The new amendment means visitors to the Virgin Islands have to present a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test or an approved rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 test no later than 48 hours before arriving in the territory.

All fully vaccinated travellers with a negative COVID-19 test will not be required to do another test on arrival in the territory. Additionally, they are exempt from quarantine rules and are free to travel the territory as long as they adhere to the established COVID-19 protocols of the Ministry of Health.

The same regulations apply for fully vaccinated passengers and crew members arriving on cruise ships as long as they present a negative test in accordance with the Cruise Protocols and Operation Plan.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated cruise passengers will have to do a rapid antigen test at the port of entry.

Meanwhile, the amended COVID regulations further states that any fully vaccinated person who has taken the COVID-19 test and is unable to present it within 48-hours of arrival to the Virgin Islands because of flight delays or overnight layovers will be required to do a rapid antigen test on the day of arrival.

Previously, visitors to the territory had to present a negative RT-PCR test within five days of arrival in the territory. Fully vaccinated travellers would take a rapid antigen test at the airport and once the test returns negative, they are exempt from quarantine rules.

The protocols remain the same for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers. They must present a negative RT-PCR test within 48-hours of arrival and do another PCR test at the airport. Partially vaccinated travellers must quarantine for three days and do another test on the third day while unvaccinated travellers have to quarantine for seven days and do another test on the seventh day.

SI No 135 of 2021-COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Entry of Persons) (No 3) (Amendment) (No 5) Regulations 2021