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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, fully vaccinated travelers on domestic flights just need to upload their official vaccination card as part of completing a Travel Declaration Form.
Unvaccinated travelers on domestic flights and all international travelers must present evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival. If they do not have a test result, they will have to upload a PCR or antigen test result that was obtained on the island within 48 hours of their arrival.
All travelers need to submit an online Travel Declaration Form with the results of their PCR test or their vaccination card, 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 - EN
Puerto Rico COVID-19 travel restrictions
Puerto Rico has a few entry requirements for visitors.
Vaccinated travelers on domestic flights must present proof of full vaccination by uploading their official vaccination card as part of completing a Travel Declaration Form.
Unvaccinated travelers on domestic flights and all international travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival. If they do not have a test result, they will have to upload a PCR or antigen test result that was obtained on the island within 48 hours of their arrival. If they do not upload a test result, they will face a $300 fine.
If the uploaded test result is negative, these travelers do not have to quarantine. If the test result is positive, travelers must self-isolate at their own expense.
All travelers must complete a Travel Declaration Form. They will need their negative PCR test result or official vaccination card to complete the form, which will then provide them with an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR code.
Finally, travelers will be subject to a health screening and temperature check upon arrival in Puerto Rico.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Puerto Rico
Vaccinated travelers on domestic flights are exempt from presenting a PCR test or antigen test result or quarantining on arrival in Puerto Rico.
Domestic vaccinated travelers just need to upload their official vaccination card to the Travel Declaration Form portal. It must be the official vaccination card, not a copy.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Puerto Rico?
If you are an unvaccinated traveler on a domestic flight or an international traveler traveling to Puerto Rico, you must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to 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.
If your test is negative, you will not have to quarantine. If your test is positive, you will have to self-isolate at your own expense. You will also need your negative test result to complete your Travel Declaration Form.
Children under the age of 2 are exempt from the testing requirement.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Puerto Rico?
There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Puerto Rico for fully vaccinated travelers on domestic flights. Unvaccinated travelers on domestic flights and all international travelers do not have to quarantine as long as they present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result from within 72 hours prior to arrival.
If you need to get tested within 48 hours of arrival, you must self-quarantine until you obtain your results. If your test is positive, you will have to self-isolate. If your test is negative, you will be exempt from quarantining.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Puerto Rico?
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.
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 or antigen test result or their official vaccination card 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.
- All travelers will undergo a mandatory health screening and a temperature check on arrival.
- Face masks are required in all indoor spaces.
- 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.
What is open in Puerto Rico?
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 must either present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or antigen test result in order to stay at accommodations in Puerto Rico. Unvaccinated travelers who are staying longer than one week must continue to provide negative test results on a weekly basis.
Guests must also wear masks 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.
More information on hotel regulations can be found 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 if you are unvaccinated, except when you are in the water, and social distancing of at least 6 feet from others must be observed. Vaccinated beachgoers do not have to wear masks.
More information on beach regulations can be found here and here.
Attractions that are open in Puerto Rico
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 indoor attractions and in indoor spaces. Museums and other attractions are operating at full capacity, but reservations are still recommended.
Natural reserves are open, although unvaccinated visitors must wear masks at all times. All visitors should keep a distance of 6 feet away from others who are not in their family group. Between 12 AM and 5 AM, Old San Juan can only be accessed by residents and tourists who are staying there.
Attractions that are open in Puerto Rico
Tours that are operating have their own operating procedures, so be sure to contact your tour operator for more information.
More information on tours and attractions can be found 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 full capacity, but reservations are recommended. Restaurants can be open up to 24 hours a day. Guests must wear masks in indoor spaces, regardless of their vaccination status.
Guests must either present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or antigen test result in order to enter a restaurant or other dining establishment.
More information on restaurant regulations is available here.
Airports that are open in Puerto Rico
The main airport in Puerto Rico is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, which is open.
Where to get a PCR test in Puerto Rico
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.
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 a list of testing sites 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: