Travel Guidelines to Puerto Rico

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..

Puerto Rico is enforcing local measures developed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), alongside U.S. Travel Association (USTA) guidelines, such as social distancing, face coverings in public areas, and a variety of mandates for businesses – including but not limited to reduced capacities and high standards of cleanliness in accordance with CDC and EPA guidelines. A new executive order with the latest measures being enforced on the Island was issued on February 4th, in place through March 14th.

An overview of measures at present:

An Island-wide curfew is in effect from 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM, except for emergencies.
Gyms and casinos are open at 50% capacity. Theaters remain at 30%. Bars and discos remain closed.
Public beaches and natural reserves are open, following social distancing guidelines and with the use of masks when not in the water. Public alcohol consumption is prohibited.
Some attractions and tours are open. Visitors should connect with their tour operators directly for additional information about operation status and specific protocols.
Museums are operating at 50% capacity, within curfew hours.
Malls and other retail stores are operating at 50% capacity, within curfew hours while restaurants will remain at 30%.

If my vacation is booked for the coming weeks, will I be able to enter Puerto Rico?

Yes, given the Island is a U.S. territory, our borders aren’t closed. However, travelers must comply with all necessary requirements, included in the latest travel advisory. Puerto Rico is enforcing local measures developed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), alongside U.S. Travel Association (USTA) guidelines, such as social distancing, face coverings in public areas, and a variety of mandates for businesses – including but not limited to reduced capacities and high standards of cleanliness in accordance with CDC and EPA guidelines. A new executive order with the latest measures being enforced on the Island was issued on December 3rd. For further information about the CDC’s classification for travel to Puerto Rico, please visit their website here.

Given current restrictions, visitors should connect with their hotels and tour operators directly for additional information about operation status and specific protocols.

Is Puerto Rico a hotspot for COVID-19?

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Puerto Rico is categorized Level 4 due to the high level of COVID-19 cases on the Island. Travel may increase the chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. For more information from the CDC, see here.

What do I need to enter Puerto Rico?

All arriving passengers must comply with the following measures before arriving in Puerto Rico:

Before landing, complete an online Travel Declaration Form from the Puerto Rico Health Department, which can be accessed at www.travelsafe.pr.gov or www.viajaseguro.pr.gov. Kiosks at the airport are also available for travelers to fill out the form upon arrival, as it is a requirement to exit the airport.
Demonstrate a negative PCR molecular COVID-19 test result (which consists of a nasal or throat swab), taken no more than 72 hours prior. Testing sites on the mainland U.S. can be found here. It is highly recommended to get tested prior to arriving on the Island given limited resources. A rapid test will not be accepted, as it can sometimes yield false results.
Obtain Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading their PCR molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.

What type of testing do I need to do prior to my visit to Puerto Rico?

Travelers must take a PCR molecular COVID-19 test, which consists of a nasal or throat swab, taken no more than 72 hours prior to their trip. Testing sites on the mainland U.S. can be found here. A rapid test will not be accepted, as it can sometimes yield false results.

I wasn’t able to get a PCR molecular COVID-19 test prior to my trip to Puerto Rico. Can I get tested upon arrival on the Island?

While prior testing is required to enter the Island, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) offers PCR molecular COVID-19 tests on-site in order to facilitate testing for incoming and outgoing passengers. The service, which costs $110 USD, is offered from 6:00 AM. to 12:00 AM., seven days a week, at three molecular test collection centers located at terminals A, B, and C. More information is available here.

While awaiting results, the traveler will need to quarantine for 14 days/the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter, or until test results are provided digitally to the Puerto Rico Health Department, cover their COVID-19 testing fee, and possible extended stay. If the on-Island PCR molecular test result is negative, the quarantine will be lifted.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of the PCR molecular test taken at the airport or at any other testing site on the Island?

Healthcare plans vary by country and state. We recommend travelers to contact their provider for additional information on medical coverage fees.

What are the airport processes if I do or don’t meet the requirements to enter the Island?

The Puerto Rico National Guard is assisting with enhanced health screenings of all arriving passengers at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan. Face masks are mandatory at the airport and in public areas. All arriving travelers will be pre-screened via thermographic cameras to monitor temperatures, and enhanced protocols will take place at the baggage claim before exiting the airport.

What is the airport doing to ensure health & safety?

Molecular COVID-19 testing sites are available at the airport for all incoming and outgoing passengers from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, seven days a week, at terminals A, B and C. More information is available here.
The use of face masks by everyone who transits and work 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 that 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

If I take the test a week before, would those results be accepted?

Travelers must present a negative PCR molecular COVID-19 test, which consists of a nasal or throat swab, no more than 72 hours prior to their trip or they must quarantine. A rapid test will not be accepted, as it can sometimes yield false results. However, if an asymptomatic traveler (a person who doesn’t present any symptoms) arrives on the Island with a complete Travel Declaration Form, but without a negative PCR molecular COVID-19 test result and is not awaiting results, a Testing Authorization Voucher will be provided for the traveler to get tested locally. A list of testing sites on-Island will be provided at the airport and can also be found here.

Do children need to get tested for COVID-19?

Yes. Anyone above the age of 2 must get tested.

How are children tested at the airport?

The procedure of PCR molecular COVID-19 test and rapid COVID-19 tests conducted at the airport will be the same for adults and children.

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

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.

A continuous assessment of the situation in Puerto Rico and in the United States will influence Island-wide orders that prioritize the health and safety of residents and visitors.

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 7 days post-travel. Quarantine mandates, recommendations, and entry requirements may vary by state. There are molecular testing sites at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) for incoming and outgoing passengers. More information is available here.

If I’m in Puerto Rico or going to Puerto Rico, are things open or operating normally?

To protect their health and safety, travelers should note measures are in place and are being strictly enforced, including social distancing and face mask requirements. Those who do not wear face masks in public are subject to a fine. An Island-wide curfew on the Island is in effect from 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM, except for emergencies.

Airports: To further safeguard residents and visitors, all arriving passengers must comply with the following measures before arriving in Puerto Rico:
- Complete an online Travel Declaration Form from the Puerto Rico Health Department, which can be accessed at www.travelsafe.pr.gov or www.viajaseguro.pr.gov. Kiosks at the airport are also available for travelers to fill out the form upon arrival, as it is a requirement to exit the airport.
- Demonstrate a negative PCR molecular COVID-19 test result (which consists of a nasal or throat swab), taken no more than 72 hours prior. Testing sites on the mainland U.S. can be found here. It is highly recommended to get tested prior to arriving on the Island given limited resources. A rapid test will not be accepted, as it can sometimes yield false results.
- Obtain Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading their PCR molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.
- While prior testing is required to enter the Island, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) offers PCR molecular COVID-19 tests on site in order to facilitate testing for incoming and outgoing passengers. More information is available here.
Cruise operations: All ports are currently closed for cruise ship vessels.
Hotels and small inns: Most hotels and small inns remain open, with distancing measures and face coverings mandatory in public areas. Hotel pool facilities are open at 30% capacity, while spas and wellness centers remain open by appointment, within curfew hours. Restaurants inside hotels are open and welcoming guests at 50% capacity with reservations recommended but are otherwise limited to carry out or delivery services. Room service remains available for guests. Most common areas at hotels close at 11:00 PM, in accordance with the Island-wide curfew. However, high contact common public areas, such as children’s playgrounds, must remain closed for the duration of this executive order. Starting on January 8th, they will close at 11:00 PM.
Independent rental units that follow PRTC standards: Hosts are only permitting the entrance of registered guests only as no group gatherings are allowed. Rentals are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, including the proper sanitation of kitchenware, glassware, and utensils. They will be equipped with hand soap, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes for guest convenience.
Restaurants + Supermarkets: Restaurants are operating at 30% capacity, with reservations recommended, and required to conspicuously post the number of patrons that constitutes 30%, making such posting visible to patrons inside and outside of the restaurant. Delivery for restaurants and supermarkets is available until midnight. Alcohol sales are permitted within the curfew hours, as are operations of restaurant dining rooms, including those in hotels.
Small Businesses + Shopping Centers: Malls and other retail stores are operating at 50% capacity. Clothing stores do not permit try-ons in the store.
Salons + Spas: Hair salons, barbershops, and individual spas are open, via appointment, with the exception of saunas. Guests are not permitted to congregate in waiting areas. Wellness centers and spa services can operate within curfew hours.
Casinos: All casinosare operating at 50% capacity, within curfew hours.
Beaches + Nature Reserves: Public beaches and natural reserves are open, following social distancing guidelines and with the use of masks when not in the water. Public alcohol consumption is prohibited.
Golf Courses: All golf courses are open, within curfew hours.
Museums + Theaters: Museums are operating at 50% capacity while theaters remain at 30%.
Attractions and Tours: Some attractions and tours are open. Visitors should connect with their tour operators directly for additional information about operation status and specific protocols. Access to Old San Juan from 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM will be limited to residents and tourists staying in the area.
Transportation: Taxis are accessible from 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM, except for airport service. The Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) and Tren Urbano subway system are operating as well as ferries to Culebra. Ferry service to Vieques remains available to residents only.

How can travelers protect themselves?

We urge those visiting to adhere to the measures put in place by the government of Puerto Rico, which includes abiding by the curfew, social distancing, and face coverings, or be subject to a fine.

Additionally, travelers should adhere to healthy 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.

I recently got vaccinated. Am I still required to get a PCR molecular COVID-19 test prior to my trip to Puerto Rico?

Yes. All travelers arriving to the Island are required to get a PCR molecular COVID-19 test (nasal or throat swab) no more than 72 hours prior to visiting the Island and show proof of negative results. A rapid test will not be accepted, as it can sometimes yield false results.

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

Yes. The CDC recommends that during the pandemic, people wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when in contact with others outside of their household. Additionally, Puerto Rico is enforcing mandatory face coverings in public areas. For more, we recommend visiting the CDC website here.

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

Travelers experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay in their hotel rooms 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.

What actions is the Island taking to prevent the spread of coronavirus?

Puerto Rico was the first U.S. destination to use thermographic cameras in their airport and implement a curfew, effective for everyone including tourists. A curfew on the Island is in effect from 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM, except for emergencies. Strict social distancing measures are in place Island-wide, with face coverings mandatory in public.

The Puerto Rico National Guard is assisting with enhanced health screenings of all arriving passengers at the Island’s airports, where face masks are mandatory and thermographic cameras remain operating to monitor temperatures. All flights, to-date, have been diverted to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan (SJU).

More on what’s in place, in Puerto Rico:

Complete an online Travel Declaration Form from the Puerto Rico Health Department, which can be accessed at www.travelsafe.pr.gov or www.viajaseguro.pr.gov. Kiosks at the airport are also available for travelers to fill out the form upon arrival, as it is a requirement to exit the airport.
Demonstrate a negative PCR molecular COVID-19 test result (which consists of a nasal or throat swab), taken no more than 72 hours prior. Testing sites on the mainland U.S. can be found here. It is highly recommended to get tested prior to arriving on the Island given limited resources. A rapid test will not be accepted, as it can sometimes yield false results.
Obtain Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading their PCR molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.

The tourism industry in Puerto Rico has also taken specific steps to ensure that partners on the Island and their teams have the latest information on COVID-19, including prevention measures on the Island, personal prevention tips to use themselves and to share with travelers, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and guidance for what to do if they or their guests begin experiencing symptoms. Lastly, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) offers PCR molecular COVID-19 tests on site. More information is available here.

What health & safety protocols does the Island have in place?

High standards of health and safety have been implemented throughout the Island, which includes local measures developed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), alongside U.S. Travel Association (USTA) guidelines, to safeguard the wellbeing of residents and visitors.

Transportation: Certified transportation carriers are properly disinfecting vehicles and have hand sanitizer available. Drivers wear gloves when handling doors and luggage. Face coverings are mandatory for drivers and passengers. Ridesharing options like Uber have released regulations that also mandate face coverings for drivers and passengers, with no front seat passengers permitted.

Dining: Options within the lodging section ensure floor plans maintain distancing protocols, with buffets, salad bars, and self-serve options eliminated, and reusable menus prohibited. Employees are required to use face coverings and if serving guests, gloves

Lodging: Thoroughly sanitized properties that follow PRTC standards may be certified with Island-specific health certification seals. Guests will receive a Health & Safety guide detailing the specialized measures implemented by each property individually. We recommend visitors connect with their hotels/hosts directly for additional information.

Hotels/Resorts: Temperature checks, screen symptoms, and disinfect luggage in reception areas are conducted upon entry while following high standards of cleanliness and housekeeping procedures in accordance with CDC and EPA guidelines. Hotel pool facilities and fitness centers are open at 50%, while spas remain open. Face coverings are required in public areas, with limited capacity encouraged in elevators. Furniture, chairs, tables, and surfaces will be sanitized continuously. Most common areas at hotels close at 12:00 AM, in accordance with the Island-wide curfew. However, high contact common public areas, such as children’s playgrounds, must remain closed for the duration of this executive order.
Short-Term Rentals: Hosts are responsible for thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the property, following the health and safety protocol enforced by the Government and the PRTC, including the proper sanitation of kitchenware, glassware, and utensils. Only registered guests are permitted to stay at the property as group gatherings are prohibited. Guests are required to complete a Travel Declaration Form from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

Attractions: Some attractions and tours are open. Visitors should connect with their tour operators directly for additional information about operation status and specific protocols. Public beaches and natural reserves are open, following social distancing guidelines and with the use of masks when not in the water. Public alcohol consumption is prohibited. Gyms and casinos are open at 50% capacity. Theaters remain at 30%. Bars and discos remain closed. Museums, malls, and other retail stores are operating at 50% capacity.

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.

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

The 14-day quarantine is mandated until proof of a negative molecular test result is uploaded to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal. Travelers must quarantine at their hotel or lodging option. We recommend visitors connect with their hotels/hosts directly for additional information.

What will hotels, restaurants, and tour operators do if a staff member tests positive?

The CDC has outlined specific guidance for businesses and employers, with information on what to do if employees are sick, cleaning advice, and contingency planning.

Along with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), we have also provided guidance and information to all tourism partners. The industry has specific measures in place to ensure hotel management, businesses, and other partners within the industry 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.

It is critical to seek medical advice from a regional epidemiologist if you are concerned your guests or staff may have COVID-19. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The Puerto Rico Health Department has specific protocols in place with state epidemiologists to screen and test patients. More information on specific steps can be found in the latest industry guidance from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

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

Along with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), we have provided guidance and information to all tourism partners. The industry has specific 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.

Given the curfew issued by the Governor of Puerto Rico, do tourists have to stay in their rooms?

A curfew on the Island is in effect from 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM, except for emergencies. Starting February 8th, it will be in effect from 12:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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 guidelines and with the use of masks when not in the water. Public alcohol consumption will be prohibited. Hotel pool facilities are open at 50% capacity. Please consult with your specific property for other policies in place.

Can I go to Vieques & Culebra?

Ferry service to Culebra is currently available, and service to Vieques remains available to residents only.

Can I hang out in the lobby of my hotel when I’m in Puerto Rico?

If in a public area of a hotel or resort, social distancing and face coverings are mandatory, or individuals will be subject to a fine. Please consult with your specific property for other policies in place.

Are the beaches OK to go to if I keep my distance from people?

Public beaches and natural reserves are open, following social distancing guidelines and with the use of masks when not in the water. Public alcohol consumption will be prohibited.

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