Is puerto rico safe to travel to right now

Q&A 

Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico? Should I / should travelers cancel their trips?

If you are sick, an older adult, or someone with chronic medical conditions, leading health authorities recommend delaying or avoiding travel. For information about the CDC’s classification for travel to Puerto Rico, please visit their website here. 

Puerto Rico is enforcing local measures, such as social distancing. Masks are not required on the Islandforfor either indoor or outdoor establishments. However, they are still recommended for situations where vaccination status cannot be guaranteed.

Is Puerto Rico a hotspot for COVID-19?

As of June14, 2022, Puerto Rico has one of the highest rates of vaccine doses administered against COVID-19 among United States jurisdictions. The Island has a vaccination rate of 155,266 doses administered per 100,000 people. 95% of the eligible population have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 87% are fully vaccinated.

What do I need to enter Puerto Rico?

• For travelers arriving on domestic flights:
  • Domestic travelers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or negative test prior to arriving on the Island.
• For travelers arriving on international flights:
  • As of June 12th, international travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test prior to traveling, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, in accordance with CDC guidelines. However, international travelers that are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents must still present proof of vaccination.

What type of testing do I need, if I am not vaccinated or traveling internationally, prior to my visit to Puerto Rico?

As of June 12th, neither international nor domestic travelers are required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival to the Island. However, noncitizen nonimmigrant travelers must still provide proof of vaccination.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of the PCR molecular test taken at  testing sites on the Island?

Healthcare plans vary by country and state. It is recommended that travelers contact their provider for additional information on medical coverage fees. 

What is the airport doing to ensure health & safety?

• They highly recommend the use of face masks by everyone who transits and works at the airport.
• Only passengers are allowed to enter the terminals.
• All screens throughout the airport emphasize COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
• About 100 hand sanitizer stations have been installed.
• The addition of a third layer of disinfection with new fogger-type equipment allows for more thorough sanitation, in less time.
• A double and high-efficiency air conditioning filter system in compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Touchless hand dryers have been installed in bathrooms.
• An increase in the frequency and intensity of bathroom cleanings, which are performed every 30 to 60 minutes, based on traffic.
• Installation of acrylic barriers at airline check-in counters.
• Increasing the frequency of cleaning boarding pass printing and registration kiosks, in addition to promoting online registration to minimize contact.

I had COVID-19 less than 90 days ago, and can therefore still test positive although I have fully recovered. Will I be denied entry into the Island?

International and domestic travelers are not required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival on the Island.

Do children need to get tested for COVID-19?

International and domestic travelers are no longer required to take a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival to the Island.

Is Puerto Rico accepting travelers from U.S. states with a high number of positive COVID-19 cases?

Currently, Puerto Rico is accepting travelers from all U.S. states.

Is Puerto Rico limiting travel to the Island from certain countries?

As a non-incorporated territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico abides by Federal Law and established restrictions on the entry of certain travelers. For more information, visit the CDC. As of June 12th, international travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test prior to traveling, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, in accordance with CDC guidelines. However, international travelers that are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents must still present proof of vaccination. 

Under the new CDC rule, do I have to get a PCR molecular COVID-19 test to return to the United States from Puerto Rico?

Given Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the destination is excluded from the CDC requirement and you do not need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to return to the mainland United States. The CDC still recommends getting tested 3 – 5 days after arrival and staying home for 5 days post-travel if you are not fully vaccinated. Quarantine mandates, recommendations, and entry requirements may vary by state.   

How can travelers protect themselves?

We urge those visiting to adhere to the measures put in place by the government of Puerto Rico, which can be referenced here.

Additionally, travelers should adhere to health travel practices to help protect themselves and prevent the spread of disease. These are the same personal best practices that are standard for a typical flu season and include avoiding close contact with people who show signs of illness, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and washing your hands often with soap or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.

Do I have to wear a mask after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Masks are not required on the Island. However, various establishments reserve the right to require masks for patrons and employees.

What should travelers do if they begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms? What immediate steps should they take?

As per the CDC, Iit is recommended that travelers experiencing COVID-19 symptoms stay in their hotel rooms, isolate, and contact their hotel front desk to get support. If travelers are not staying at a hotel, contact the nearest hospital directly. It’s important that travelers and hotel staff call hospitals first before visiting, so that appropriate transportation, screening and care can be arranged, to protect those feeling ill and others. 

Puerto Rico hospitals adhere to the same federally mandated health safety guidelines as those on the mainland. Common mainland franchises like Walgreens and CVS pharmacies are available Island-wide and are enforcing high standards of health safety throughout the Island.

Are Island hospitals equipped to address coronavirus?

All hospitals on the Island have established protocols for admitting, treating, and collecting samples from patients who are experiencing symptoms, and hospital staff will work with the Department of Health if testing is needed. Funds have been made available on the Island to help hospitals prepare facilities, purchase materials and train nurses and paramedic staff.

Puerto Rico also has epidemiologists throughout the Island, who specialize in disease control and prevention, to advise on transportation, testing, and care for individuals who think they may have COVID-19.

What should travelers who test positive while on the Island do?

As per the CDC, It is recommended that travelers who test positive during their time on the Island quarantine. Lodging, medical, and any additional expenses must be covered at the cost of the individual.

Where will people be housed if they need to be quarantined?

If testing positive for COVID-19 while on the Island, it is recommended that travelers isolate in quarantine at their hotel or lodging option. Costs associated with isolation are to be covered at the traveler’s expense. It is recommended that visitors connect with their hotels/hosts directly for additional information. The Department of Health has increased resources to ensure travelers are abiding by local guidelines.

What will hotels, short-term rentals, restaurants, and tour operators do if a tourist who has recently visited them tests positive?

The local industry has measures in place to ensure hotel management, businesses, and other partners have the latest information on COVID-19, including prevention measures on the Island, personal prevention tips for their teams and travelers, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and guidance for what to do if their staff or guests begin experiencing symptoms. More information on specific steps can be found in the latest industry guidance from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. This guidance is consistent with what the CDC has outlined for businesses and employers.

Can tourists staying at hotels use the pool and/or go to the beach?

Public beaches and natural reserves are open for recreational use, following social distancing recommendations. Hotel pool facilities are open. Please consult with your specific property for other policies in place. 

Can I go to Vieques & Culebra?

Ferries and flights to Vieques and Culebra are operating, with masks highly recommended on all. There are some limitations on availability for lodging, attractions and transportation. Guests should check with their service providers directly for additional information about operation status and specific protocols.

Meetings/Events

What guidelines are currently in place for events?

• As of October 1st, masks are optional at events hosting over 1,000 people and attendees are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test upon entry
• Sporting events and recreational activities are permitted, following local guidelines.
• All establishments and venues are operating outside of capacity limitations.

Am I required to be vaccinated to attend events on the Island?

As of October 1st, masks are optional at events hosting over 1,000 people and attendees are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test upon entry.

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