The U.S. Virgin Islands are a popular vacation destination for many people. The islands have beautiful beaches, lush green mountains and rich culture. In 2021, families and couples returned to the islands, the summer was almost as if it was 2019. Most, if not all of them left healthy, happy and re-energized with vibrant life. However, Covid-19 is not to be taken lightly and the islands also have guidelines that you need to be aware of before traveling to the tropical wonderland. Here is the latest when it comes to travel restrictions, or local guidelines in St. John, during the Delta Variant period of the Covid-19 era.
Vaccinations are not mandatory to travel or to visit restaurants, bars and stores at this time in the USVI. However, all travelers five and up must have a negative covid test, and the test submitted to the USVI Travel Portal (link is below) within five days of travel to St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Also, health officials recommend travelers wait at least two weeks after they get their last course of Covid shots before going on international trips, as that is when you are considered fully vaccinated.
There is no mandatory quarantine period for individuals arriving In the USVI if they completed the Travel Portal information during the required five-day window. If you didn’t complete these requirements, you could “theoretically” be quarantined upon arrival.
However, if you didn't get your Travel Portal documentation completed, things will likely not get that far. You will simply not be allowed to board the aircraft or ocean-going vessel that's headed to the USVI until you get your travel clearance.
Upon arrival in the U.S. Virgin Islands, travelers aged five or older will be required to produce their original COVID-19 status documentation and travel clearance received from the Travel Screening Portal. It is always recommended that travelers carry a hard copy of the Travel Portal clearance to provide upon deplaning or getting off a marine vessel.
The U.S.V.I Department of Health confirmed that the Delta Variant is now the predominant strain of COVID-19 in St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas. However, there is less of a risk of getting exposed to it during outdoor activities. This spells good news for activities in St. John, such as hiking, snorkeling and soaking up some sun on the beach.
Meanwhile, when visiting indoor locations, such as museums, historic buildings, shops, restaurants and bars, the risk of covid transmission goes up somewhat. Masks are still required throughout the Virgin Islands, and some places still observe social distancing rules. Lastly, contact businesses (especially restaurants), as some require reservation to comply with local health ordinances related to their business. It would be wise to routinely make sure your destination is going to be as expected before embarking on your day of paradise.
The entire U.S Virgin Islands has accounted for over 6,000 cases of the 100,000,000's millions of cases worldwide, since Covid began. The mortality rate of those that contracted Covid is approximately 1% in the U.S.V.I. Contrasting against other islands in our region, such as Puerto Rico which has had over 200,000 cases and 5x the deaths, U.S.V.I has remained remarkably heathy, and St. John is no different. Also, consider the local reality that 50% of U.S.V.I has had at least one dose of the vaccine, which is currently 8x greater than the number of people contracting Covid. Google displays ongoing Covid data, if you click this link you can observe trending over the last 14 days of cases in USVI. This will help you determine closer to your departure date what the Covid reality is when you arrive.
A pop-up site is available on St. John for Covid rapid testing, and the results are typically sent within 24 hours. For more information about scheduling a rapid Covid test in St. John, St. Croix or St. Thomas, click the link to connect to the COVID-19 Scheduling Gateway.
USVI Healthcare Providers for COVID-19 Testing (Antigen, Antibody, Rapid Same Day)
Currently there is one same day (rapid) testing location in St John:
Myrah Keating Community Health Center, click to call right now 340-693-8900 to check wait times and availability.
On Wednesdays, there is a pop-up vaccination clinic at the Port Authority Gravel Yard from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The hospitality industry is monitoring the constantly changing situation of the Delta Variant and other forms of Covid. To be on the safe side, look on their website for statements about how they are taking preventive measures based on the CDC and local health agencies’ recommendations.
“For us in the USVI, people in the hospitality industry seem to be vaccinated at a higher rate than the rest of the community, which of course helps our tourism (production) because people don’t go on vacation to get sick,” said Joseph Boschulte, the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism commissioner.
During your stay in St. John, you can do more to fight the virus's spread by following these basic precautions:
Given the ever changing nature of the Covid reality it never hurts to check a couple of U.S.V.I focused websites before you book any travel. The following U.S. Virgin Islands official websites will be helpful for planning:
The following is the advisory notice for U.S.V.I provided by the CDC regarding concerns of the Delta Variant.
If you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized by emergency use by the World Health Organization:
You do NOT need to get tested or self-quarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months. You should still follow all other travel recommendation.
If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, take the following steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
Do NOT travel if were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, you test positive for COVID-19, or you are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test. Learn when it is safe for you to travel. Don’t travel with someone who is sick.
The Hills is a 22-villa in lovely Cruz Bay, St. John, and we offer luxurious amenities and a haven among St. John’s most beautiful terrain. With our pristine beaches, sapphire blue waters and legendary shopping opportunities, you’ll find The Hills delivers the best guest experience of the Caribbean!
For your ease of mind and convenience, we now offer a COVID-19 Exceptions and Cancellation Policy that you can read about by clicking here. Of course, your safety and comfort are foremost on our minds, too, and our villas, clubhouse, and other shared recreational spaces get thorough cleanings daily. For more information about our internal safety measures for staff and visitors, please read here.
If you have more questions, you can get in touch with our helpful staff at 800-727-6610. Alternatively, you can reach out to us through our online form, and we’ll quickly contact you back.
For Covid-19 observance reasons, we have a running count of Covid statistics by country below:
