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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254275
04/28/2021 08:26 AM
04/28/2021 08:26 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Traveler
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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We are doing this tomorrow. Unless this is part of the new protocol, I don't think this is correct. The USVI still requires a covid test and travel authorization, even for transit. I have not seen any May 15 changes in this regard.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254278
04/28/2021 08:39 AM
04/28/2021 08:39 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,674 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
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Posts: 1,674
Memphis, BVI, CT
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And you can forget calling the CDC Covid hotline. I did that Friday with this exact question. She put me on hold, searched her script, and then kept reading to me how I shouldn't take a cruise! Apparently that was the only reference to a boat. I explained it was a one-hour, open-air ferry.
The rule says it applies to people returning to the US by air. Drive from Mexico, no test; fly, need a test. That would imply it's the airplane that is the risk factor.
Some people report that their water taxi didn't request test results, but that's a risky strategy.
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: xrayman67]
#254281
04/28/2021 08:43 AM
04/28/2021 08:43 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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From what I read, the USVI requires a COVID test within 5 days when traveling back from BVI to USVI via ferry. No test is required flying USVI back to the states. It's 3 days.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: xrayman67]
#254282
04/28/2021 08:43 AM
04/28/2021 08:43 AM
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,168
MIDiver
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Posts: 1,168
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xrayman is correct. A Covid test is required to enter the USVI whether by air or sea. It is a USVI regulation. You also must register on theIr portal.
Last edited by MIDiver; 04/28/2021 08:44 AM. Reason: Spelling
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: xrayman67]
#254289
04/28/2021 09:09 AM
04/28/2021 09:09 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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Hmmm, I do see that. Sorry for my "correction"! I could swear it was three days previously, but may be confusing it when we had to return test and were transiting through PR. On our December visit, there was a return test required for transiting USVI. For February, we booked through San Juan to avoid that test, only to have the US add their own test requirement. Hopefully our next trip will be less complicated!
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254291
04/28/2021 09:11 AM
04/28/2021 09:11 AM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
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Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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The USVI Travel Portal has a decent explanation of the USVI requirements for entry. It does not address the CDC requirements for entry to the US. I'd love to hear other's experience on who checks for the 3-day test. I suspect it's part of the ferry check-in. I am getting the sense on FB that people are hoping to circumvent the US CDC 3 day requirement by going thru the USVI which only has a 5 day test requirement. Why can't people just follow the rules in place? It's not that hard and they are there for safety reasons. MrEZgoin - maybe you can report after your ferry experience?
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#254292
04/28/2021 09:13 AM
04/28/2021 09:13 AM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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Hmmm, I do see that. Sorry for my "correction"! I could swear it was three days previously, but may be confusing it when we had to return test and were transiting through PR. You are correct; it was 3 days to enter the USVI for a long time. It changed to 5 days a couple of months ago. BUT, that does not eliminate the 3 day test requirement for the US.
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#254293
04/28/2021 09:15 AM
04/28/2021 09:15 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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Hmmm, I do see that. Sorry for my "correction"! I could swear it was three days previously, but may be confusing it when we had to return test and were transiting through PR. You are correct; it was 3 days to enter the USVI for a long time. It changed to 5 days a couple of months ago. BUT, that does not eliminate the 3 day test requirement for the US. That part seems a bit unclear, since it clearly states that the US return test requirement does not apply to returning from the USVI, no?
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254296
04/28/2021 09:33 AM
04/28/2021 09:33 AM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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There is no 3 day test requirement to enter the US from a US territory. I can tell you for a fact that as late as April 2, the SouthWest gate agent required proof of a 3 day test before boarding in Puerto Rico if you originated in the BVI.
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254298
04/28/2021 09:46 AM
04/28/2021 09:46 AM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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You are considered in that case as a international traveler arriving in the US by air. Had you ferried to the USVI by boat and then flown out the test is not required. As others mentioned however the USVI requires a test 5 days prior. That's a total loophole and it's embarrassing that people I know are exploiting it. Everyone understands the intent of the CDC requirement. I hope when the CDC figures it out they close the BVI ferry down just out of principle. Have some common decency and try to keep US citizen safe.
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#254300
04/28/2021 10:12 AM
04/28/2021 10:12 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,074 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
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You are considered in that case as a international traveler arriving in the US by air. Had you ferried to the USVI by boat and then flown out the test is not required. As others mentioned however the USVI requires a test 5 days prior. That's a total loophole and it's embarrassing that people I know are exploiting it. Everyone understands the intent of the CDC requirement. I hope when the CDC figures it out they close the BVI ferry down just out of principle. Have some common decency and try to keep US citizen safe. First I am fully vaccinated and have had covid in the past. I am not putting anyone at risk. That does not even consider that under the current BVI and USVI rules I will have had 3 covid tests in the 2 weeks prior. The last one 5 days prior. Second it’s not a loophole. The CDC specifically exempted travel from US territories and specifically stated only arrivals by air need tests. I highly doubt they just forgot about arrivals by ground and sea transportation. I just took a boat from the USVI to Key West non stop. We asked Customs exactly what testing would be required to arrive in the US. The answer was no testing required. Your entire statement about putting people at risk is just plain strange especially considering we will be on a boat in the BVI with almost no covid for the trip verses USVI vacationers also flying home without any testing mingling with the crowds in the USVI with a much higher rate of active covid cases. The USVI is booming, tourists everywhere! It’s also likely the US will end all testing requirements for International air arrivals if you are fully vaccinated in the next month.
Last edited by GeorgeC1; 04/28/2021 10:18 AM.
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254307
04/28/2021 10:27 AM
04/28/2021 10:27 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,916 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 82,916
Central Florida!
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It’s also likely the US will end all testing requirements for International air arrivals if you are fully vaccinated in the next month. George--Really? That would be music to my ears, as we have a trip planned to St Maarten in June!!
Carol Hill
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254312
04/28/2021 10:35 AM
04/28/2021 10:35 AM
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,168
MIDiver
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Posts: 1,168
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We flew from EIS to STT and were required to submit the 3 day. Friends left earlier and took a water taxi and had to submit a 5 day. We are considering taking a water taxi vs the ferry in June (unless additional departures are offered). Water taxi websites indicate that a 5 day test is required to enter USVI via sea. This is consistent with private vessels entering USVI waters. I have friends in the USVI and they seem to feel that protocols will not be changing soon for vaccinated travelers.
Last edited by MIDiver; 04/28/2021 10:36 AM. Reason: Clarify
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254315
04/28/2021 11:05 AM
04/28/2021 11:05 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,074 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
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Posts: 7,074
GA/NC
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Another poster feels your friends should get another test 3 days prior to insure they don’t put others at risk. I doubt the USVI protocols will change which is a bit strange considering they accept a positive antibody test. We are going to get a antibody test since the vaccine often but not always will generate a positive antibody test. It’s worth trying to avoid the hassle on vacation.
Last edited by GeorgeC1; 04/28/2021 11:24 AM.
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: MIDiver]
#254438
04/29/2021 06:16 PM
04/29/2021 06:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30 STX
jandreas
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
STX
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I have friends in the USVI and they seem to feel that protocols will not be changing soon for vaccinated travelers.
When I gave them results from my antibody test, I was given a green barcode within a few hours of submitting it to the travel portal.
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: jandreas]
#254439
04/29/2021 07:06 PM
04/29/2021 07:06 PM
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,168
MIDiver
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,168
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Jandreas - I was referring to leeway for vaccinated travelers.
They approved antibody for BVI-STT via sea? I have been trying to clarify that but can’t get any info from the USVI.
Last edited by MIDiver; 04/29/2021 10:08 PM.
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254450
04/29/2021 10:19 PM
04/29/2021 10:19 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 674 Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
caribbeangirl13
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 674
Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
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George,
Just had my antibody test done because we are going back and forth to St. Thomas multiple times in the coming months. I never had COVID (that I know of) but did have the Pfizer vaccine and I have the antibodies! So there is hope that if you are vaccinated you will show a positive antibody.
Sue s/v Ripple Leopard 40
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254487
04/30/2021 09:49 AM
04/30/2021 09:49 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 206 NLR AR, USA
Galeaux
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Traveler
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Posts: 206
NLR AR, USA
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Something to check on - I give blood regularly and was told that getting the vaccine does not mean you will show antibodies. I gave blood after my second vaccine shot and did not show antibodies since I never had COVID.
Melissa & Doug
"If you really wanna know where you can find me, I'll be unwinding, Down in the islands, down in the islands" Zac Brown Band
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Re: Returning by ferry to USVI
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#254510
04/30/2021 03:44 PM
04/30/2021 03:44 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 674 Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
caribbeangirl13
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 674
Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
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They are saying that being vaccinated is hit or miss on having a positive antibody test. This is what they told me when I went in to get my antibody test, which was 7 weeks after my second shot. I guess I hit!
Sue s/v Ripple Leopard 40
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