Tagged: caribbean, reopening, travel, us virgin islands, usvi
The US Virgin Islands announced their reopening to travelers on September 19th, 2020. One of the first countries in the Caribbean to reopen to travelers initially, the USVI had to close its borders again in August as cases of COVID-19 started to rise. The new guidelines are aimed at reducing the chance of that occurring again.
Effective September 19th, every traveler aged five and older will be required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of arrival (see graphic below) or a COVID-19 positive antibody test taken within the four months prior to travel to the country.
Evidence of the tests can be provided via an online portal. For those traveling within 24 hours, a manual form will need to be filled out.
If approved, a the original test results along with a travel certificate issued via the online portal must be provided upon arrival. Travelers unable to provide the necessary information will be subject to a mandatory self-quarantine of 14 days from their arrival in the country or the entirety of their stay, whichever is shorter. All costs associated with the self-quarantine, including transportation, lodging, food, and medical care and other associated costs will be the responsibility of the traveler.
Once travelers arrive at a USVI port, they will be subject to enhanced screening measures which will include temperature checks and a screening tool. Travelers will be advised of these additional steps upon arrival at their entry port.
Masks or facial coverings are expected to be worn upon disembarkation. Refusal to do so will result in a fine. Children under two, persons unable to remove a mask without assistance, and persons with acute respiratory issues are exempt.
You can view a pdf of the new USVI travel guidelines. You can also access an online toolkit to aid in your visit to the country.
What do you think of the new rules regarding travel to the US Virgin Islands? It seems like a small price to pay to keep paradise open and safe. Let us know what you think in the comments!
