Puerto Rico is opening back up after several setbacks during the coronavirus pandemic. I was really excited to learn from my colleague Victoria Walker’s reporting that the island would drop its COVID-19 PCR testing requirement the week I was set to arrive for a work trip for TPG.
Unfortunately, the rollout of that plan has been delayed until at least Friday, May 28, but it is coming. That should make it much easier for tourists to visit. In the meantime, I’ll walk you through what the current process is like and what you can expect once the new system is in place. This should help guide you through an awesome vacation in PR.
Testing required for visitors — for now
It’s a good thing I didn’t depend on the rollout of the new policy of no testing for vaccinated visitors. It was supposed to happen on the week of my arrival on May 24, but when I arrived in PR I learned it wasn’t going to happen until Friday, May 28. I wouldn’t count on everyone being on board with it for a few more weeks, though, and it could be delayed again. Best to get tested before your trip, just in case.
You’ll need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to your arrival in Puerto Rico. It must come from a lab that Puerto Rico has approved, though it appears the territory will take most PCR tests. Puerto Rico has a searchable map to find a testing facility in the U.S. at this website: TravelsafePR.com.
That’s also the website you’ll need to register at to get into Puerto Rico. Even when they roll out the “no testing” policy for those who are vaccinated, all visitors will need to fill out the electronic arrival forms. Keep Reading>>
