What You Need To Know About Visiting The US Virgin Islands Right Now

Last June, the United States Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John) were the first Caribbean destinations to re-open to visitors after the pandemic pause. And although a subsequent outbreak required a temporary shutdown, arrivals have steadily increased since its re-opening in September, boosted even further this year as vaccination numbers rise on the mainland and people feel more confident about traveling. If your travel plans include a trip to either of the islands, here's what you need to know before you go.

As with all Caribbean countries, visitors must now apply in advance for authorization to enter. You'll do this online at usvitravelportal.com, providing proof of either a negative PCR test; a negative rapid/antigen test; or a positive antibody test received within five days of your arrival on island. Note that vaccinated travelers are NOT currently exempt from the testing requirements.

I've taken six Caribbean flights since last November, none of them with more than 50 passengers. My flights to and from St. Croix in June, however, were both oversold, leaving the gate as full as they would have been in the Before Times. No doubt the USVI's proximity to the United States and the fact that Americans don't need a passport to visit are contributing factors to the islands' boom in business. Travelers looking for the lowest prices and widest availability will need to book well in advance.

The Buccaneer, the 130-room resort on St. Croix where I stayed, was averaging an occupancy of 85% during my visit. Anecdotal evidence from visitors and tourism workers - and the number of visitors I noticed in Christiansted and on my half-day sail to neighboring Buck Island - suggests that other island hotels are doing equally good business. Finding a rental car is also a challenge, so reserve as early as you can.

Despite rising occupancy figures, many hotels are still operating with reduced staffing levels. After pandemic layoffs, some experienced hospitality workers left the industry altogether. Others, I was told, are delaying returning to work until after the U.S. government's supplemental pandemic payments cease. And I encountered several new staff at island businesses. Combined, these factors mean that service may be slower than usual. My advice: Pack your patience; everyone's doing their best.

USVI regulations require masks in public places, on public transportation and interior spaces (unless dining or during exercise). I was pleased to see good compliance by visitors at The Buccaneer, in Christiansted stores and on its streets. On a sailing to Buck Island, many passengers wore their masks the entire time. We were on an open deck so it may not have been necessary. But it was heartening, nevertheless, to see that tourists were remaining vigilant, even on vacation.

Because they're considered United States territories, visitors returning from St. Thomas, St. Croix or St. John are exempt from CDC's requirement that all inbound passengers show proof of a negative result from a COVID test taken within three days of their arrival. I cleared U.S. Customs and Immigration at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, and, once back on the mainland, breezed through Miami International Airport.

Back in April, the USVI's commissioner of tourism Joseph Boschulte reported that non-resident vaccination appeared to be a bonus for visitors vacationing in the territory, saying that "we're not stopping them or preventing them from getting the vaccine." USVI residents 16 or older have been eligible for vaccination since March, and the islands report having a good supply. Since there's no residency requirement attached to getting the vaccine, some visitors have made two trips for their first and second doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Others have stayed long enough to get both, boosting the tourism industry even further. If you're contemplating a "vaccication," you can schedule an appointment on St. Thomas and St. Croix in advance online here.