Virgin Islands Corona Response
Cases overview in the Virgin Islands
|
To learn more about the situation in the Virgin Islands, simply refer to the following sections:
- Virgin Islands ferry services news
- USVI Coronavirus news
- Entering the BVI by ferry
- What can we do to help the Virgin Islands?
HIGHLIGHTED NEWS: From October 1st 2021, fully vaccinated visitors are no longer required to apply using the BVI Gateway portal.
If you are fully vaccinated, you will primarily need proof of vaccination, a RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test (done within 3-5 days prior to arrival) and travel insurance covering COVID-19 (see below for more details.
Virgin Islands ferry services news:
Ferries are an essential part of day to day travel for people and goods throughout the USVI and BVI, however some ferry services are currently restricted to minimal scheduling and capacity until further notice.
- Inter Island boat services - Services from St. Thomas to St. John are running daily.
- Native Son Ferry - Running a 3x weekly service from St. Thomas to St. Croix. Limited schedule between St. Thomas and Tortola
- Sensation Ferries - Daily services between Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
- Smith’s Tortola Fast Ferry - Limited schedule between Tortola and St. Thomas
- Speedy’s Ferry Services - Daily services between Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Entering the BVI by ferry
(Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Beef Island and Jost Van Dyke)
A daily curfew is in place between the hours of 01:00am and 05:00am. Business are allowed to operate with the exception of nightclubs and entertainment centers. Beaches are open.
Social gatherings are limited to one person per 36 square feet and a maximum of 50 people.
- You will be required to submit documents to obtain an entry approval through this online portal. The authorization cost $175 per person.
- A certified RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test is mandatory for all travelers over five years old. The test should be done within 3-5 days prior to arrival.
- You will need to provide evidence of a travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical costs (hospitalisation, doctor's visit and prescriptions), medical rapatriation and quarantine accomodatrion costs.
- You will be required to undergo a RT-PCR test upon arrival to the BVI.
- You will need to quarantine 7 days.
- You will need to take a RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test on day 7.
-
Please read more details regarding longer quarantine and/or repatriation in case of testing negative here.
Requirements for vaccinated visitors:
- A certified RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test is mandatory for all travelers over five years old. The test should be done within 5 days prior to arrival.
- You will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival at a cost of $50.
- You will need a proof of your vaccination status. You must have received the second COVID-19 vaccine no less than two weeks before entry to the BVI. The vaccine must be approved by the World Health Organization.
- You will need to provide evidence of a travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical costs (hospitalisation, doctor's visit and prescriptions), medical rapatriation and quarantine accomodatrion costs.
- You will be subject to a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival at a cost of $50. You must pre-register for the test
- Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport
-
If an unvaccinated minor travels with a fully vaccinated parent/guardian, the minor will not have to apply to enter on the BVI Gateway Portal. Each minor must present a negative PCR test or antigen rapid test no older than 5 days.
Requirements for partially vaccinated visitors:
- You will be required to submit documents to obtain an entry approval through this online portal. The authorization cost $175 per person.
- A certified RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test is mandatory for all travelers over five years old. The test should be done 3-5 days prior to arrival.
- You will need a proof of your vaccination status
- You will need to provide evidence of a travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical costs (hospitalisation, doctor's visit and prescriptions), medical rapatriation and quarantine accomodatrion costs.
- You will be required to undergo a RT-PCR test upon arrival to the BVI.
-
You will need to quarantine 4 days.
-
You will need to take a RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test on day 4.
-
Please read more details regarding longer quarantine and/or repatriation in case of testing negative here.
Children aged 5 to 17 must follow the same testing and quarantine requirements as their parents/guardians.
Children aged 4 and below have to follow the same quarantine requirements as their parents/guardians but there are no testing requirements.
USVI Coronavirus news
(St Thomas, St Croix and St John)
Travel requirements:
- All visitors and residents alike (including anyone in-transit), aged 5 and older, must upload their information and test results prior to arrival in the Territory: usvitravelportal.com. Travelers should receive a response from the Travel Screening Portal within 48 hours of submission.
- A COVID-19 test . This can be:
- A COVID-19 molecular (e.g., RT-PCR, viral or nucleic acid amplification) negative test result from a nasal or throat or saliva swab sample (the test and the result must be received within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory).
- A COVID-19 antigen (rapid) negative test result from a nasal or throat swab sample (the test and the result must be received within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory).
- Travellers who were vaccinated in the USVI and considered "fully vaccinated" may be exempt from submitting an acceptable Covid-19 test result for travel from the U.S. mainland and/or from another U.S. Territory, if the Official Vaccination Record can be succesfully retrieved. Travellers are considered "fully vaccinated" if they have been vaccinated in the USVI, with the official required dosage(s) in the USVI, and have passed the two weeks immunity building period.
- All visitors must present their travel clearance (digital or printed) and their test result to the screening agent when boarding.
- Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.
- Upon exiting the aircraft or vessel arrival, all passengers will have their temperature taken.
- All arriving passengers must wear a face mask.
For more information, you can check the U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Advisory.
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.
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.