U.S. Virgin Islands Launches Online Portal to Prescreen All Travelers

April 3, 2022

USVI Travel Portal, The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has launched Phase One of a new web-based portal that will screen and assist in the process of certifying all tourists before their entry into the territory. The aim is to stop spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The next step in the development process will incorporate mobile optimization into the portal, and then the launch of a hybrid mobile application and artificial intelligence that will automate the processing of lab tests conducted by travelers from states that are heavily affected and territories.

The administration of U.S. Virgin Islands will ensure Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance as well as other best practices to guarantee the privacy and confidentiality of information about users and personal data, as well as the general security of the system.

On entering the portal, users are guided through various screens that include general information about Terms and Conditions, Traveler details along with the COVID-19 Traveler’s Screening Tool. When travelers from the most affected areas upload their COVID-19 testing results, the data submitted will be processed within 24-48 hours and an authorization code will be issued following the completion.

For the Majority of Travelers USVI Travel Portal

The USVI travel portal screening and certification process will eventually replace the manual procedure that will require physical completion and examination of the COVID-19 Traveler Screening Tool in the ports of entry of the territory. When the traveler arrives at the port of entry, they will be processed by the Virgin Islands Port Authority along in conjunction with Department of Health and the Virgin Islands National Guard will verify the person’s travel documents using the verification provided by the portal. They will also be conducting temperature tests using the thermal scanner.

Any traveler aged 15 and older whose home state (state of residence) has a COVID-19 positivity rate greater than 10 percent will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test result received within five days prior to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands or a positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within four months of travel to the territory. At present, residents in Puerto Rico are as well subject to this condition.

The COVID-19 test results are required of travelers who are 15 or older that have been in the state. For more than seven consecutive days the state that has a positive rate of more that 10 per cent. The rates of positivity used are according to analysis and data provided by Johns Hopkins University.

The Commissioner for Tourism Joseph Boschulte acknowledged the work of the interagency teams. He declared that the website that prescreens all travelers and confirms the COVID-19 test results is another step forward in protecting visitors and residents.

Why Should You Visit U.S. Virgin Islands

It is said that the U.S. Virgin Islands are “America’s Caribbean Paradise” – the perfect place to watch Moko Jumbies (stilt walkers) dance in the Carnival parade. Listen to the soft patois of the Creole dialect, or taste the spice of salted fish pate. (all without losing mobile signal). It is possible to visit St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix, or better yet. You can spend some time in the three islands. This way, you’ll have plenty of relaxation, unspoiled nature, and colonial history packed into one trip.

Each island has its own uniqueness. The island is known as “Rock City” due to its rugged, craggy, hilly landscape, St. Thomas is well-known for its luxurious surroundings. From the massive yachts that anchor in the harbor to luxury storefronts that line Main Street. It is located just a few minutes by ferry to the east St. John appeals to nature-lovers and honeymooners. With over 7,000 acres of parkland, as well as stunning beaches. In the south of the Caribbean Sea, St. Croix offers visitors the opportunity to discover the island’s colonial past. As well as the story of slavery in a variety of plantations and forts. Additionally, it’s on this island where you can discover the Cruzan Rum Distillery.