The United States Virgin Islands is once again open for tourism. 

The territory began welcoming back visitors last week, with hotels across the island open and operating, following a one-month “pause” in tourism to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

That includes properties like the Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas; the Secret Harbour Beach Resort in St Thomas and St Croix’s legendary Buccaneer resort, among others. 

Another of the US Virgin Islands’ most popular resorts, the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas, is currently taking reservations for stays beginning Oct. 1, according to the property’s Web site. 

As for flights, major carriers are servicing the territory, from American Airlines’ daily flights from Miami to St Thomas to Delta’s nonstop flights from Atlanta. (American also operates daily flights to St Croix from Miami).

So what do traveler to the US Virgin Islands need to know right now?

All travelers aged five years and up need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR nasal test received within five days prior to arrival to the USVI. 

The USVI is also accepting a positive COVID-19 antibody test received within four months of arrival. 

Travelers who can’t produce either of those tests will be subject to mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days from the time of entry or the duration of the person’s stay or until they receive a negative COVID test result in the USVI. 

All travelers will also be subject to temperature and health screenings. 

For more on the USVI’s arrival protocols, see here. 

— CJ