Last update: 11/01/2023
The US Virgin Islands reopened to international travel on September 19, 2020, making it one of the places that are currently open for tourism. The US Virgin Islands is a United States territory, so travel restrictions differ depending on whether you are traveling from the mainland United States or from a foreign country, but the easiest option is to travel to the US Virgin Islands via the mainland United States.
All travelers who are traveling from the mainland United States must complete the online USVI Travel Screening Portal within 5 days of travel and submit a COVID-19 test result prior to travel. The COVID-19 test result can be a negative RT-PCR test result from within 5 days of departure for the US Virgin Islands or a negative rapid antigen test from within 5 days of departure.
Travelers who are entering the US Virgin Islands from a foreign country must abide by CDC travel requirements for entering the US, which are that all travelers must have a negative COVID-19 viral test result from within 3 days of departure or be able to show documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
Can I travel to the US Virgin Islands right now?
You can travel to the US Virgin Islands from most countries right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit the US Virgin Islands at the moment.
Virgin Islands - EN
- US Virgin Islands
- Countries allowed to travel to US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands have reopened borders to tourists from these countries
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*Only fully vaccinated travelers can enter the US Virgin Islands from these countries.
US Virgin Islands travel ban is in place for these countries
- Brazil
- China
- India
- Iran
- South Africa
US Virgin Islands COVID-19 travel restrictions
Entry requirements for the US Virgin Islands depend on whether you are traveling from the mainland US or from a foreign country.
US Virgin Islands COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
If you’re traveling from the mainland US, you must complete the online USVI Travel Screening Portal within 5 days of travel. You must also submit a COVID-19 test result from prior to travel; this test result can be a negative RT-PCR test result from within 5 days of departure for the US Virgin Islands or a negative rapid antigen test result from within 5 days of departure.
If you’re entering the US Virgin Islands from a foreign country, you must have a negative COVID-19 viral test result within 3 days of departure or be able to show documentation of recovery from COVID-19. You must also complete the USVI Travel Screening Portal within 5 days of travel.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the US Virgin Islands
Travelers who have been vaccinated in the US Virgin Islands are exempt from submitting a COVID-19 test result for travel from the US mainland or another US territory as long as their Official Vaccination Record (OVR) can be verified with the USVI Department of Health’s database.
These vaccinated travelers must check the appropriate box when completing the USVI Travel Screening Portal. Their information must match the information on the OVR, or else they will have to upload an approved COVID-19 test result or vaccination card to be verified by the USVI Department of Health.
For all other travelers, having proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination does not eliminate the US Virgin Islands’ COVID-19 testing requirement.
You will still have to complete a USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a pre-arrival COVID-19 test result.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to the US Virgin Islands?
All travelers must have a COVID-19 test result in order to travel to the US Virgin Islands.
For travelers from the mainland US, the test result can be a negative RT-PCR test result from within 5 days of departure for the US Virgin Islands or a negative rapid antigen test result from within 5 days of departure.
For travelers from a foreign country, the test result must be a negative COVID-19 viral test result from 3 days of departure. Alternatively, travelers from a foreign country can present documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
Travelers from the British Virgin Islands must present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 48 hours of departure.
Travelers must upload their test results to the USVI Travel Screening Portal and present the original test result on arrival in the US Virgin Islands.
Children under the age of 5 are exempt from this testing requirement.
You can find more details on what kinds of tests are acceptable here and here.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the US Virgin Islands?
There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the US Virgin Islands as long as you have an acceptable test result.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the US Virgin Islands?
If you are asked to self-quarantine for any reason, you will have to self-quarantine at your residence or accommodation. The quarantine period will last either 10 days from your arrival in the US Virgin Islands or until you receive the required health authority clearance. You will be responsible for all costs related to the quarantine, including testing, transportation, accommodation, food, and medical care.
USVI Travel Screening Portal
All travelers who are age 5 and older must complete a USVI Travel Screening Portal within 5 days of traveling to the US Virgin Islands.
Travelers must upload their pre-arrival COVID test results as part of completing the portal. All travelers must present the travel clearance they receive from completing the portal upon (email with green QR code) when boarding and arrival in the US Virgin Islands.
If you do not complete a USVI Travel Screening Portal, you may not be allowed to board your flight.
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit the US Virgin Islands
You are not required to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to travel to the US Virgin Islands. However, these days, it is more important than ever to look after your health and make sure that you’re covered no matter what happens. That’s why you really shouldn’t travel without some kind of insurance coverage.
Heymondo is a great option for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage because they offer extensive coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad. We use their insurance for all of the trips that we take because we know we’ll be covered for just about anything and everything.
Even with their incredibly extensive coverage, Heymondo still offers their policies for affordable prices, but if you want to get Heymondo insurance for an even better price, you can get a 5% discount by using the discount link below.
Other travel restrictions for the US Virgin Islands during COVID-19
The US Virgin Islands have implemented a few other restrictions for visitors:
- All travelers will be subject to health screenings and temperature checks on arrival.
- Travelers may have to undergo COVID-19 testing on arrival in the US Virgin Islands
- Face masks are required in all public areas.
- Social distancing of at least six feet from others must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit the US Virgin Islands. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands is a lovely place to visit at any time of year and the perfect tropical getaway destination. Hotels, beaches, restaurants, and attractions are all open, so you can feel free to start planning your trip to this beautiful spot.
Hotels that are open in the US Virgin Islands
Hotels and accommodations in the US Virgin Islands are open for visitors, albeit with increased health and safety measures. There are plenty of wonderful places you can stay, but we consider these accommodations the best in the US Virgin Islands:
- The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
- Estate Lindholm St. John
- The Buccaneer St.Croix
- Bolongo Bay Beach Resort St. Thomas
- Carambola Beach Resort St. Croix
Guests will be subject to temperature checks and health screenings on arrival. They must wear face masks and social distance in all public areas. Hand sanitizer will be available for guests to use. Rooms and public spaces will be cleaned frequently.
You can find a list of hotels that are open here. More information on hotel regulations can be found here.
Beaches that are open in the US Virgin Islands
It’s not really a tropical getaway without some sand and sun. Luckily, beaches in the US Virgin Islands are open so you can go for a swim and catch some rays.
Beaches that are open in the US Virgin Islands
Picnics, parties, DJs, camping, bonfires, cooking, barbecuing, or grilling are not allowed on any beach. Beaches close at 4 PM on weekends and holidays.
You can find more information on beach regulations here and here.
Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in the US Virgin Islands
You don’t have to spend your entire vacation at the beach. Attractions are open and tours are operating so you can fill your time with all sorts of activities and adventures, like this Mangrove Kayak, Hike and Snorkel tour.
At attractions, guests must wear masks at all times and social distance. Their temperatures may be checked on arrival. Hand sanitizer will be available for guests to disinfect their hands.
On tours, guests must wear face masks. Vehicles will be cleaned and disinfected frequently. Vehicles are limited to 50% of their normal capacity.
More details on attraction regulations can be found here.
Restaurants and bars that are open in the US Virgin Islands
Trying the local cuisine is one of the most exciting parts of traveling. You won’t be disappointed if you visit the US Virgin Islands right now since restaurants are open. Bars are also open so you can grab a drink after a long day of sightseeing.
At both bars and restaurants, customers must wear masks whenever they are not seated at their table and abide by social distancing rules. Customers will have their temperatures checked on arrival. Hand sanitizer will be available for customers to disinfect their hands. There is an 11 PM to 8 AM drinking curfew.
Restaurants and bars that are open in the US Virgin Islands
Restaurants and bars are closed from 12 AM to 6 AM daily. Both operate at 75% capacity, so you may want to make a reservation before you go out to eat or drink. Tables will be placed 4 feet apart.
Bars have table service only. Standing or sitting around the bar counter is not allowed.
More information on restaurant and bar regulations is available here and here.
Airports that are open in the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands has two international airports, Cyril E. King Airport and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, both of which are currently open.
Travelers must wear face masks and keep a distance of at least six feet from others who are not part of their household. They will be subject to health screenings and temperature checks on arrival.
Where to get a PCR test in the US Virgin Islands
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in the US Virgin Islands, here is a list of places you can get tested.
US Virgin Islands reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to the US Virgin Islands reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to the US Virgin Islands right now?
Yes, you can travel to the US Virgin Islands as long as you haven’t been in China, Iran, Brazil, India, or South Africa in the previous 14 days.
Is it safe to travel to the US Virgin Islands during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 206 active cases and 69 deaths due to COVID-19 in the US Virgin Islands as of today. The CDC classifies travel to the US Virgin Islands as “Level 4- Very High Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to the US Virgin Islands. Additionally, even if you are not high-risk, you might want to reconsider travel to the US Virgin Islands.
Is there a travel ban in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, travelers from China, Iran, the European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, India, and South Africa cannot currently visit the US Virgin Islands.
Is quarantine required to visit the US Virgin Islands?
No, you do not need to quarantine upon arrival as long as you have an acceptable pre-arrival test result. If you are asked to quarantine for any reason, you will have to quarantine for either 10 days or until you obtain the required health authority clearance.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, you must have a COVID-19 test result in order to travel to the US Virgin Islands, even if you are fully vaccinated. The test result can be a negative RT-PCR test result from within 5 days of departure for the US Virgin Islands or a negative rapid antigen test result from within 5 days of departure. If you are traveling from a foreign country, you must have a negative COVID-19 viral test result within 3 days of departure or be able to show documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
Is a curfew in place?
No, there is currently no curfew in place.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
No, there are no restrictions on intercity and interregional travel.
Are hotels open in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, hotels in the US Virgin Islands are open.
Are airports open in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, both of the US Virgin Islands’ international airports are open and commercial flights are operating.
Are restaurants and bars open in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, both restaurants and bars in the US Virgin Islands are open.
Are beaches open in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, beaches in the US Virgin Islands are open.
Are tours and excursions operating in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, tours and excursions are currently operating.
Are attractions open in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, attractions are open.
Are the US Virgin Islands open to American tourists?
Yes, since the US Virgin Islands is an American territory, American tourists can travel there.
Are the US Virgin Islands open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Canadians can visit the US Virgin Islands.
Sources
We will update this guide on the US Virgin Islands reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to the US Virgin Islands, you can check these official sources:
- CDC Travel Recommendations for US Virgin Islands
- US Virgin Islands Entry Requirements
- Entry Requirements for the Mainland US
- US Virgin Islands Travel Screening Portal
- US Virgin Islands COVID-19 Update Information for Travelers
- Toolkit for Travelers (Hotel, Restaurant, Attraction Regulations)
- Hotels that are Open in the US Virgin Islands
- US Virgin Islands COVID-19 Testing Locations
- US Virgin Islands COVID-19 Updates from the Governor
- Governor’s Office COVID-19 Updates
