Puerto Rico reopened its borders for tourism on September 12, 2020. Its entry requirements are pretty straightforward, so it is one of the best places that are open for international tourism.

To visit Puerto Rico, travelers simply need to present evidence of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival, or else they will have to get tested within 48 hours of arrival.

Travelers also need to submit an online Travel Declaration Form with the results of their PCR test, which will allow them to obtain an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR code.

Can I travel to Puerto Rico right now?

As an unincorporated territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico follows the same entry restrictions, which are outlined by the CDC. Below is a map of all the countries that can currently visit Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico COVID-19 travel restrictions

Puerto Rico has a few entry requirements for visitors.

First, travelers must have proof of a negative PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival. If they do not have one, they must get tested within 48 hours of arrival in Puerto Rico or else they will have to pay a $300 fine.

Second, travelers must complete a Travel Declaration Form. They will need their negative PCR test result to complete the form, which will then provide them with an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR code. If travelers do not have a PCR test from within 72 hours of arrival, they will have to choose the option to upload their test results later.

Finally, travelers will be subject to a health screening and temperature check upon arrival in Puerto Rico.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Puerto Rico?

To travel to Puerto Rico, you must have proof of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of your arrival. If you do not have a negative result from within 72 hours of arrival, you will have to get tested within 48 hours of arrival in Puerto Rico. If you do not get tested, you will be fined $300.

You will also need your negative test result to complete your Travel Declaration Form. If you do not have a negative pre-arrival test result, you can select the option to upload your test results later. A $300 fine will automatically be issued by the system, but the fine will be dismissed as soon as you upload your test results from within 48 hours of arrival.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Puerto Rico?

There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Puerto Rico as long as you present proof of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival and do not display any symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival.

If you need to get tested within 48 hours of arrival, you must self-quarantine until you obtain your results.

If you display COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival in Puerto Rico, you will have to get tested on the island and either quarantine for 14 days or until you can provide proof of a negative test result.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Puerto Rico

It is not mandatory to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to enter Puerto Rico, but I always recommend traveling safely and having some kind of travel health insurance.

Heymondo is one of the best travel insurances with COVID-19 coverage. They have extensive coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad at a great price, which is why we always use their policies when we travel. If you want to save even more, you can get 5% off of their policies with our link below.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Puerto Rico

At the moment, vaccinated travelers are subject to the same entry requirements as unvaccinated travelers, so all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of arrival.

If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Puerto Rico, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Puerto Rico changes its entry requirements.

Other travel restrictions for Puerto Rico during COVID-19

Puerto Rico has a few other travel restrictions for visitors:

• All travelers must complete a Travel Declaration Form. They need to upload proof of their negative pre-arrival PCR test result as a part of completing the form. Once the form has been submitted, they will receive an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR code, which they will need to exit the airport in Puerto Rico. Alternatively, if they will be tested within 48 hours of arrival in Puerto Rico, they can choose the option to upload results later. They must upload their results within 48 hours of their arrival or else they will be charged a $300 fine.

• All travelers will undergo a mandatory health screening and a temperature check on arrival.

• Face masks are required in all public areas.

• Social distancing rules (keeping at least 6 feet away from others who are not in your family group) must be observed.

• You may need a tourist visa to visit Puerto Rico. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in Puerto Rico

Lots of places are open in Puerto Rico right now, including beaches, accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, so there is plenty to see and do if you decide to visit.

Hotels that are open in Puerto Rico

There’s no need to worry about where to stay because hotels in Puerto Rico are open. However, if you want to stay in one of the best resorts in PR, which you will find below, you will want to book well in advance:

• Best Western Plus Condado Palm Inn
• Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
• La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
• San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
• Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
• Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

Guests will have to fill out a Travel Declaration and Contact Tracing form stating whether they have any COVID-19 symptoms and whether they have been in contact with anyone who has had COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

They must also wear masks and are not allowed to go barefoot in any public areas. In addition, they will have their temperatures checked every time they enter their accommodation.

Upon their arrival, guests will be given written information on their accommodation’s health and safety measures. Only one guest/group will be allowed in elevators at a time. Hotel common areas will close at 10 PM and hotel pool facilities will be open from 5 AM to 10 PM and operate at 30% capacity.

More information on hotel regulations can be found here, here, and here.

Beaches that are open in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s beaches are open, so you’ll be able to soak up the sun, dig your toes into the sand, and take a dip in the ocean when you visit.

You must wear masks at all times on the beach, except when you are in the water, and social distancing of at least 6 feet from others must be observed. Public alcohol consumption is not allowed.

More information on beach regulations can be found here and here.

Attractions that are open in Puerto Rico

Only some attractions are currently open in Puerto Rico, so if there is a specific tour or attraction you have in mind, be sure to check that they’re open. Some of the most popular tours that are running right now are:

• El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay full-day tour
• Catamaran and Snorkel to Deserted Icacos Island
• Full-Day Culebra Islands Catamaran Tour
• 2-Hour ATV Adventure
• Culture and Cuisine 3-Hour Walking Tour

Guests must wear masks at all times at all attractions. Museums are currently operating at only 30% of their usual capacity and within curfew hours. Theaters and casinos are also operating at 30% capacity. Golf courses are open within curfew hours.

Natural reserves are open, although visitors must wear masks at all times and keep a distance of 6 feet away from others who are not in their family group. Between 10 PM and 5 AM, Old San Juan can only be accessed by residents and tourists who are staying there.

Tours that are operating have limited capacities, so it is a good idea to make reservations for any tours you are interested in. Guests must keep a distance of 6 feet away from others who are not in their family group and must wear masks at all times. Tour guides will have hand sanitizer for guests to use.

More information on tours and attractions can be found here, here, and here.

Restaurants that are open in Puerto Rico

Excited to try delicious Puerto Rican food? Luckily, Puerto Rico’s restaurants are open, so you should have plenty of options to choose from.

Restaurants are currently operating at 30% of their normal capacity, so reservations may be required. Restaurant dining-in closes at 10 PM in accordance with curfew rules. Tables will be placed six to nine feet apart.

More information on restaurant regulations is available here and here.

Airports that are open in Puerto Rico

The main airport in Puerto Rico is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, which is open.

Travelers must wear masks at all times and follow social distancing guidelines. They will also be subject to temperature checks and health screenings on arrival.

Curfew in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s curfew is from 10 PM to 5 AM. You may only leave your accommodation during these hours if it is an emergency.

COVID-19 testing in Puerto Rico

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Puerto Rico, you can find information on testing here (in Spanish).

Puerto Rico reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to Puerto Rico reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on Puerto Rico reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Puerto Rico, you can check these official sources:

• CDC Travel Recommendations for Puerto Rico
• Travel Guidelines on Puerto Rico’s Official Tourism Website
• Visitor Health and Safety Guidelines on Puerto Rico’s Official Tourism Website
• Regulations for Accommodations, Tours, and Attractions
• Travel Declaration Form