The U.S. Virgin Islands are a cluster of islands that make a paradise on earth. It belongs to the American soil and operates under U.S. jurisdiction, even though they are an island. It has been a part of the United States since 1917. The U.S. Virgin Islands travel and tourism has been a booming industry for the longest time because of its beauty. It comprises three main islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Apart from the main islands, there are fifty smaller cays, islands, and islets part of the Caribbean region.
With a U.S. Virgin Islands travel guide, you can easily explore the islands that ooze natural beauty. However, due to the prevailing pandemic that started in 2019, the travel industry has taken a toll when it comes to rules and regulations. The U.S. Virgin Islands travel requirements have increased to a significant amount, starting from PCR tests to vaccinations and screening tests. Here are some of the crucial tips to know before traveling to U.S. Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Virgin Island travel requirements | The U. S. Virgin Islands travel portal
Everyone stepping into the U.S. Virgin Islands must go through the travel portal and fulfill the requirements. USVI travel screening portal explains everything you have to do to be eligible to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can go to COVID-19 Traveler Screening Tool and find out all the information regarding travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
U. S. Virgin Islands travel advice
The United States Virgin Islands travel portal explains regulations pertaining to entering the islands. It gives details such as age-wise criteria, screening processes, visas, and other important information. The travel portal is a part of the Department of Health, the Virgin Islands Port Authority, and the Office of the Governor. The travel portal has a part of screening everyone who is traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Every traveler who is five years or older must use the U.S. Virgin Islands travel portal before entering.
Should I travel during the COVID-19 pandemic? | U. S. Virgin Islands covid travel restrictions
COVID-19 is a pandemic that has not only affected the U.S. Virgin Islands but the whole world. Every country is taking maximum precautions at their country’s best. Likewise, the U.S. Virgin Islands travel and tourism industry requires every traveler to fulfill specific requirements. For the sake of the residents’ and visitors’ safety, the territory authorities have made these requirements their utmost priority. While adhering to all COVID-19 regulations, the U.S. Virgin Islands authorities intend to minimize the spreading of the pandemic. Here are the steps to follow when visitng the U.S. Virgin Islands during the time of the pandemic.
- Using the screening portal and COVID-19 PCR test: Every traveler who is five years and above must use the travel portal and go through the screening process. Every visitor who is entering the U.S. Virgin Islands by sea or air must use the screening portal. This regulation is applicable to in-transit passengers who are traveling to another destination as well. Along with the screening test, the passenger has to submit COVID-19 test results prior to the date of travel.
- Vaccine in place of the COVID-19 test: If travelers get the COVID-19 vaccination from the U.S. Virgin Islands, they can travel from the Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland or other U.S. territories using the vaccine status. Depending on the dose of the vaccine, they may be able to use the vaccinated card/ status in place of the COVID-19 test. In other words, you may be able to travel without presenting a COVID-19 test result if you are vaccinated from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Obtaining travel clearance: You must produce your travel clearance certificate from the screening portal. For you to be able to travel to U.S. Virgin Islands, you should have a green Q.R. coded travel clearance. You must take your travel clearance from the Travel Screening Portal and email it to your marine transports officials if you are traveling by sea. If you are traveling by air, you must email it to the airline officials. You may have to return without the travel clearance as the airlines or marine transportation officials can reject your boarding. You can use a digital version or printed document at the time of boarding.
The U.S. Virgin Islands travel requirements continued…
If you are not vaccinated against COVID-19, then you must present the evidence of one of the three COVID-19 tests below:
- You can present a negative COVID-19 molecular test, such as RT-PCR, that is tested within five days of the date of travel.
- You can present a negative COVID-19 antigen test that is tested within five days of the date of travel.
- You can also opt for a COVID-19 antibody finger stick or give a blood draw test. This, too, must be tested within five days of the date of travel.
Do you need a passport to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
The United States Virgin Islands is a territory that belongs to the U.S. Mainland. Every traveler that enters the region must have all the required passport and visa documents. Nonetheless, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not require a passport or a visa to come to the U.S. Virgin Islands as it is part of the U.S. Mainland. But if you are not a U.S. citizen, the visa and passport requirements that apply in the U.S. Mainland also apply to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The United States Virgin Islands tourism industry
The United States Virgin Islands is an exceptionally beautiful place for all kinds of travelers. The U.S. Virgin Islands comprises three main islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. While there are many other small islands and islets, these three islands have a lot of things to see and do.
Things to enjoy in U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix
St. Croix is the biggest island in the Virgin Islands. This tropical island is for honeymooners, surfers, culture lovers, admirers, and many more! This is a versatile destination with so much in store for you. St. Croix has an opulent culture with a rich history. Many countries have been a part of shaping St. Croix to be what it is today. St. Croix has festivals and celebrations all year round, and the place is stunningly culturally diverse. Frederiksted, Christiansted, Cane Bay, and Teague Bay are some of the most popular cities in St. Croix, with a lot of cultural activities. This laidback island has no shortage of fine dining and entertainment. The evenings are not noisy, and the turquoise waters add the cherry on top!
Things to see in the U.S. Virgin Islands – St. John
St. John, one of the main islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is famous for its picture-perfect beaches and sceneries. The sandy shores and blue waters look almost unreal! While the island maintains its calming nature, there is no shortage of bars and entertainment on this island. You can enjoy a typical Caribbean evening when you visit St. John. The history of this island is somewhat a mystery as paintings, and ancient artifacts are still hidden in the rock pools. Because of its balanced lifestyle, it is one of the best islands to visit in the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, Reef Bay Valley, and Cinnamon Bay Beach are some of its main attractions. The island of St. John also does not lack cultural sightseeing places such as museums and factories. It is an ideal spot for newlyweds, friends, and friends.
Things to do in the U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Thomas
St. Thomas is the most happening island of all the Virgin Islands. The best time to visit St. Thomas Island is during summer because the place has a lot of summer activities. Excursions and sightseeing are two of the most popular activities in St. Thomas. The island is one of the most picturesque islands in the Virgin Islands. Natural harbors such as Jersey Bay, Hendrik Bay, and Magens Bay add not only color but also value to the island. There is something for everyone to do. That makes St. Thomas a family-friendly, couple-friendly destination.
Wrap up: The U.S. Virgin Islands travel plans are better planned before time!
The United States Virgin Islands is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in the U.S. territory. However, due to the prevailing pandemic, specific regulations have changed regarding entering the U.S. Virgin Islands. This change is there in the Virgin Islands but everywhere in the world. COVID-19 precautionary measures are being applied everywhere in the world, making every effort to minimize the spreading. That is why every visitor above five years of age must use the U.S. Virgin Islands travel portal. The travel portal has all the information that you require to prepare your documents to enter the territory.
You can enter without any paperwork if you are a U.S. citizen because the U.S. Virgin Islands belong to the U.S. Mainland territory. However, every visitor still must adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and regulations because it is part of USVI’s Health regulations. A negative COVID-19 report or vaccinated status is a must, along with the green QR-coded travel clearance. The U.S. Virgin Islands travel and tourism procedure is not a hard one if you follow the travel portal. It has all the information you need. And along with that, if you plan your accommodation and tour, you can rest assured that you will have a memorable trip!
