For those seeking a Caribbean break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Virgin Islands have reopened with enhanced health and safety protocols.
After almost a year of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people are getting restless. They long for a break in a beautiful Caribbean destination. The good news is that the U.S. Virgin Islands have reopened to Americans, who won’t require a passport to visit. While they will need a negative COVID-19 test result to travel, this won’t be necessary when returning home to the mainland U.S.
Travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas and are among the most sought-after Caribbean destinations. They are also the most accessible to Americans, who will need no passport to visit. U.S. travelers will also not need to have a negative COVID-19 test result to return home to mainland America.
However, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there are several important things visitors should know before booking their flight.
CDC Advice for the U.S. Virgin Islands
While the U.S. Virgin Islands are ready and waiting for visitors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the islands. The CDC advises Americans to avoid traveling to the islands during the ongoing pandemic.
However, should you choose to travel, the CDC recommends taking a coronavirus test before and after your vacation. You should also wear a mask in public places on the islands, avoid crowds and practice social distancing. Naturally, washing and sanitizing your hands frequently is also an important aspect, as it is anywhere these days. However, it should be noted that as at February 23, the U.S. Virgin Islands had reported less than 2,600 total COVID-19 cases.
What do you need to travel?
Any visitors aged five and older to the U.S. Virgin Islands will need to gain certification through the USVI Travel Screening Portal. This requires that travelers submit a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular test result, taken within five days of travel. However, visitors can also enter with a positive COVID-19 antibody finger stick, or blood draw test, taken within four months of travel to the islands.
As the islands are a U.S. territory, returning travelers heading home to the U.S. will not have to be concerned about meeting the CDC’s latest testing requirement for re-entry.
Enhanced Health and Safety protocols
Visitors to the U.S.V.I. can, however, expect a number of enhanced health and safety protocols from the moment they step off the plane. These include mandatory face masks for visitors aged two years and up, as well as temperature checks on arrival.
Elevated cleaning standards and social distancing guidelines are in place in the islands, with resorts, hotels, restaurants and other visitor attractions increasing the frequency and effectiveness of disinfection efforts.
At present, the U.S. Virgin Islands are in the “Safer at Home” phase of reopening to visitors. This level is above the “Total Quarantine” and “Stay at Home” options, but below “Open Doors” and the “New Normal.”
U.S.V.I. Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte said in a statement earlier this month that due to COVID-19, there are more travel protocols and restrictions in place than ever before. He said they realize that travelers might be overwhelmed and confused by the various requirements established by local, state or national authorities. Boschulte urged travelers to visit usviupdate.com for the latest information before planning a trip.
View A Monet-Inspired Pop Art Garden At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens @touristmtravel https://t.co/W1e7GnxG9v
— Annemarie @ TMT (@touristmtravel) February 24, 2021
Getting to the U.S. Virgin Islands
Flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands resumed several months ago and are still increasing. Among the airlines, American Airlines offers flights from several U.S. cities. Delta Air Lines is currently offering a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday service from Minneapolis to St. Thomas. Sun Country Airlines is currently offering a weekly Saturday service between the same two locations.
Meanwhile, Frontier Airlines has recently begun a Monday and Friday service from Orlando, Florida, to St. Thomas. The airline has announced that it will launch a twice-weekly service from Miami to St. Thomas on Sundays and Thursdays from March 7.
JetBlue Airways is planning to launch a four-times-weekly service from New York City via Newark Liberty International Airport to St. Thomas starting July 1. These flights have already gone on sale on February 23.
While the various health and safety protocols might sound tedious and confusing, the chance to visit these gorgeous islands more than makes up for the trouble.
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our Facebook Page, Follow Our Twitter Account or Head Over To Our Pinterest Page
The post U.S. Virgin Islands Reopen To American Travelers appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.
