For Immediate Release
Source: United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Contacts:
Alani Henneman-Todman, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism +1 340 774-8784
ahenneman@usvitourism.vi
Bevan Springer, Marketplace Excellence +1 201 861- 2056
bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com
The beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands awaits leisure travelers.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TO REOPEN TO LEISURE VISITORS JUNE 1
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (May 26, 2020) – The U.S. Virgin Islands will reopen its doors to leisure travelers on Monday, June 1, 2020.
Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte declared that the Territory is finalizing public health and tourism protocols for the return of visitors to “America’s paradise” in less than a week’s time.
Commissioner Boschulte reported that as new protocols, developed with input from the Office of the Governor, tourism and health authorities, and the private sector, are rolled out, a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will remain in effect through July 11, 2020.
“Over the past several weeks, we have been building COVID-19 mitigation and response capacity, and preparing protocols to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors alike,” said Commissioner Boschulte, who explained that the decision to reopen has not been made lightly. “We did not want to rush to reopen in reaction to what other destinations are doing. Instead, we have engaged in data-driven, risk-based analysis, in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Department of Health and federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other stakeholders.”
In preparation for the reopening of the Territory, the Department of Tourism has prepared “Health and Safety Guidelines for the USVI Tourism Industry”, a comprehensive master document that provides specific guidance to all tourism stakeholders. “The response and collaboration of various departments and agencies are to be commended,” Commissioner Boschulte said, noting that the document will be frequently updated to reflect anticipated guidance updates.
The Commissioner asserted that the reopening is a partnership that requires everyone to have both a personal and professional responsibility to reduce the spread of the new virus. “We are very pleased with the across-the-board approach so that key tourism subsectors now have specific guidelines,” he added. He stated that the new health and safety protocols, along with the commitment of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, would assure visitors that the Territory’s decision to open its doors next week is the right one.
Guidance includes procedures for operating reception and concierge facilities; cleaning and housekeeping; managing dining rooms; and providing technical and maintenance services. There is also specific subsector guidance for taxi, van, safari and limo services, restaurants and bars, and accommodations.
Commissioner Boschulte stated that interest in travel to the destination was very strong: “Throughout the pandemic, we were greatly encouraged by the outpouring of support and expressions of desire from friends around the world to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Even though COVID-19 caused us to temporarily close our doors, our hearts remained open. We now look forward to welcoming travelers back to their home away from home.”
For further information, visit www.usviupdate.com or www.visitusvi.com.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter @usvitourism, and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI). When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.
So what are the protocols for inbound tourist?? Testing? Quarantine??
Thanks
Dear Greg,
Thank you for contacting us.
The safety of residents of and visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is our priority as we work together to minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The USVI will reopen its doors to leisure travelers on June 1, 2020.
Routine temperature checks and health screenings will be conducted at ports of entry. No quarantine is required if travelers are healthy. Testing, quarantine and isolation protocols are in place for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 and also for contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Kindly see the following notices that provide the most current information pertaining to the Territory’s COVID-19 response:
Tool Kit for Travelers (https://bit.ly/3df5Vf1)
Information for Leisure Travelers (https://bit.ly/2ye202R)
Information for Marine Vessels and Passengers (https://bit.ly/35uiCiW)
Safer-At-Home Guidelines (https://bit.ly/2L5rSk6)
Additional information about leisure travel will be available soon. We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor usviupdate.com.
I am thoroughly confused … one article says open for leisure June 1 but another of your articles say stay at home ? Does that mean stay at the condo on st Thomas does that mean stay at Home ? All restrictions lifted July 11th ? Make it simple !!!
Dear John,
Thank you for contacting us.
The safety of residents of and visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is our priority as we work together to minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The USVI will reopen its doors to leisure travelers on June 1, 2020.
Routine temperature checks and health screenings will be conducted at ports of entry. No quarantine is required if travelers are healthy.
Kindly see the following notices that provide the most current information pertaining to the Territory’s COVID-19 response:
Tool Kit for Travelers (https://bit.ly/3df5Vf1)
Information for Leisure Travelers (https://bit.ly/2ye202R)
Information for Marine Vessels and Passengers (https://bit.ly/35uiCiW)
Safer-At-Home Guidelines (https://bit.ly/2L5rSk6)
Additional information about leisure travel will be available soon. We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor usviupdate.com.
Where do I go to obtain the Health and Safety Guidelines for the USVI Tourism Industry comprehensive master document?
Dear Julie,
Thank you for contacting us.
A Tool Kit for Service Providers has been posted on http://www.usviupdate.com, and can be found here: https://usviupdate.wpengine.com/tool-kit-for-service-providers/
Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, these guidelines and guidance documents are subject to change and will be updated accordingly. The Interim Guidelines are available at: https://bit.ly/2BscYDa
[…] of domestic travel, and if you’re looking towards the tropics then look no further than the U.S.V.I. St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas will welcome back leisure travelers on June 1st, and guests […]
Good news!
My concern deals with USA Presidential Proclamation that ban the entrance of people that have been in certain countries within previous 14 days, such as EU Schengen area, UK, Brazil etc.
Would you please confirm that this measure does not apply to USVI?
Thanks.
Dear Enio:
Thank you for contacting us.
When leaving the U.S. mainland, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.
U.S. Virgin Islands entry requirements are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. When leaving, you are required to clear Customs and Border Protection.
For further guidance please refer to the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html
My family is traveling to USVI in late July 2020. Will the ferry service, taxis, restaurants, golf courses, and beaches be open by then?
Dear JT,
Thank you for contacting us.
The safety of residents of and visitors to the Territory is our highest priority as we work together to minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Routine temperature checks and health screenings are being conducted at ports of entry. No quarantine is required if travelers are healthy. Testing, quarantine and isolation protocols are in place for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 and also for contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Kindly see the following notices that provide current information pertaining to the Territory’s COVID-19 response:
Tool Kit for Travelers (https://bit.ly/3df5Vf1)
Travel Advisory: (https://bit.ly/2MgxuJ9)
Information for Leisure Travelers: (https://bit.ly/2ye202R)
Information for Marine Vessels and Passengers: (https://bit.ly/35uiCiW)
We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor usviupdate.com.