The United States territory will transition to an "Open Door Phase" on May 31.Published on May 27, 2022 Show
Photo: Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images The U.S. Virgin Islands will drop all remaining pandemic-related travel restrictions for domestic travelers next week, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism told Travel + Leisure. Starting on May 31, the United States territory will transition to an "Open Door Phase," dropping all COVID-19–related restrictions for domestic travelers and no longer requiring them to fill out the USVI Travel Screening Portal, according to the tourism board and an executive order by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. This will apply to each of the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. "The health and well-being of our residents and visitors alike continue to be our biggest priority," Joseph Boschulte, the commissioner of tourism, said in a statement provided to T+L. "The Department of Tourism along with Governor Bryan's Office and the Virgin Islands Department of Health, have worked together to closely monitor the COVID cases in the territory and strategically take steps that will ensure the health and safety of our residents and visitors. Our measures have proven successful and give us the confidence to continue to ease travel and testing requirements to the territory so that we can continue to safely welcome visitors." The decision to ease restrictions comes nearly two months after the U.S. Virgin Islands dropped pre-arrival testing for vaccinated domestic travelers. However, unvaccinated domestic travelers were still required to show proof of a negative PCR test or antigen test taken within five days of travel. American travelers returning home after visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands are exempt from all testing requirements because the U.S. Virgin Islands is an American territory. However, the U.S. Virgin Islands still requires all international travelers 18 and older who visit, including U.S. citizens coming from abroad and those coming from the British Virgin Islands, to show proof of vaccination and proof of a negative PCR test or antigen test taken within 24 hours if traveling by air or within five days if traveling by ferry, according to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Travelers must enter the information in the travel portal. The decision to drop many pandemic-era travel restrictions mirrors Puerto Rico, which eliminated all pandemic-related border protocols for domestic travelers in March, allowing them to come without showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and dropping the travel declaration form requirement. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Latest updates: Natural disasters and climate - removal of information on tropical storm Fiona Last updated: November 1, 2022 12:40 ET
Back to top Safety and securityCOVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictionsCOVID-19 preventative measures and restrictions are still in effect in some destinations. These could include:
Before travelling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are still in effect. Foreign Representatives in Canada CrimePetty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.
Violent crime is rare but also occurs. Women’s safetyIncidents of sexual assault occur. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Safe-travel guide for women Water activitiesSwimmingCoastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common.
DivingIf you participate in water sports, such as diving:
If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them. Adventure tourismIf you engage in adventure tourism:
Public transportationBusesThere is reliable public bus service on the islands. TaxisOpen-air “safari cabs” and taxis (usually SUVs or vans) are common on the islands of St. Thomas and St. John. Use authorized services and confirm the taxi fare with the driver before departing. FerriesThere are passenger ferries between St. John and St. Thomas, as well as inter-island barges for transporting cars. Road safetyRoad conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the islands. Due to the terrain, roads are often narrow and steep, and take sharp turns. They tend to be poorly paved. Scooter accidents are common and often deadly. Avoid renting scooters on any of the islands. Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. General information about foreign domestic airlines Back to top Entry and exit requirementsCOVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirementsMost governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19. These measures can be imposed suddenly and may include:
Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document. Before travelling:
The situation could disrupt your travel plans. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans. Useful links
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements. The U.S. Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States. We have obtained the information on this page from the American authorities. It can, however, change at any time. Confirm entry/exit requirements prior to travelling:
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply. Official travel Passport with “X” gender identifierWhile the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Other travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Useful links
Other entry requirementsCustoms officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay. Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). Children and travelLearn about travel with children. Back to top HealthConsult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel. Routine VaccinesBe sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination. Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others. Pre-travel vaccines and medicationsYou may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you. Yellow Fever - Country Entry RequirementsYellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection. Risk
Country Entry Requirement*
Recommendation
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. About Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada Hepatitis AHepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated. MeaslesMeasles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles. Hepatitis BHepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated. COVID-19Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. For destination entry and exit requirements, including for COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please check the Entry/exit requirements section. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. InfluenzaSeasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot. Food and Water-borne DiseasesTravellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food. In some areas in the Caribbean, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Caribbean. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it! TyphoidTyphoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time. Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. Insects and IllnessIn some areas in the Caribbean, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus. Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites. ChikungunyaThere is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya. Dengue
Zika virus is a risk in this country. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy should visit a health care professional before travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country. Travel recommendations:
For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice: Zika virus: Advice for travellers Animals and IllnessTravellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals. Person-to-Person InfectionsCrowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex. HIVHIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture. Medical services and facilitiesCOVID-19 - Testing facilitiesConsult the following links to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test:
Good health care is available throughout the islands. Some clinics and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for medical services. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. MedicationsIt can be difficult to get prescriptions refilled. Ensure you have sufficient medication for your stay and extra in case of emergency. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. Travel health and safety Keep in Mind...The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres. Back to top Laws and cultureYou must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. DrugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in the United States. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the United States, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements. General information for travellers with dual citizenship International Child AbductionThe Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the United States. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the US Virgin Islands court. If you are in this situation:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs. Useful links
DrivingTraffic drives on the left, but nearly all the cars on the island have left-side steering columns. A valid Canadian driver’s licence is required to drive in the U.S. Virgin Islands. MoneyThe currency of the U.S. Virgin Islands is the U.S. dollar. ATMs can be found throughout all three islands. Most establishments accept credit cards. Back to top Natural disasters and climateHurricane seasonHurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:
Useful links
Back to top Need help?Local servicesDial 911 for emergency assistance. Consular assistanceDue to the ongoing pandemic, our consular services could be limited. Contact us by email or telephone before visiting our offices. There is no resident Canadian government office in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the Consulate General of Canada in Miami, United States. Miami - Consulate General of CanadaFor emergency consular assistance, call the Consulate General of Canada in Miami and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. DisclaimerThe decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. Learn more about consular services. Take normal security precautionsTake similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. Exercise a high degree of cautionThere are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk. Avoid non-essential travelYour safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving. Avoid all travelYou should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so. What are the Covid requirements for entering the US Virgin Islands?You must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane. Only limited exceptions apply.
Do you need a negative Covid test to fly to USVI?Travelers are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result taken within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory.
Do you still need a Covid test to enter the US?Air Travel: All non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Only limited exceptions apply.
Is it safe to travel to US Virgin Islands?As with anywhere else in the world, St. Thomas and the US Virgin Islands have areas you'll want to avoid. With that said, the majority of the island, particularly the tourist-driven areas, are kept safe and endure little to no serious crime.
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