Puerto Rico is postponing its official inbound tourism reopening in order to safeguard visitors and residents.
A continuous assessment of the situation in Puerto Rico and in the United States will influence Island-wide orders that prioritize health and safety.
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.
When planning a future trip to Puerto Rico, travelers are required to fill out a Travel Declaration Form through the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal, get a molecular COVID-19 test (nasal or throat swab) no more than 72 hours prior visiting the Island and show proof of a negative result, or they must quarantine. Beaches are only open to those doing solo sports or exercise training from 5:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. Non-essential businesses, including theaters, casinos, bars, clubs, attractions, and gyms are closed. Restaurants and museums are operating at 50% percent and malls remain open. Alcohol sales are banned after 7:00 p.m. A curfew on the Island is in effect through July 31 from 10:00 p.m – 5:00 a.m., except for emergencies. Everyone is required to wear face masks or face coverings when in public, and are subject to a fine, if not.
Island Arrival
To further safeguard residents and visitors, all arriving passengers must comply with the following measures before arriving to 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 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.
Obtain Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading their molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.
Airport Processes:
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, where all passenger flights are currently being diverted. Face masks are mandatory.
All arriving travelers will be pre-screened via thermographic cameras to monitor temperatures, and enhanced protocols will take place at baggage claim before exiting the airport.
Asymptomatic Traveler (person who doesn’t present COVID-19 related symptoms)
If an asymptomatic traveler (a person who doesn’t present COVID-19 symptoms) arrives on the Island with a complete Travel Declaration Form, a negative molecular COVID-19 test result, and an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, the traveler can proceed with their trip.
If an asymptomatic traveler (a person who doesn’t present any symptoms) arrives on the Island with a complete Travel Declaration Form, but is awaiting the molecular COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior, the traveler is required to quarantine for 14 days or until test results are provided digitally to the Puerto Rico Health Department.
If the molecular test result is negative, the 14-day quarantine will be lifted.
If the molecular test result is positive, the traveler must isolate and seek medical attention. Travelers placed in isolation will be responsible for covering their own medical expenses/extended stay.
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 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.
While awaiting results, the traveler will need to quarantine for 14 days at their lodging property, cover COVID-19 testing fee, and possible extended stay.
If the on-Island molecular test result is negative, the quarantine will be lifted.
If the on-Island molecular test result is positive, the traveler must isolate and seek medical attention. Travelers placed in isolation will be responsible for covering their own medical expenses/extended stay.
If the traveler chooses to not take a molecular COVID-19 test on the Island, they must quarantine for 14 days and cover their own extended stay.
Symptomatic traveler (person who is displaying COVID-19 related symptoms)
If a symptomatic traveler (a person who is displaying COVID-19 related symptoms) arrives on the Island, the Puerto Rico National Guard will conduct a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport (which consists of a finger prick blood test). Even if the test result is negative, it will be mandatory for the traveler to quarantine and cover their own medical expenses/possible extended stay as rapid COVID-19 tests can sometimes yield false results. The quarantine is mandated until the traveler digitally uploads proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test result taken on-Island to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.
A list of testing sites in Puerto Rico will be available at the airport and can also be found here.
If a negative molecular test is not provided, the traveler will be required to quarantine for 14 days, or the length of their stay.
If the rapid COVID-19 test (which consists of a finger prick blood test) conducted at the airport results are positive, the traveler will get a molecular COVID-19 test on-site.
While the traveler awaits the results, they must isolate themselves at their lodging property.
If the molecular test is negative, the quarantine will be lifted.
If the molecular test is positive, the traveler will continue to isolate and seek medical attention at the traveler’s expense.
Experiences
Public beaches and natural reserves are only open to those doing solo sport or exercise training from 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Competitive activities, whether professional or not, are not allowed.
Hotel pool facilities are currently closed.
Marinas are closed and the use of boats for recreational activities is prohibited.
Attractions and tours, across the Island, are closed.
Museums remain open at a 50% capacity.
Businesses
Non-essential businesses, including theaters, casinos, bars, clubs, and gyms are closed.
Restaurants are operating at 50% capacity and temperature checks are being performed before entering; those with temperatures over 100.3 will be denied entry. For pickup, customers must avoid gathering outside of the establishment.
Supermarkets, agricultural markets, pharmacies, and gas stations are open, with supermarket delivery services available through midnight.
Malls and other retail stores remain open with no leisure strolling permitted.
Hair salons, barbershops, and individual spas are open via appointment, with the exception of saunas.
Transport
Taxis are accessible from 5:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m., except for airport service.
The Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) and Tren Urbano subway system are not currently operating.
Education
Universities are open, complying with CDC/OSHA guidelines, while public and private schools will remain closed until July 22.
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.
Puerto Rico is postponing its official inbound tourism reopening in order to safeguard visitors and residents. A continuous assessment of the situation in Puerto Rico and in the United States will influence Island-wide orders that prioritize health and safety.
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.
To further safeguard the health and safety of residents and visitors, the following measures are in place:
An Island-wide curfew from 10:00 p.m.- 5:00 a.m., through July 31.
Most non-essential businesses, including theaters, casinos, bars, clubs, attractions, and gyms are closed.
Alcohol sales prohibited after 7:00 p.m.
Public beaches and natural reserves are only open to those doing solo sport or exercise training from 5:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
All attractions, across the Island, are closed.
If my vacation is booked for the coming weeks, will I be able to enter Puerto Rico?
Yes. Travelers are permitted to enter the Island, if they comply with all the necessary requirements, included in the latest travel advisory. Nonetheless, Puerto Rico is postponing its official inbound tourism reopening in order to safeguard visitors and residents. A continuous assessment of the situation in Puerto Rico and in the United States will influence Island-wide orders that prioritize health and safety.
What do I need to enter Puerto Rico?
To further safeguard residents and visitors, all arriving passengers must comply with the following measures before arriving to 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 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.
Obtain Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading their molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.
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?
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
What type of testing do I need to do prior to my visit to Puerto Rico?
Travelers must take a molecular COVID-19 test, which consists of a nasal or throat swab, taken no more than 72 hours prior to their trip.
If I take the test a week before, would those results be accepted?
No. Travelers need to take a molecular COVID-19 test, which consists of a nasal or throat swab, no more than 72 hours prior to their trip.
If I arrive in Puerto Rico without a negative molecular COVID-19 test result, can I get tested upon arrival?
Travelers must take a molecular COVID-19 test prior to arriving on the Island given limited resources. Only symptomatic travelers (a person who is displaying COVID-19 related symptoms) will get tested at the airport by the Puerto Rico National Guard.
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 molecular COVID-19 tests 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?
Puerto Rico is welcoming visitors from all states in the U.S. and some international countries. As a non-incorporated territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico abides by the Federal Law, and established restrictions on the entry of certain travelers in the U.S. are applicable to the Island. For more information, visit the CDC.
Is Puerto Rico a hotspot for COVID-19?
No. Puerto Rico has exercised an abundance of caution from the onset of COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of residents and visitors.
If I’m in Puerto Rico or going to Puerto Rico, are things open or operating normally?
To protect your health and safety, travelers should note measures are in place that are being strictly enforced, including social distancing and face masks. Those who do not wear face masks in public are subject to a fine. The Island has implemented an Island-wide curfew for everyone, including tourists through July 31 from 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. The only exceptions are for those who are working or in cases of emergency.
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 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.
Obtain Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading their molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.
Cruise operations: All ports are currently closed for cruise ship vessels.
Hotels: Most hotels remain open, with distancing measures and face coverings mandatory in public areas. Hotel pool facilities and fitness centers are closed, while spas remain open. Restaurants inside hotels are open and can welcome guests at 50% capacity at present but are otherwise limited to carry out or delivery services. Room service remains available for guests.
Restaurants + Supermarkets: Restaurants are open at 50% capacity, with temperature checks performed before entering; those with temperatures over 100.3 will be denied entry. Delivery for restaurants and supermarkets is available until midnight.
Small Businesses + Shopping Centers: Malls and other retail stores remain open, with no leisure strolling permitted. Clothing stores will not permit try-ons in store.
Salons + Spas: Hair salons, barbershops, and individual spas are open via appointment, with the exception of saunas. Guests are not permitted to wait in waiting areas.
Casinos: All casinos are currently closed.
Beaches + Nature Reserves: Public beaches and natural reserves are only open to those doing solo sport or exercise training from 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Competitive activities, whether professional or not, are not allowed.
Golf Courses: All golf courses are currently open.
Museums + Theaters: All museums are operating at a 50% capacity, while theatres are closed.
Attractions and Tours: Attractions and tours, across the Island, are closed.
Transportation: Taxis are accessible from 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., except for airport service. The Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) and the Tren Urbano subway system are not currently operating.
Education: Universities are open, complying with CDC/OSHA guidelines, while public and private schools will remain closed until July 22.
Event Venues: All venues are currently closed.
How can travelers protect themselves?
We urge travelers 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.
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, from 10:00 p.m.– 5:00 a.m. through July 31. The only exceptions to the curfew are for those who are working or in cases of emergency. 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).
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 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.
Obtain Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading their 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.
What health & safety protocols does the Island have in place?
High standards of health and safety have been implemented throughout the Island, which include locally enforced 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 will 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 closed, 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.
Short-Term Rentals: Will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, following the health and safety protocol enforced by the Government and the PRTC, including the proper sanitation of kitchenware, glassware and utensils. Each will be equipped with hand soap, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for guest convenience. Guests are required to provide the confirmation number from the completed Travel Declaration Form and will have the PRTC Health and Safety Guide detailing local measures available.
Attractions: Beaches are only open to those doing solo sport or exercise training from 5:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Most non-essential businesses, including theaters, casinos, bars, clubs, attractions, and gyms are closed. Museums remain open at 50% capacity. Malls and other retail stores remain open, with no leisure strolling permitted.
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, 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?
From 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., tourists are not permitted to go out unless it’s an emergency. Face masks are mandatory when in public.
Can tourists staying at hotels use the pool and/or go to the beach?
Beaches are only open to those doing solo sport or exercise training from 5:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., and hotel pool facilities are closed. We recommend travelers reach out to their respective hotel property or short-term rental host for further guidance on protocols. All measures in place are to protect the health and safety of residents and guests.
Can I go to Vieques & Culebra?
Ferry service to Vieques and Culebra is only available to residents.
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?
Beaches are only open to those doing solo sport or exercise training from 5:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
