Are you planning a trip to the Virgin Islands but unsure if tourism is open? Here’s what you need to know.
Current Status of Tourism in the Virgin Islands
As of now, tourism is open in the US Virgin Islands. However, there are some restrictions and guidelines that visitors must follow to ensure safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Entry Requirements
All travelers aged five and above must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days before arrival. This requirement applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Visitors who have not been fully vaccinated must also upload their test results to the USVI Travel Screening Portal and receive a travel certificate before their arrival.
Mask Mandate
The US Virgin Islands have implemented a mask mandate for all individuals while indoors. Masks are also required outdoors in certain situations where social distancing is not possible.
Activities and Attractions
Most activities and attractions in the Virgin Islands are open, including beaches, water sports, and tours. However, some businesses may have limited capacity or modified hours due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Beaches
The beaches in the Virgin Islands are open but visitors should maintain social distancing from others outside of their group.
Water Sports
Water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available. Operators may have reduced capacity or require additional safety measures such as masks or sanitizing equipment between uses.
Tours
Tours such as island tours, historical tours, and wildlife tours are available with limited capacity to allow for social distancing. Visitors should check with individual tour operators for specific guidelines and requirements.
Conclusion
Tourism is currently open in the Virgin Islands with some restrictions in place to ensure the safety of visitors and residents. Visitors should stay informed of the latest guidelines and requirements before planning their trip. With proper planning and adherence to guidelines, visitors can still enjoy all that the Virgin Islands have to offer.