CDC has lightened restrictions on travelers who are fully vaccinated, per USVI Governor Bryan’s Press Briefing on April 6, 2021 the testing requirements for entry into the US Virgin Islands remain the same. If you are fully vaccinated (at least two weeks post your last dose) you should be able to obtain a positive Antibody test result. This test is valid for up to 4-months prior to travel and so can be done in plenty of time.

Important Travel Clarification

I have seen a lot of erroneous information floating around related to the current travel restrictions to (and from) the US Virgin Islands. So, I went directly to the source – the USVI Department of Tourism – who are the authorities on the matter. Here’s the run down direct from them folks (Thanks to DOT’s Neelia Ross!):

• Governor’s Bryan executive order states all travelers entering the USVI must have a negative Covid test within 5 days of travel or a positive Antibody test within 4 months of travel. 
• President Biden’s executive order states if traveling to the US including territories from a foreign country a Covid negative test is required within 3 days of travel. 
• In other words, if someone is traveling to the USVI from a foreign country or other non US Caribbean island the test must be taken within 3 days of travel. 
• The CDC COVID-19 travel requirements DO NOT apply to persons traveling directly from the US Virgin Islands to the US mainland (nor does President Biden’s executive order because the US Virgin islands is NOT a foreign country. However, you should check with the state travel restrictions for your destination.)

USVI Checklist: Prior to Arrival You Must

• Have a COVID-19 negative test result (PCR or Antigen) obtained within 5-days of commencement of travel
• *OR* have an Antibody test with a positive result obtained within four months prior to the commencement of travel.
• Certification from USVI Travel Portal (printed or digital) … you will be denied boarding without this.

👉🏽 Read the Current Official USVI Travel Requirements

✈️ Access the USVI Travel Portal

Travelers who originate in the USVI and return to the Territory, regardless of the length of time away, must take a test before returning or have proof of a positive antibody test result within the previous 4-month period. A COVID-19 molecular or antigen test taken in the USVI is NOT acceptable for travel from the U.S. mainland. However, antibody test results that are positive for COVID-19 antibodies taken in the USVI are acceptable.

Click here for a handy list of COVID-19 related restrictions and requirements by state.

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 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. 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 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.

St Croix COVID-19 Travel Tips

Travelers Must upload negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test results within 5 days of travel or a positive Antibody test within four months prior to 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

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!