August 2, 2023 - Meagan Palmer
The U.S. Virgin Islands, also known as USVI, is a tried and true Caribbean paradise! It’s no wonder it’s on the bucket list for many travelers to rejuvenate. As the pandemic has progressed, you can find updates of the latest travel safety tips in this blog –we routinely update all of our travel safety guides!
Can you currently travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?Yes! Travel for non-essential tourism ramped back up on September 13, 2020. Hotels and other types of accommodations are allowed to welcome guests. This means the airports are open too! Before you book your trip though, make sure you’re aware of the U.S. Virgin Islands travel requirements below.
Don’t forget to protect your travel investment with travel insurance in case something unexpected causes you to cancel your travel plans. Get a free travel insurance quote today!
Is traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands Safe?Yes, these Caribbean islands are fairly safe to visit. Be mindful that areas of St. John and St. Croix have increased in crime in recent years. Use the resources below to keep tabs on any changes to the travel safety status in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Are there any COVID-19 travel restrictions in the U.S. Virgin Islands?There are similar restrictions compared to those in some states of the United States. Use the links below to find updated information on current travel restrictions.
TIP: If you’re concerned about potentially contracting COVID-19 while traveling, purchasing a travel insurance policy could reimburse any medical expenses you incur or any additional costs if it delays your return home. As restrictions constantly change, it might even be helpful to look into purchasing a more flexible cancellation policy in which you can cancel your vacation for any reason at all and receive a partial reimbursement of your trip cost.
Do you need a passport to get to the U.S. Virgin Islands?If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from the United States, you won’t be required to have a passport to enter the USVI. That’s because the USVI is a territory of the United States. That being said, it might be helpful to pack it in case you’re asked to show proof of citizenship. If you plan to visit the BVI, then you’ll definitely need your passport since you’ll be in a foreign territory. One thing you may not know about travel insurance is that it can be put to use if your travel documents get lost or stolen while on your trip.
Popular Tourism Locations in the U.S. Virgin IslandsIn no particular order, here are a few spots many travelers choose to visit when in the USVI.
St. Croix: This island is full of rich history that involved several different countries at different points. You’ll find plenty of gorgeous beaches, farmers’ markets, and carnivals in St. Croix. If you’re wanting to dive deeper into the culture of this island, try visiting a few of the museums during your stay.
St. John: Nature lovers will love all the outdoor recreation and adventures St. John has to offer. With crystal-clear blue water, it offers some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, and the white sand beaches are truly a marvel. This may be the smallest of the USVI, but you won’t run out of things to do while you’re here.
St. Thomas: Travelers seeking to immerse themself in the culture of the USVI should definitely take time to visit St. Thomas. The locals here will make your stay feel like you’re at home and they’ll be sure to offer recommendations on all the best spots.
Best Time to Visit the U.S. Virgin IslandsIf you’re searching for less crowds, mild weather, and no hurricanes, then you’ll want to visit the USVI during the off-season between April and June.
The rainy season from June through November means a greater chance of hurricanes and less-than-ideal weather. If you’re looking for a price conscience vacation, aim for the summer months if you don’t mind higher temperatures and humidity.
U.S. Virgin Islands Resorts & All-InclusivesThere are many stress-free ways to enjoy the USVI! We vote for the resorts and all-inclusives for a much-needed getaway. Don’t forget you can insure the expenses subject to cancellation penalties under your travel insurance policies, not just your airfare. If you aren’t sure what amounts to protect under your travel insurance plan, be sure to check out our calculation guide. Here are some of the most popular locations in St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort on St. Croix: This family-friendly all-inclusive is a great spot that doesn’t charge extra for much like some other resorts. There are plenty of activities everyone in the family will love. Plus, kids under five eat and stay for free!
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas: If you’re looking for a place to truly relax by the pool or on the beach, this is the resort for you! Your stay includes access to scuba lessons, watersports, and a swim-up bar. Plus, this place is family-run with an affordable price tag!
Marriot Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star on St. Thomas: This hotel is the perfect spot to redeem those Marriot Rewards. Although it’s not an all-inclusive resort, you can book a specific package with another person that includes meals and drinks.
Are the U.S. Virgin Islands a Family-Friendly Destination?Most definitely! The USVI is an easy destination to travel to and offers various tourism and relaxation activities that will spark interest in all travelers. Plus, there are an endless amount of Caribbean beaches to explore. Speaking of adventure, there’s even hiking in the Virgin Islands National Park!
We think St. Croix is a great family-friendly destination. It offers various activities for kids of any age –snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding. They even have hermit crab races! Plus, the food is amazing. Who doesn’t love a good barbecue?
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!Now that you’re aware of what to be prepared for when visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, don’t risk losing your trip investment if something ruins your USVI vacation plans. It happens all the time –you get sick, a family member passes away, there’s bad weather, or new travel advisories are put in place. You might lose your trip payments if you have to cancel your vacation because one of these happens and you don’t have a comprehensive travel insurance plan
Buying insurance is a simple process when shopping on Yonder’s comparison site. You can filter policy options based on the types of coverage you’re looking for so you are insured for what you need. If you need help deciding on a policy, reach out to our team of friendly humans for a recommendation!
Tags: coronavirus, travel safety
