(Photo Credit: Kevin Ruck / Shutterstock.com)
The U.S. Virgin Islands has now lifted its remaining COVID-19 entry restrictions for American travelers.
Starting on June 1, the U.S. territory moved to an “open door phase,” according to an executive order by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. All domestic and international travelers are no longer required to complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal or present an approved green QR code to travel to the USVI.
“The health and well-being of our residents and visitors alike continue to be our biggest priority,” said Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Joseph Boschulte in a statement to TravelAwaits. “The Department of Tourism along with Governor Bryan’s Office and the Virgin Islands Department of Health have worked together to closely monitor the COVID cases in the territory and strategically take steps that will ensure the health and safety of our residents and visitors.”
Success In Easing Travel And Testing Requirements
He went on to say, “Our measures have proven successful and give us the confidence to continue to ease travel and testing requirements to the territory so that we can continue to safely welcome visitors.”
International travelers (those from outside the U.S. or its territories) over the age of 2 who are traveling to the USVI by air must submit a negative antigen or NAAT (for example, RT-PCR) COVID-19 test result and show proof of full vaccination status. Tests must be taken within 24 hours of travel to the USVI. American travelers returning home after visiting the USVI are exempt from all testing requirements because it’s an American territory.
This will apply to all the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas.
In March, it got easier to travel to the islands when the territory dropped its pre-arrival testing requirement for vaccinated domestic travelers. Before that, all travelers were required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel regardless of whether they were vaccinated.
Masks however are still required. All arriving passengers must wear a mask or facial covering that fits snugly and completely covers the mouth and nose. Children under 2 and those who cannot wear a mask because of a disability are exempt. Even though CDC guidelines changed in May of 2021, the USVI has not changed or removed local masking requirements.
Travelers are encouraged to visit https://usviupdate.com to stay up to date on the current international travel requirements.
