Virgin Islands Corona Response

We will be posting regular updates to this page to keep you informed of the situation in the Virgin Islands in response to the Coronavirus. As soon as it’s safe to travel again, you’ll see it here first!

You can follow our Facebook page @virginbookingscom to get notified quicker and stay up to date with all the latest developments.

Last Updated: 18/09/2020

Cases overview in the Virgin Islands

Confirmed: 1304
Deaths: 20

USVI Coronavirus news

(St Thomas, St Croix and St John)

Since Wednesday, March 25, St Thomas closed its borders to all tourists for 30 days.

A screening at the airport is conducted by public health workers to take the temperatures of incoming passengers. If arriving passengers show symptoms after being tested, including a dry cough and fever, they will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. Incoming passengers may also be asked to self-quarantine if they are coming from a hotspot of the Virus. Cruises are not permitted until May..

Basic hygiene is enhanced: avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, avoid touching your face, wear a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose when in public, stay at home when you are sick, except to get medical care, wash your hand often, clean and disinfect object and surfaces often.

Corona pandemic Virgin Islands

What's next? The governor of tne US Virgin Islands announced the return of the "Safer at home" phase, starting from September 8, 2020.

Non-essential businesses open
Bars remain closed
Hotel reservation systems are closed
Indoor/Outdoor recreation facilities are open, but no food or drink
Facial coverings are required in all commercial entities
Social distancing of at least 6 feet between people not residing in the same household remains in place
Thermal scanners are installed at the airports, and other measures are in place to track visitors and their health
No gathering greater than 50 (facial coverings and social distancing required)
Beaches closed at 4PM on weekends and on Holidays
Taxis, safari buses and limos are limited to 50% capacity
Tours, attractions and activities are operating with social distancing and facial covering restrictions
Restaurants may offer dine-in service, with the following restrictions: no serving of alcohol at bar counters; no seating of more than 6 persons per table; tables must be 6 feet apart; patrons must wear masks at all times when not eating or drinking.

Travel requirements:

A negative COVID-19 test received within 5 days prior to travel or a positive antibody test taken within four months prior to travel will be required for any state with a positivity rate greater than 10%. A positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within four months prior to travel to the USVI is also possible. This requirement applies to passengers aged 15 and older. Travellers unable to produce the required test will be subject to quarantine for 14 days or until they are able to receive the required test result while in the Territory.
The Departement of Tourism launched a technology platform for travellers to upload their information and test results prior to arrival in the Territory: www.usviupdate.com/travelportal.
Upon exiting the aircraft or vessal arrival, all passengers will have their temperature taken.
All arriving passengers must wear a face mask. Violator of the masking order will be subject to a $50 fine for the first offense and $100 fine for each additional offense.

For more information, you can check the U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Advisory.

empty streets corona virgin islands

usvi

British Virgin Islands Coronavirus response

(Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Beef Island and Jost Van Dyke)

The BVI had strict lockdown and curfew measures in place during the beginning of April. Since 15th April 2020, a very gradual re-opening phase has started and will be followed for 6 weeks.

The border of the Territory remain closed to international tourism. International flights, ferry services, private boats and vessels remain banned. Only nationals, belongers, holders of permanent residence and naturalised citizens are alowed in. All person coming into the territory will be subject to health screening on arrival, ongoing monitoring during a 14-day mandatory quarantine period, and testing to confirm their COVID-19 status.

Starting from the 16 of September 2020, a new curfew is in place from 5:00PM to 5AM. Gatherings are limited to 10 persons. Beaches are open from 5:00AM to noon daily.

Schools remain closed. Critical business are now allowed to operate, including supermarket, banks, taxis, hair salons, pharmacies and domesitic Ferries. However, they are required to frequently sanitize, utilize private security to enforce social distancing, wear gloves and face masks for food preparation. Taxis and buses are limited to 1 passengers by seat row. Businesses must ensure that employees can leave work within curfew hours. Hotels, other accommodations, gyms and approved fitness facilities are now allowed to operate but must be inspected by the Social Distancing Task Force and certified by Environmental Health Division to ensure specific safe distancing and hygiene protocols are in place.
All bars and night club are closed until further notice. Restaurants are to offer take out service only.
The ban on the movement of boats within the BVI waters has now been lifted.

People must follow the appropriate social distancing measure of 6 feets between persons. Shoppers must carry an identification. Essential workers can leave their home to get to work, but must carry their curfew passes.

empty beach BVI

jetty BVI

What can we do to help the Virgin Islands?

The Virgin Island’s tourism industry is in danger, the islands are suffering from an immense economic downturn, putting many people out of work and under incredible strain. A way to help the locals is to consider rescheduling your travel plans instead of cancelling bookings and asking for refunds.

When it’s safe to travel again, and if you can permit it, explore more of the region than you may have previously considered. St Thomas, St John, St Croix, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Beef Island and Jost Van Dyke are all within easy reach of each other and offer something unique and worth experiencing. You can learn more about the region to help plan your trip on our dedicated BVI Travel Guide and USVI Travel Guide pages.

empty beach virgin islands corona

Virgin Islands Ferry services news:

Ferries are an essential part of day to day travel for people and goodse throughout the USVI and BVI, however all ferry services are currently restricted to Domestic use only until further notice. The BVI is on full lockdown, no ferry services to the islands from the USVI are operating.

Inter Island boat services - Suspended until further notice for tourists

Native Son Ferry - Suspended until further notice for tourists

Sensation Ferries - Suspended until further notice for tourists

Smith’s Tortola Fast Ferry - Suspended until further notice for tourists

Speedy’s Ferry Services - Suspended until further notice for tourists

Note that suspension of services may run beyond the above dates and you can keep up to date by following our Facebook page.

Contact information

If you had a fast boat booking for travel in the next few months or for other destination-related questions, feel free to contact us directly if you wish to reschedule your trip. We also invite you to consult our Terms and Conditions if you have any questions regarding a cancellation.