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USVI protocol changes January 3 #272006
12/27/2021 02:50 PM
12/27/2021 02:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
According to another poster here on the BVI forum, protocol to enter the USVI will change January 3. If this affects you, please make sure you know what the new rules are!


Carol Hill
BVI Sponsors
Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272049
12/28/2021 04:24 PM
12/28/2021 04:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 192
WI. St. Thomas
TomSW Offline
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TomSW  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 192
WI. St. Thomas
We have some friends who had plans to arrive on Jan. 3rd. from the US. They have a 5 day covid test scheduled but are unable to re-schedule to a 3 day test as the reservations for that are backed up and unavailable. Phone calls to Dept. of Tourism confirmed the 3 day limit. Seems that they are stuck and out of luck. I assume that many people have found themselves in the same situation. Anyone know of a solution to their problem?

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272052
12/28/2021 04:52 PM
12/28/2021 04:52 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Tom - the Optum on line store has the BinaxNow proctored tests available in 2 and 3 packs. I ordered additional tests yesterday as back-up. They shipped today.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272057
12/28/2021 07:28 PM
12/28/2021 07:28 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
LocalSailor Offline
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LocalSailor  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
Rapid escalation of active cases around us

USVI 12/28 -- 786 cases

Puerto Rico 12/28 -- 78,860

St Martin/Maarten 12/28 -- 2,689

BVI - not reported

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272069
12/29/2021 08:18 AM
12/29/2021 08:18 AM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,084
Northern VA
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Cratti Offline
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Cratti  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,084
Northern VA
We arrive Jan 6 and have our tests scheduled for Jan 2. The USVI portal site is stil, saying 5 day testing. Can anyone please direct me to information to confirm?

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Cratti] #272072
12/29/2021 08:37 AM
12/29/2021 08:37 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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RickG  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
Originally Posted by Cratti
We arrive Jan 6 and have our tests scheduled for Jan 2. The USVI portal site is stil, saying 5 day testing. Can anyone please direct me to information to confirm?


The Government House posted on their Facebook page yesterday. It is slide #5.

https://www.facebook.com/GovernmentHouseUSVI/photos/pcb.3152972301613414/3152967258280585

Cheers, RickG

Attached Files Slide 5.jpeg

S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: RickG] #272073
12/29/2021 09:07 AM
12/29/2021 09:07 AM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,084
Northern VA
C
Cratti Offline
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Cratti  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,084
Northern VA
Ugh thanks. Frustrated that they have not updated this on the Tourism or Portal sites.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272089
12/29/2021 11:35 AM
12/29/2021 11:35 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
So does this mean I test Wednesday for a Saturday arrival? I'm flying early morning January 8.....


[Linked Image]

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Winterstale] #272093
12/29/2021 11:52 AM
12/29/2021 11:52 AM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Winter - I am interpreting this to be test Thursday for Saturday arrival but nothing seems to be very clear right now.

Last edited by MIDiver; 12/29/2021 12:15 PM.
Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272097
12/29/2021 12:14 PM
12/29/2021 12:14 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
MiDiver - and rapid tests are accepted now, yes? I really prefer the PCR but Thursday cuts it pretty close for Saturday to get results in time to clear.....I figure if I test on Wednesday at noon? It is 72 hours until my departure on Saturday.....but hopefully they'll post that little chart.....so we all can be clear on this.


[Linked Image]

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Winterstale] #272098
12/29/2021 12:17 PM
12/29/2021 12:17 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Winter - yes, USVI accepts rapid antigen. We use Emed proctored Abbott BinaxNow and do them at home (for both USVI and BVI).

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272099
12/29/2021 12:19 PM
12/29/2021 12:19 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Thanks - I thought as much.


[Linked Image]

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272115
12/29/2021 02:47 PM
12/29/2021 02:47 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
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CaptainJay  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
Can/t guarantee the accuracy but here you go.
https://newsofstjohn.com/your-travel-testing-questions-answered/

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272117
12/29/2021 03:04 PM
12/29/2021 03:04 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 133
R
rocinante Offline
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rocinante  Offline
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Posts: 133
Originally Posted by CaptainJay
Can/t guarantee the accuracy but here you go.
https://newsofstjohn.com/your-travel-testing-questions-answered/


The article says the 1 day limit for international arrivals applies for both air and sea arrivals. That wasn't the case for arrivals by sea before--is it a change or did the article get it wrong? In particular, I'm thinking about arrival from the BVI by ferry or water taxi.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272120
12/29/2021 03:46 PM
12/29/2021 03:46 PM
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 22
Idaho
R
Rumlover Offline
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Rumlover  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 22
Idaho
The USVI Travel Portal has been updated with a note about the new 3 day requirements.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: rocinante] #272121
12/29/2021 03:47 PM
12/29/2021 03:47 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Posts: 1,126
The USVI travel portal has now been updated (I just submitted for 1/2 arrival) to include the new guidelines.

Air arrivals from BVI - test within 1 day of travel
Arrival by sea from BVI - test within 3 days of travel

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272155
12/30/2021 10:15 AM
12/30/2021 10:15 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
It also states that anyone arriving on January 3 should have test results dated on or after December 31 — so I will be okay testing January 5 for a January 8 arrival….


[Linked Image]

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Winterstale] #272164
12/30/2021 10:46 AM
12/30/2021 10:46 AM
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 6
G
GeoChand Offline
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GeoChand  Offline
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Posts: 6
Be careful when calculating your 'test time'. The 48/72 hour timeline is from when you take the test and the time you are checking into customs. Its not arrival time in the country and make sure you account for weather delays!

Last edited by GeoChand; 12/30/2021 04:43 PM. Reason: typo
Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: GeoChand] #272169
12/30/2021 11:01 AM
12/30/2021 11:01 AM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Posts: 1,126
Geochand - the USVI portal is now clearly counting days, not hours (unless you pass the midnight mark). It is clearly stated on the portal.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272183
12/30/2021 12:05 PM
12/30/2021 12:05 PM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 21
NY
Irishsea Offline
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Irishsea  Offline
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Posts: 21
NY
On the VI Travel Portal it now indicates a negative test within 3 days is required to travel to the USVI from the mainland. Does anyone know if it is necessary to have a test to return to the mainland?

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Irishsea] #272184
12/30/2021 12:08 PM
12/30/2021 12:08 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
M
MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Posts: 1,126
No test is currently required to fly from USVI to mainland.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: TomSW] #272243
12/31/2021 11:25 AM
12/31/2021 11:25 AM
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
S
Sailing993 Offline
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Sailing993  Offline
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S
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
Anyone figured out a solution to the last minute policy change? We were scheduled to arrive 1/6 and scheduled our PCR test for 1/2 to make sure we got the results back in time. Now that USVI changed it from 5 days to 3 days our tests are to be taken 1 day too early and no one in Hampton Roads/Virginia has a testing appointment available until 1/6 unless you show up in critical condition at the ER.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272244
12/31/2021 11:35 AM
12/31/2021 11:35 AM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Sailing993 - you can use the proctored EMed tests (Abbot BinaxNow). The Optum store has them available and ships overnight. Order more than you need in case you have a testing issue. FYI - our portal submissions were approved within 24 hours.

Last edited by MIDiver; 12/31/2021 11:39 AM.
Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: MIDiver] #272246
12/31/2021 11:56 AM
12/31/2021 11:56 AM
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
S
Sailing993 Offline
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Sailing993  Offline
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S
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
Originally Posted by MIDiver
Sailing993 - you can use the proctored EMed tests (Abbot BinaxNow). The Optum store has them available and ships overnight. Order more than you need in case you have a testing issue. FYI - our portal submissions were approved within 24 hours.

Thank you I will check and share-

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272252
12/31/2021 12:13 PM
12/31/2021 12:13 PM
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
S
Sailing993 Offline
Traveler
Sailing993  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
I have submitted an eMed/BinaxNow order for 1 kit (6 tests but apparently only covers 3 named people) for $188 including overnight shipping. Apparently it is counted as a Rx and must be approved by an eMed doctor before shipping. There is a disclaimer that says due to the holidays/demand everything may be delayed up to 4 days. The irony of it all is so we can get on a bareboat charter for 8 days to be around no one. Fingers crossed, thanks.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272256
12/31/2021 12:52 PM
12/31/2021 12:52 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
M
MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Anyone can use the tests - does not need to be the named individuals. Emed approves right away the RX disclaimer is odd, but likely a govt requirement. Hopefully they will get there in time. I ordered three from Optum Wednesday night and they arrived today.

Enjoy your trip!

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: MIDiver] #272260
12/31/2021 01:44 PM
12/31/2021 01:44 PM
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
S
Sailing993 Offline
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Sailing993  Offline
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S
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
Update to anyone this may help, we're flying AA and they list eMed,Optum w/ Binax and others as options accepted for flights:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info...ation=DirectURL&title=covid19testing
Thanks

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272261
12/31/2021 01:51 PM
12/31/2021 01:51 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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Sailing - have everyone testing set up their own accounts via EMed. Results will be emailed and also sent to the Navica account (associated with the account you set up). We did not download or use the Navica app as we find it easier to do the testing on a laptop than mobile device - you need to tilt the camera, etc. When you receive the results they will be in a password protected PDF. Open and print this PDF as a new PDF on your device. Use this new non password protected PDF to upload to the portal.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272273
12/31/2021 04:21 PM
12/31/2021 04:21 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,126
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MIDiver Offline
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MIDiver  Offline
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We haven’t encountered issues but have heard of a few “inconclusive” tests where the control line did not show up. The results can then not be verified and one person who did not have fluid in their testing vial. I ordered extras to be safe, and in case we needed to retest at any point.

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: MIDiver] #272277
12/31/2021 04:54 PM
12/31/2021 04:54 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,084
Northern VA
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Cratti Offline
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Cratti  Offline
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Posts: 1,084
Northern VA
Thanks. I didn't see your response quickly enough and deleted my post because I already ordered extra tests. Not taking chances. Good to know what folks have encountered!

Re: USVI protocol changes January 3 [Re: Carol_Hill] #272283
12/31/2021 05:42 PM
12/31/2021 05:42 PM
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
S
Sailing993 Offline
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Sailing993  Offline
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S
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Virginia
Thank you again, I ordered 3 sets of six tests for the 6 of us as a little more insurance. We have travel insurance but I don't want to use it - just want to sail away on vacation. Thanks again.


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