Updated: May 31, 2022
As one of the few locations that have remained open to travelers during the pandemic, there are some things that you should know about visiting St Croix and the Covid travel restrictions to the Virgin Islands in 2021. So, we’ve put together (and continued to update) St Croix COVID-19 travel restrictions and travel tips.
The Mask Mandate in the USVI has been lifted as of March 14, 2022.
Masks are no longer required to be worn inside all commercial and government indoor spaces. At this time, masks continue to be required to be worn in schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, ports of entry, and airports.
We recommend you carry one with you just in case.
Covid Travel Restrictions Virgin Islands – DISCONTINUED!
The US Virgin Islands has transitioned to the “Open Doors” phase in responsed to COVID-19 and as of June 1, 2022 travelers arriving in the US Virgin Island from locations within the US no longer are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccine. The USVI Travel Portal and QR code system will shut down as of June 1st!
‼️ Travel From A Foreign Country ‼️
Federal guidelines and restrictions continue to apply for all international travel, including travel from the British Virgin Islands. The Federal government continues to require travelers coming from a foreign country (regardless of whether you are a US citizen or permanent resident alien) to present a negative test result within 1 day of commencement of travel to the Territory. (This means travel from any country that is NOT a US state, territory, or possession of the United States).
You do not need to be tested when you leave the US Virgin Islands and travel (back) to the mainland states. (The United States Virgin islands is NOT a foreign country.)
USVI SunScreen Law 🌞🏖️
Help us protect our fragile coral reef ecosystem. It’s the law. Avoid sunscreens that contain the “Toxic 3 Os” of oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene – they are prohibited in the United States Virgin Islands. Learn more about Sunscreen and our Coral Reefs, as well as reef-safe sunscreen options..
Even better news is that all businesses in the US Virgin Islands continue to be open. You’ll find St Croix restaurants and bars open – including some new ones! – with live entertainment. Be sure to follow our St Croix Calendar to see what’s happening on the island while you’re here. Reservations are always recommended though most are now running at 100% capacity. With many of the island’s restaurants open-air establishments – dining out isn’t a lot different these days.
No Mask, No Service. As of March 14, 2022 masks are no longer required to be worn inside all public indoor spaces including stores, restaurants, hotel lobbies, taxis, government office etc. At this time, masks continue to be required to be worn in schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, ports of entry, and airports. So, we recommend you carry one with you just in case.
One of the perks of the islands is, of course, that we have summer year-round, and outdoor activities abound. There are plenty of places and spaces for you to practice social distancing while enjoying your vacation. Vacation villas, like the collection at Vacation St Croix, are also a great way to enjoy your vacation while maintaining some distance from others. You have your own private pool and fully equipped house to relax and enjoy for the duration of your stay.
Want to know what’s happening while you will be here? Be sure to follow the St Croix Calendar for live music, events, and more.
And of course, there are plenty of tours and things to do on St Croix that are operating with plenty of open air. Ride horses on the beach with Cruzan Cowgirls or head out to Buck Island for a snorkeling trip with Caribbean Sea Adventures or one of the many other boats headed that way. If staying underwater is more your style – there’s plenty to see! Check out our favorite Scuba operators and they’ll get you out to the best spots.
St Croix COVID-19 Travel Tips
Bring a Mask. Although it is no longer required by the airlines, you may find places that you wish to wear it or local businesses that may require it based on positivity rates. It never hurts to have one on-hand just in case.
Sanitize Sanitize Sanitize! When I travel, I carry a baggy full of Clorox Wipes handy so that I can wipe down the armrests and tray table as soon as I sit down. I also use them to open bathroom doors in airports when I have layovers. And, of course, I use PLENTY of hand sanitizer throughout my trip.
Consider purchasing travel insurance. Check with your credit card, often they offer automatic travel insurance but you need to be aware of the restrictions. Otherwise, check out travel insurance to see what may be available in the case of a delay or cancellation due to illness or even weather. Most accommodations here in the islands will happily credit you for a stay at a later date if you need to cancel for reasons due to COVID-19. But, it’s always wise to ask about cancellation policies at the time you are booking your stay.
Ready to pack your bags? Check out our packing recommendations for your Caribbean vacation and be sure to learn about Reef Safe sunscreen before you hit the beach.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to St Croix and the US Virgin Islands. Just please be respectful while you are here and help to protect our community from the virus in the same way you would protect your family.
Do you need a COVID test when traveling by boat from Puerto Rico to the USVI?? Do you need to report your entry by boat to the USVI from Puerto Rico on CBP Roam website??
Every traveler by air or sea must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 5 days of arrival. For further details and information, please refer to the official information from the USVI Department of Tourism at https://usviupdate.com/ regarding Coast Guard or CBP information regarding vessels, you would need to check directly with them if it is not addressed on the DOT site to be sure.
Yes, travelers arriving by air *or* by sea are required to test prior to arrival. Please refer to https://www.usvitravelportal.com/ for all official travel restrictions.
I have received both shots of the Moderna vaccine. Do I still need a COVID-19 negative test to travel from New Mexico to St. Croix. If so, why ?
Yes. All traveler’s to the US Virgin Islands are required to upload test results prior to arrival regardless of vaccine status. If you are at least two weeks post your final dose, you can obtain a positive antibody test result. This is valid up to 4-months prior to arrival.
I am going to get the Antibody Test since it is good for 4 months and makes planning a trip much easier. How do I get the results to the USVI Travel Portal. Thanks
The link is in the article above. https://usvitravelportal.com
Is there a Jump-Up Block Party event planned for July 2021 (the quarterly event where the streets are closed down and live entertainment)? If so, do you have the date? Thanks.
Not at this time. As of now, public events are prohibited and the limit for private events is 100 guests per current Governor Bryan’s Executive Order related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do you have to wear your mask outside in St. Croix? Or just inside? We want to go but my husband had bad asthma and has a hard time wearing it outside.
Hi Judy – Masks must be worn indoors at businesses and when entering restaurants. Outdoors in public spaces (and of course private) masks may be removed.
For those that have been vaccinated in the USVI the Polaris Key program seems to work great. It took about 10 days to complete the setup process but once done the it only took 20 minutes to get a “Green” approval response from the USVI travel portal. Worked very well and was easy.
Unfortunately, the Polariskey system seems to work great for some, but not at all for others. I’m fully vaccinated and have tried it 5 times in the past month to no avail.
Where is the green QR code obtained for entry into the St. Croix Covid testing portal? I have not found a testing site in my city that provides such a code or is even familiar with it.
The green QR code is provided by the USVI Travel portal after you upload your information and COVID test. The green QR code signifies that you have been approved to arrive in the US Virgin Islands. It is emailed to you after your submit your information.