Travel To Us Virgin Islands: What You Need To Know

The US Virgin Islands, a group of islands in the Caribbean, are a popular tourist destination for many travellers. The US Virgin Islands consist of three islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For US citizens, travelling to the US Virgin Islands is just like travelling from one state to another, and therefore a passport is not required to enter. However, it is recommended that travellers carry a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were specific travel requirements and restrictions in place for the US Virgin Islands, including proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Travel restrictions to the US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean and a territory of the United States. Travel to the US Virgin Islands is possible for most travellers from the United States, but there are some restrictions in place.

COVID-19 Restrictions

As of 29 October 2021, travellers from US states or territories must present a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular test, taken a maximum of 5 days before departure. This does not apply to travellers under the age of 5 or those fully vaccinated in the USVI. All travellers must also complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal and present a paper or digital copy on arrival. Masks are mandatory in public for those aged 2 and above, and fines are enforced for non-compliance.

Travel for Felons

For felons, travel to the US Virgin Islands is possible but requires permission from a probation officer. A passport is not required for US citizens, but it is recommended that felons carry one in case of a stopover in another country.

Best Time to Visit

The US Virgin Islands experience warm temperatures year-round, but the off-season between April and June is ideal for avoiding crowds and mild weather. The summer months are more affordable but are also the hottest and most humid. The rainy season, from June to November, brings a greater chance of hurricanes.

COVID-19 testing requirements

All travellers to the US Virgin Islands are required to follow specific COVID-19 testing protocols. The requirements vary depending on the traveller's age, vaccination status, and port of origin. Here are the COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers:

Domestic Travel:

For US citizens travelling from the US mainland or other US territories, a negative COVID-19 antigen rapid or molecular test (RT-PCR, viral, NAAT) is required. The test must be taken no more than five days before departure to the US Virgin Islands. Alternatively, if travellers were vaccinated in the USVI, they can submit their vaccine status and are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test. To qualify, travellers must be "fully vaccinated", meaning they have received the full required dosage(s) in the USVI and have passed the two-week immunity-building period.

International Travel:

International travellers aged 18 and above, including those from the British Virgin Islands, must submit proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT (RT-PCR) test result within the USVI travel portal. Tests must be taken within 24 hours if travelling by air or 5 days if travelling by ferry.

Travel from the British Virgin Islands:

Passengers travelling from the British Virgin Islands to the US Virgin Islands must fill out the Travel Portal and provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel.

Travel for Children:

Travellers under the age of 5 are exempt from providing a negative COVID-19 test result. However, travellers aged 2 and older must wear masks on public transportation, covering their mouth and nose without vents.

Travel Screening Portal

The US Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean and a territory of the United States. Travel to the US Virgin Islands is allowed with some restrictions. All travellers, including those in transit and children, must complete the mandatory online USVI Travel Screening Portal a maximum of five days before departure and present a paper or digital copy on arrival.

USVI Travel Screening Portal Requirements:

• Proof of negative COVID-19 antigen rapid or molecular (RT-PCR, viral, NAAT) test. The test must be taken a maximum of five days before departure to the US Virgin Islands.
• Travellers under the age of five are exempt from the testing requirement.
• Fully vaccinated travellers in the USVI are exempt from the testing requirement.
• Results from COVID-19 antibody tests are no longer acceptable for entry or submission to the USVI Travel Screening Portal.

Please note that masks are mandatory in public for travellers aged two years and older. Masks must cover the nose and mouth and must not contain any vents. This requirement is enforced by a fine.

Documentation requirements

The US Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean and a territory of the United States. As such, travel requirements are similar to travelling between US states.

For US citizens, a passport is not required to enter the US Virgin Islands. However, it is recommended that you carry a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license. If you are a US citizen travelling from the US mainland, you will not be required to have a passport to enter the USVI. However, it is still a good idea to pack it in case you are asked to show proof of citizenship.

If you are a vaccinated traveller, you must show proof of vaccination. If you are unvaccinated, you must submit a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within five days of arrival. This does not apply to children under the age of 5. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must complete the online Travel Screening Portal a maximum of 5 days before departure and present a paper or digital copy on arrival.

If you are a felon, it is recommended that you obtain and carry a passport with you for identification, especially if your trip involves a stopover in another country.

If you are travelling by air, a direct flight from a US city to the US Virgin Islands does not require a passport. However, if your return flight touches down in another country, you will need a passport.

If you are travelling by ship, a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends at the same US port city) does not technically require a passport. However, if the cruise stops at foreign ports, you will need a passport.

Safety in the US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands are considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any other place, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind when travelling to the US Virgin Islands:

COVID-19 Precautions:

Before travelling, check the latest requirements and restrictions related to COVID-19. Currently, a negative COVID-19 test result is mandatory for travellers above the age of 5, and all travellers must complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal and present the resulting travel certification before boarding their flight. Masks are also mandatory in public for individuals aged 2 and above.

General Safety Tips:

• Keep your valuables secure at all times. The most common incidents impacting tourists are theft and burglary, especially break-ins to cars and pickpocketing in crowded areas.
• Do not leave valuables unattended in your rental vehicle, especially at beaches and hiking trailheads.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash, and refrain from wearing expensive jewellery or electronics that may attract unwanted attention.
• Stay vigilant when consuming drinks at bars and resorts, and never walk alone at night.
• Be cautious when using public transportation and taxis. Agree on a fare with taxi drivers before getting in, and be aware that taxis are usually shared.
• When driving, exercise caution on the roads as the quality of roads can vary, with some being narrow, steep, and unmarked. Drive on the left, and be prepared for local driving habits such as passing slower drivers on curves.
• Stay informed about the weather and natural hazards. The US Virgin Islands are prone to hurricanes, especially during the official hurricane season from June to November.
• Be respectful of local customs and culture. For example, it is considered polite to greet people with a "good morning," "good afternoon," or "good evening." Additionally, wearing just a swimsuit in town or at restaurants is not commonly practised by locals.

Frequently asked questions