COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Puerto Rico (08 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents can enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• The borders are open for all travellers.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• There are health screening procedures in place at the airports.

• Arriving travellers exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms will have a PCR COVID-19 test performed by authorities on arrival.

• Passengers arriving without a negative PCR or antigen test result for COVID-19 will be required to undertake a PCR or antigen test within 48 hours on arrival or incur a fine of USD 300.

• For passengers who are not vaccinated or are travelling internationally, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) offers PCR molecular COVID-19 tests on-site to facilitate testing for incoming and outgoing passengers. The service is available at three molecular test collection centres located at terminals A, B, and C on a daily basis from 06:00 to 20:00 (local time).

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Puerto Rico will be accepted if they are presented in English or Spanish. The certificate must indicate a negative PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test result (which consists of a nasal or throat swab).

Test certificate required?

• Yes, with exceptions

• International travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, must present a certificate for a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test performed no more than 72 hours before arrival. Children below 2 years of age are exempt.

• Passengers arriving without a negative PCR or antigen test result for COVID-19 will incur a fine of USD 300. However, this fine will be waived if the traveller presents evidence of a test performed within 48 hours of arrival.

• Travellers who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection must present a positive COVID-19 test certificate that shows the date when they were diagnosed, along with a medical certification by a doctor stating that they no longer have COVID-19. This documentation will only be accepted within the first 90 days of the passenger’s COVID-19 diagnosis. After that, a negative COVID-19 test must be presented upon arrival.

• Fully vaccinated travellers entering on domestic flights are required to upload their vaccination certificate instead of the negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test report. A copy will not be accepted.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers producing a vaccination certificate or negative test result upon arrival will be allowed into Puerto Rico without quarantine.

• Travellers who are asymptomatic and without a negative PCR or antigen test certificate on arrival, or are awaiting results, will be required to enter quarantine for 14 days at their own expense or until their test results are available. The traveller will be permitted to exit quarantine if the result on the COVID-19 test is negative. If the result is positive, the traveller must isolate themselves and seek medical care.

• Travellers who are symptomatic must take a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival. Even if the test result is negative, it will be mandatory for the traveller to quarantine until the traveller digitally uploads a negative molecular COVID-19 test result to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal. If a negative molecular test is not provided, the traveller will be required to be quarantined for 14 days or the length of their stay.

• Based on the above restrictions, travellers will be required to spend zero to 14 days in quarantine.

Vaccination required?

• No

• A COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory to enter the country.

• Fully vaccinated travellers entering on domestic flights are required to upload the official Vaccination Card, as proof of vaccination through the Travel Declaration Form portal.

• Puerto Rico considers travellers to be fully vaccinated only if they have completed the full course from one of the following vaccines:

• a) 2 doses of Pfizer vaccine or

• b) 2 doses of Moderna vaccine or

• c) 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson’s/Janssen vaccine.

• Travellers who have not been vaccinated can acquire Johnson & Johnson vaccine at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU). The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is also available to tourists visiting the islands of Vieques and Culebra

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers must complete the online Travel Declaration and Contact Tracing Form.

• Travellers must obtain an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR code, which will be automatically received when uploading proof of their negative COVID-19 test result to the portal.

• Fully vaccinated travellers entering on domestic flights are required to upload their vaccination card as proof of vaccination through the Travel Declaration Form portal. Other international travellers must also upload a negative PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test result to the portal.

Insurance required?

• Yes

• Travellers should have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Puerto Rico.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• The government recommends the use of the Rastrea el Virus app for contact tracing.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Airports in Puerto Rico are open. International and domestic commercial flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• The borders are open for all travellers.

• Marinas have reopened.

• All ports are currently closed for cruise ship vessels.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• There is no curfew in effect.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• Visitors should maintain social distancing and high standards of cleanliness.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Taxis are accessible 24 hours a day.

• The Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) and the Tren Urbano subway system are operating.

• Ferries to Vieques and Culebra are operating. Masks are required on all ferries operating to and from Vieques and Culebra.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• All businesses, including casinos, gyms, and movie theatres are open with full capacity.

• Shopping malls and retail stores are operating at full capacity.

• Supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations are open.

• Some businesses, such as lodging and spas, may require proof of negative test results or vaccination upon arrival. It is recommended that visitors check entry requirements prior to visiting.

• Government agencies are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels are allowed to open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open for 24 hours with full capacity. Reservations are recommended. Alcohol sales are permitted as are operations of restaurant dining rooms. Buffets, salad bars, and self-serve options, as well as reusable menus, are prohibited at restaurants.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and discos are open at full capacity along with game rooms. Outdoor bars and chinchorros should adhere to social distancing protocols.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches, natural reserves, and tourist attractions are open with social distancing guidelines. Alcohol consumption is prohibited. Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear masks at beaches.

• Old San Juan is open from 00:00-05:00 to residents and tourists staying in the area.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Museums are open and operating at full capacity.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• Hair salons, barbershops, and individual spas are open via appointment.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Churches and other places of worship are permitted to hold services at a reduced capacity, maintaining social distancing protocols.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Social activities, including corporate or business events, are permitted at full capacity. Attendees will be required to provide either a negative PCR or antigen test result or proof of full vaccination particularly for those containing 500 people or more.

• Parades, processions, fairs, festivals, and similar activities are allowed.

• Sports events, as well as sports and recreational activities, are permitted, following local guidelines.

Masks required in public?

• Yes with exceptions

• Face masks covering the nose and mouth are mandatory in public spaces.

• Fully vaccinated persons are not required to wear masks in public spaces.

Other

• Outdoor activities with children, such as cycling, jogging, running, and walking, are permitted with social distancing norms.

• Marinas are open.

• Casinos and golf courses are open island-wide with full capacity.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.