Updated: March 14, 2022
As one of the few locations that have remained open to travelers 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 restrictions and travel tips.
The Mask Mandate in the USVI has been lifted as of March 14, 2022.
Masks are no longer required to be worn inside all commercial and government indoor spaces. At this time, masks continue to be required to be worn in schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, ports of entry, and airports. So, we recommend you carry one with you just in case.
Covid Travel Restrictions Virgin Islands
As of March 7, 2022 travelers arriving in the US Virgin Island with valid vaccination records will no longer be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test.
All traveler’s, regardless of vaccination status, must upload vaccinations status or a negative COVID-19 Test (PCR or Antigen) result to the USVI Travel Portal within 5 days of commencement of travel in order to obtain clearance via a green QR code.
As of March 7, 2022, all travelers from the U.S. mainland and/or from another U.S. Territory are now eligible to upload vaccination records in lieu of a negative test. Visit usviupdate.com for vaccination specifics.
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.
Upon arrival on St Croix via air, you will be routed through a room where your Green QR clearance code will be checked. I recommend screenshotting it on your smartphone so that it is readily accessible.
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 1 day 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 will 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
Testing is readily available on a walk-in basis at places like Plessen Urgent Care in Sunny Isles.
Even better news is that all businesses in the US Virgin Islands continue to be 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 though most are now running at 100% capacity. With many of the island’s restaurants open-air establishments – dining out isn’t a lot different these days. Masks are no longer required by the Government in open-air spaces including restaurants with 3 walls or less and beach bars. Masks continue to be required in indoor businesses and public spaces.
No Mask, No Service. As of March 14, 2022 masks are no longer required to be worn inside all public indoor spaces including stores, restaurants, hotel lobbies, taxis, government office etc. At this time, masks continue to be required to be worn in schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, ports of entry, and airports. So, we recommend you carry one with you just in case.
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
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!
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.
Yes, travelers arriving by air *or* by sea are required to test prior to arrival. Please refer to https://www.usvitravelportal.com/ for all official travel restrictions.
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.