17 Sep 2021 | 09:43 PM UTC
US Virgin Islands: COVID-19-related restrictions remain largely unchanged as of Sept. 17 /update 21
COVID-19-related travel and domestic restrictions in US Virgin Islands remain mostly unchanged as of Sept. 17 by comparison with mid-July.
Event
As of Sept. 17, COVID-19-related travel and domestic activity restrictions in effect in the US Virgin Islands remain largely unchanged as compared with those in place during mid-July.
Entry Protocols
Travelers aged five years or older entering the US Virgin Islands must use the online Travel Screening Portal to upload a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than five days before departure for the territory; antibody tests are no longer accepted. Travelers from the British Virgin Islands must present the results of a test taken no more than two days prior to travel to enter. Fully vaccinated travelers who were vaccinated within the US Virgin Islands may be exempt from the territory's pre-arrival testing requirements, assuming authorities can successfully retrieve their Official Vaccination Record; those vaccinated anywhere else must still comply with the testing requirement. Failure to obtain clearance from the Travel Screening Portal will result in denial of entry into the US Virgin Islands.
Travelers arriving in the US Virgin Islands from outside of the US and US territories (i.e., including US citizens and permanent residents) should note that US federal protocols for international air arrivals also apply and are stricter than requirements imposed by the US Virgin Islands government. Notably, under federal regulations, travelers to the US and US territories must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before departure from the first embarkation point. Passengers who are neither US citizens nor permanent residents and who have recent travel histories in certain countries deemed high risk by federal authorities will be prohibited from entering.
Travelers are subject to mandatory temperature testing upon arrival in the US Virgin Islands and may need to undergo additional health screening upon arrival. Persons traveling from the US Virgin Islands to the mainland US are not required to take a COVID-19 test.
Domestic Restrictions
The territory remains at the "Safer at Home" level; the third stage of its five-tier recovery plan. At this level, most nonessential businesses may operate provided they comply with social distancing guidelines; restaurants may remain open with a maximum of six people per table. Bars and nightclubs may operate at up to the lesser of 75 percent seated capacity or 50 persons. A curfew on serving alcohol is also in effect 23:00-08:00. Taxis can operate at up to 75 percent capacity. The use of facemasks remains mandatory in all commercial establishments. All indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Heed the directives of local authorities. Reconfirm all health-related travel requirements before travel. Confirm appointments in advance.
Resources
World Health Organization (WHO)
