Covid-19 Information for the US Virgin Islands (USVI)

The US Virgin Islands re-opened borders to leisure tourists on September 19, 2020. The USVI has developed guidelines and covid-19 testing requirements for all visitors to the Territory.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS COVID-19 UPDATE

USVI TRAVEL ADVISORY: General Guidance for Covid-19 Passenger Screening for Domestic and International Arrivals
Updated: January 4, 2021

• Every traveler aged five or older who enters the U.S. Virgin Islands, by air or sea, including anyone in-transit to another destination, is required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a Covid-19 test result prior to travel, to avoid processing delays, enhanced health screening and/or mandatory self-quarantine.
• Travelers who originate in the U.S. Virgin Islands and return to the Territory, including those who return within a 5-day period, must take a test before returning, or be prepared to test and quarantine upon reentry.
• Effective January 18, 2021, travelers 5 years of age or older, will be unable to board an aircraft to the Territory without travel certification from the portal. Travelers 5 years of age or older who arrive by vessel are also required to have certification from the portal prior to arriving in the Territory.

Travelers are required to provide evidence of:

• a Covid-19 molecular (e.g. RT-PCR, viral or nucleic acid amplification) test from a nasal or throat or oral rinse and/or saliva sample taken and NEGATIVE result received (both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory)
OR
• a Covid-19 antigen (rapid) test from a nasal or throat swab sample taken and NEGATIVE result received (both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory)
OR
• a Covid-19 antibody finger stick or blood draw test taken and POSITIVE result received (both within four months of commencement of travel to the Territory)

• Travelers should produce their original test result and travel certification received from the portal upon arrival for examination by local officials.
• The laboratory that performs the Covid-19 test should be certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA). You can check a lab's certification status here: https:www.cdc.gov/clia/LabSearch.html. Travelers originating outside of the US should use Covid-19 testing facilities that are formally approved in their departure country. Many countries comply with ISO15189 or ISO/IEC17025 standards. Notwithstanding, the USVI reserves the right to reject any test result and/or require a traveler to re-test upon arrival to the Territory.
• Travelers should receive a response from the Travel Screening Portal within 48 hours of submission. Please note that travelers that fail to use the Travel Screening Portal may be denied boarding.
• Travelers should note that submission of a faked, forged, falsified or otherwise altered test result is subject to prosecution and fine under Executive Order(s) of the Office of the Governor, USVI Department of Health regulations and/or pursuant to criminal code 14 V.I.C. §843.
• Travelers who are required to self-quarantine, including travelers who arrive without an acceptable test result, are responsible for all quarantine costs, as advised by the Department of Health and the Office of the Governor. This includes costs associated with the Covid-19 test, transportation, accommodations, food and beverage, and medical care.
• Per the Department of Health, every person ordered to self-quarantine shall proceed directly from the airport or seaport to their home or booked accommodations provider. The self-quarantine period shall last 14 days from the time of entry into the Territory, or until the traveler is able to receive the required test result while in the Territory.
• All arriving passengers MUST wear a mask or facial covering that covers the mouth and nose upon disembarkation. This requirement is enforced by a fine. Children under two and persons unable to remove a mask without assistance are exempt. Persons who have a physician's certification of a respiratory condition are exempt. All travelers must also comply with social distance requirements.
• Upon arrival to any U.S. Virgin Islands port, all travelers are subject to the Territory's screening procedures, outlined below. By reading this Travel Advisory, all travelers by embarkation on an arriving aircraft or vessel grant their consent to these procedures.
• Upon aircraft or vessel arrival, a representative will advise passengers about the current screening procedures. Upon exiting the aircraft or vessel, all passengers will be escorted to the Virgin Islands Port Authority temperature checkpoint.
• Travelers who have received certification from the Travel Screening Portal will be required to present their travel certification (digital or printed) to the screening agent. Travelers without a certification from the Travel Screening Portal will be required to complete the Portal before proceeding to the screening agent.
• Travelers are subject to Covid-19 health screening protocols, including a temperature scan. Travelers are also subject to enhanced screening including Covid-19 testing (or retesting) upon arrival, per the Department of Health.

For the latest information check usviupdate.com

Visitors and residents who have travel or tourism-related inquiries are asked to email info@usviupdate.com or call the Department of Tourism at 340-774-8784 (St. Thomas-St. John District), 340-772-0357 (St. Croix) or toll-free 1-800-372-8784.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS COVID-19 UPDATE

2020 Public Health Order - Vessels
December 15, 2020

PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER NO. XII (Amended December 15, 2020). On December 12, 2020, Commissioner of Health Justa E. Encarnacion approved several technical revisions to Public Health Order No. XII, requiring mask wearing and social distancing policy clear for marine vessels. This Amendment modifies wording of charter crew, passengers, and occupants to vessel occupants.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS COVID-19 UPDATE

USVI TRAVEL ADVISORY: General Guidance for Covid-19 Passenger Screening for Domestic and International Arrivals
December 2, 2020

• Every traveler aged five or older who enters the U.S. Virgin Islands, by air or sea, including anyone in-transit to another destination, is required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a Covid-19 test result prior to travel, to avoid processing delays, enhanced health screening and/or mandatory self-quarantine.

Travelers are required to provide evidence of:

• a Covid-19 molecular (e.g. RT-PCR, viral or nucleic acid amplification) test from a nasal or throat or saliva swab sample taken and NEGATIVE result received (both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory)
OR
• a Covid-19 antigen (rapid) test from a nasal or throat swab sample taken and NEGATIVE result received (both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory)
OR
• a Covid-19 antibody finger stick or blood draw test taken and POSITIVE result received (both within four months of commencement of travel to the Territory)

• Travelers should receive a response from the Travel Screening Portal within 24-48 hours of submission. Please note that travelers that fail to use the Travel Screening Portal may be denied boarding.
• Travelers should note that submission of a faked, forged, falsified or otherwise altered test result is subject to prosecution and fine under Executive Order(s) of the Office of the Governor, USVI Department of Health regulations and/or pursuant to criminal code 14 V.I.C. §843.
• Travelers should produce their original test result and travel certification received from the portal upon arrival.
• Travelers who are required to self-quarantine, including travelers who arrive without an acceptable test result, are responsible for all quarantine costs, as advised by the Department of Health and the Office of the Governor. This includes costs associated with the Covid-19 test, transportation, accommodations, food and beverage, and medical care.
• Per the Department of Health, every person ordered to self-quarantine shall proceed directly from the airport or seaport to their home or booked accommodations provider. The self-quarantine period shall last 14 days from the time of entry into the Territory, or until the traveler is able to receive the required test result while in the Territory.
• All arriving passengers MUST wear a mask or facial covering that covers the mouth and nose upon disembarkation. This requirement is enforced by a fine. Children under two and persons unable to remove a mask without assistance are exempt. All travelers must also comply with social distancing requirements.
• Upon arrival to any U.S. Virgin Islands port, all travelers are subject to the Territory's screening procedures, outlined below. By reading this Travel Advisory, all travelers by embarkation on an arriving aircraft or vessel grant their consent to these procedures.
• Upon aircraft or vessel arrival, a representative will advise passengers about the current screening procedures. Upon exiting the aircraft or vessel, all passengers will be escorted to the Virgin Islands Port Authority temperature checkpoint.
• Travelers who have received certification from the Travel Screening Portal will be required to present their travel certification (digital or printed) to the screening agent. Travelers without a certification from the Travel Screening Portal will be required to complete the Portal and/or complete a Travel Screening form before proceeding to the screening agent.
• Travelers are subject to Covid-19 health screening protocols, including a temperature scan. Travelers are also subject to enhanced screening including Covid-19 testing (or retesting) upon arrival, per the Department of Health.

For the latest information check usviupdate.com

Visitors and residents who have travel or tourism-related inquiries are asked to email info@usviupdate.com or call the Department of Tourism at 340-774-8784 (St. Thomas-St. John District), 340-772-0357 (St. Croix) or toll-free 1-800-372-8784.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS COVID-19 UPDATE

USVI TRAVEL ADVISORY: General Guidance for Covid-19 Passenger Screening for Domestic and International Arrivals
November 19, 2020

• Every traveler aged 5 and over who enters the U.S. Virgin Islands is required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a Covid-19 test result prior to travel, to avoid processing delays, enhanced health screening and/or mandatory self-quarantine.

Travelers are required to provide evidence of:

• a Covid-19 molecular (e.g. RT-PCR, viral or nucleic acid amplification) test from a nasal or throat or saliva swab sample taken and NEGATIVE result received (both within 5 days of commencement of travel to the Territory)
OR
• a Covid-19 antigen (rapid) test from a nasal or throat swab sample and NEGATIVE result received (both within 5 days of commencement of travel to the Territory)
OR
• a Covid-19 antibody finger stick or blood draw test taken and POSITIVE result received (both within 4 months of commencement of travel to the Territory)

• Travelers should produce their original test result and travel certification received from the portal upon arrival.
• Travelers who are required to self-quarantine, including travelers who arrive without an acceptable test result, are responsible for all quarantine costs, as advised by the Department of Health and the Office of the Governor. This includes costs associated with the Covid-19 test, transportation, accommodations, food and beverage, and medical care.
• Per the Department of Health, every person ordered to self-quarantine shall proceed directly from the airport or seaport to their home or booked accommodations provider. The self-quarantine period shall last 14 days from the time of entry into the Territory, or until the traveler is able to receive the required test result while in the Territory.
• All arriving passengers MUST wear a mask or facial covering that covers the mouth and nose upon disembarkation. This requirement is enforced by a fine. Children under 2 and persons unable to remove a mask without assistance are exempt. All travelers must also comply with social distancing requirements.
• Upon arrival to any U.S. Virgin Islands port, all travelers are subject to the Territory's screening procedures, outlined below. By reading this Travel ADVISORY, all travelers by disembarkation on an arriving aircraft or vessel grant their consent to these procedures.
• Upon aircraft or vessel arrival, a representative will advise passengers about the current screening procedures. Upon exiting the aircraft or vessel, all passengers will be escorted to the Virgin Islands Port Authority temperature checkpoint.
• Travelers who have received certification from the Travel Screening Portal will be required to present their travel certification (digital or printed) to the screening agent. Travelers without certification from the Travel Screening Portal will be required to complete the Portal and/or complete a Travel Screening form before proceeding to the screening agent.
• Travelers are subject to Covid-19 health screening protocols, including a temperature scan. Travelers are also subject to enhanced screening including Covid-19 testing (or retesting) upon arrival, per the Department of Health.

View Update Here

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS COVID-19 UPDATE

USVI Governor Bryan Eases Some COVID-19 Restrictions
October 13, 2020

During his weekly COVID-19 press briefing , Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced he is easing some of the restrictions in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Territory. His announcement comes after the Territory’s rate of positivity for the virus had decreased significantly.

• Effective immediately, churches and houses of worship are allowed to accommodate 50% of their capacity or a maximum of 100 persons, whichever is less.

• Effective immediately, the requirement for the use of disposable dishes, utensils, napkins and drink containers has been suspended.

• Effective November 9, mass gatherings will increase to no more than 100 persons for indoor and outdoor activities or 50% of the capacity. Effective November 9, bars that cannot accommodate sit down service will remain closed and all bars and nightclubs in the Territory shall be allowed to open for seated service only. No patrons shall be allowed to congregate standing around the bar counter area. Patrons seated in designated sitting areas may order food, alcohol or both, and those sitting must be adequately spaced according to the Department of Health guidelines.

• Effective November 9, live music and disc jockey entertainment will be allowed in licensed establishments but shall not be permitted after midnight.

“We are slowly getting back to normalcy, but we can’t rush it,” Governor Bryan said. “Let’s take this next step and see if we can sustain it without compromising the public health. Of course, we need your continued cooperation.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS COVID-19 UPDATE

Information for Leisure Travelers
September 30, 2020

The Territory is in the Safer-at-Home Phase of its State of Emergency

Safer-at-Home Travel Restrictions

• As of Saturday, September 19, 2020, hotels and accommodations providers are permitted to accept new guests
• Leisure travel to the Territory resumed on September 19, 2020
• Accommodations providers include hotels, villas, Bed and Breakfasts, Airbnb properties, guest houses, temporary vacation housing, charter vessels, and any similar businesses known by any other terminology

USVI Travel Screening Portal

• You should only complete the Travel Screening Portal within five days of travel
• If you are traveling within 24 hours, please complete the form manually at​ usviupdate.com/travel-form​. Upon arrival, you must produce the completed form, as well as your test result.
• Every traveler aged five and older must use the Travel Screening Portal and submit a COVID-19 test result

Travel Guidelines

• Effective September 19, 2020, every traveler aged five and older who enters the U.S. Virgin Islands is required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a COVID-19 test result
• Travelers are required to provide either:
  • a COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test taken and negative result received (both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory), OR
  • a COVID-19 antibody test taken and positive result received (both within four months of commencement of travel to the Territory)
• Upon arrival, you must produce your original test result and travel certification received from the Travel Screening Portal
• Travelers unable to produce the required test result will be subject to mandatory self-quarantine, per the Department of Health
• Every person ordered to self-quarantine shall proceed directly from the airport or seaport to their home or booked accommodations provider, until the required test result is received.
• The self-quarantine period shall last for 14 days from the time of entry into the Territory, or until they are able to receive the required test result while in the Territory
• All travelers who are required to self-quarantine are responsible for all quarantine costs, as advised by the USVI Department of Health and the Office of the Governor. This includes costs associated with the COVID-19 test, transportation to their home or accommodation, accommodation costs, food and beverage costs, and medical care

Airports

• The Territory’s airports are open
• Travelers are advised to contact their airline regarding schedule changes or updates
• Incoming passengers are subject to enhanced health screenings and temperature checks to identify potential health risks and may be required to take a COVID-19 test
• All arriving passengers MUST wear a mask or facial covering upon disembarkation and comply with social distancing requirements
• Travelers should monitor the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and airline websites for travel advisories and other pertinent airline screening guidelines

Safer-at-Home

• A Safer-At-Home policy is in effect
• Masks or facial coverings are required and must cover the mouth and nose. This requirement is enforced by a fine
  • Masks should be worn when entering any business, office or public area not in a private home or when two or more individuals of different households interact for any reason
  • Children under two, persons unable to remove a mask without assistance and persons with acute respiratory issues are exempt
  • Masks with exhalation vents should not be worn
• Social distancing of six feet or more between individuals is required
• Individuals are urged to continue to wash hands, use hand sanitizer and practice proper respiratory etiquette (including coughing into the elbow) as often as possible
• Gatherings are limited to no more than 50 individuals [see Oct 13, 2020 guideline above]
• Taxicabs and safaris to be limited to one-half of their previously allowable capacity
• All non-essential businesses are allowed to reopen
• Retail stores shall not permit more than 10 individuals in the establishment at any time. This does not apply to grocery stores, big-box stores, pharmacies and fuel service service stations

Restaurants and Food Trucks

• Restaurants will be allowed to resume dine-in operations under the following conditions: [see Oct 13, 2020 guideline above]
  • Limited to one-half of their previously allowable capacity, or 50 customers, whichever is less
  • Shall be closed from midnight to 6 a.m. daily
  • No congregation or standing at bar area
  • No serving of alcohol at bar counters
  • No more than six persons per table
  • Tables must be six feet apart
  • Employees must wear facial coverings at all times
  • Patrons should wear facial coverings whenever they are not seated at a table
  • Patrons waiting for take-out must wait outside
  • No service of alcohol alone to persons outside the restaurant
• Food trucks shall operate on a drive thru, take-out or delivery basis only

Other Businesses

• Bars, nightclubs and cabarets are to remain closed [see Oct 13, 2020 guideline above]
• Bowling alleys and movie theaters are permitted to reopen as of September 8, 2020
• Casinos and gaming establishments are permitted to reopen as of September 19, 2020
  • Sale of food and beverages and hosting of parties is prohibited
  • Shall operate at no more than 25 percent of the capacity
• Wellness centers, fitness centers, gyms, tennis courts and golf courses may reopen
  • Contact sports are prohibited
• Personal grooming services may reopen
  • All customers awaiting services must wait outside

Churches

• Churches and houses of worship may reopen with a maximum of 50 people [see Oct 13, 2020 guideline above]
  • Facial coverings are to be worn at all times
  • Religious leaders may be 10 feet ways from all persons while unmasked
  • Communion may be served in approved containers
  • Funerals and memorials are limited to immediate family and no more than 10 family members

Beaches

• Public beaches are open
• All beaches shall be closed from 4 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
• No picnics, parties, disc jockey (DJ), DJ equipment or the likes, camping, bonfire, cooking, barbecuing or grilling are permitted on any beach

Visitors or residents who have tourism-related inquiries are asked to email ​info@usviupdate.com​ or call the department's toll-free number at (800) 372-USVI (8784).

Like other destinations experiencing this unprecedented pandemic, the Territory continues to evaluate its policies. All guidance is subject to the Executive Orders of Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Please stay safe, and continue to monitor​ usviupdate.com.

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