Can you travel to puerto rico now: Can I Travel To Puerto Rico? Here’s What You Need To Know

Can I Travel To Puerto Rico? Here’s What You Need To Know

For travelers wondering “can I travel to Puerto Rico,” we have some good news! You absolutely can travel to Puerto Rico. 

That said, there are definitely some things travelers should know before they pack their bags. Our guide below covers everything you need to know about traveling to Puerto Rico right now, from testing and vaccine requirements to conditions on the island itself. 

No one knows a place like the people who live there. Connect with a local in Puerto Rico to start planning your trip. Learn more. 

Table of Contents

• Can I Travel To Puerto Rico Right Now?
• Does Puerto Rico Have A Vaccination Requirement For Entry?
• Is There A Quarantine Requirement For Travelers To Puerto Rico?
• Do All Travelers Need To Present A Negative COVID-19 Test?
• Do Travelers Need Anything Else To Enter Puerto Rico Right Now?
• What’s It Like In Puerto Rico At The Moment? Is It Safe?
• Hurricane Fiona Update
• Why Travel To Puerto Rico Right Now?
• Work With A Puerto Rico Local To Plan Your Trip

Can I Travel To Puerto Rico Right Now? 

Yes! Puerto Rico — as a U. S. territory — has been fairly open for travel during the pandemic. It’s an especially easy destination for Americans to visit, as they don’t need a passport.

Does Puerto Rico Have A Vaccination Requirement For Entry? 

Puerto Rico does not have a vaccine requirement for Americans. Travelers from the U.S. are welcome to explore the island regardless of vaccination status. International travelers are still required to present proof of vaccination.

Keep in mind that the CDC does recommend the COVID vaccine for all travelers to any destination. 

Is There A Quarantine Requirement For Travelers To Puerto Rico?

There is not a quarantine requirement for Puerto Rico travelers.

Do All Travelers Need To Present A Negative COVID-19 Test? 

Nope! American travelers and international travelers with proof of vaccination do not need to present negative test results.  That said, the CDC recommends testing no more than 3 days before travel and staying home if you are sick.

Do Travelers Need Anything Else To Enter Puerto Rico Right Now?

No. Puerto Rico is an easy place for Americans to travel to right now. 

But there are some things travelers should know about life in Puerto Rico before they plan their trip.

What’s It Like In Puerto Rico At The Moment? Is It Safe?

Puerto Rico launched an aggressive response to the COVID pandemic. Over the years, the island has used curfews, closures, and capacity rules to keep cases at bay. However, most of these restrictions have now been lifted and Puerto Rico still feels safe. 

Things to keep in mind: 

• Masks are still required at events with more than 1,000 attendees. And some event venues still require proof of vaccination or negative test results for entry. A local trip planner can help you check. 
• Masks are recommended any time you don’t know the vaccination status of those around you, especially on public transportation. Individual businesses can require masks and proof of vaccination, so it’s best to pack both.  
• Puerto Rico has one of the highest vaccination rates in the United States. More than 84 percent of the island is fully vaccinated, and more 95 percent of the population has received at least one dose. 

Though travel anywhere comes with elevated risks because of the pandemic, things in Puerto Rico are currently going well.

Hurricane Fiona Update

Don’t the news from the 2022 hurricane season discourage you from traveling to Puerto Rico. The resilient island bounced back quickly, especially in tourist areas, after Hurricane Fiona hit in September 2022. The San Juan Airport was fully operational within just a couple of days after Fiona made landfall. Hotels that were closed opened up quickly as well. At this point, most indoor activities are back to normal as are many outdoor activities. Locals in Puerto Rico know all the details and can tailor your itinerary to make sure you get to see the best of what’s open right now and help you support local recovery by visiting off-the-beaten-path, independently-owned places.  

Why Travel To Puerto Rico Right Now? 

As pandemic destinations go, Puerto Rico is an especially good one for a couple of reasons. 

First of all, the island offers incredible nature — far away from the crowds. Puerto Rico is packed with hidden gems, idyllic beaches, and plenty of breathtaking hikes. In other words, you’ll find lots of open-air activities on the island, which are generally considered lower risk for COVID-19. 

Plus, the island has taken the pandemic very seriously from the beginning. The vaccination rate is high and people tend to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Traveling to Puerto Rico is a great way to help boost the local economy in the wake of the pandemic and Hurricane Fiona.

Work With A Puerto Rico Local To Plan Your Trip

At ViaHero, we’ve always believed that local knowledge can enrich a travel experience. That’s because no one knows a place like the people who live there. After all, aren’t you an expert on your hometown? 

But local knowledge is more valuable than ever during the coronavirus pandemic. Conditions can change — quickly. It can be tough to keep up with shifting guidelines on masks, curfews, and vaccines, even when you’ve done your research. When you know someone in your destination, however, they can let you know what’s going on. After all, they’re living it. 

Plus, you’ll likely find that many “top ten” lists online for Puerto Rico are sadly out of date. Many places have closed during the pandemic. But even if you know a place is open, you’ll likely have questions like, “is there outdoor seating?” and “does it get very crowded?” These are questions that a local trip planner can answer. 

Our trip planners in Puerto Rico can keep you up to date and plan a trip that matches your risk tolerance and travel style. 

Ready to get started? Connect with a local in Puerto Rico and start planning your trip to the Island of Enchantment. 

Latest Travel Alerts and Warnings for Puerto Rico

What are the issues affecting travelers in Puerto Rico? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.

Photo © iStock/OGphoto

Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Puerto Rico – updated 11 January 2022

For more detailed information and answers to FAQs, stay up to date with the latest information from the offical Puerto Rico travel guidelines.

Travelers are permitted to enter Puerto Rico if they comply with all the necessary requirements. Beginning 6 December 2021, all international travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test (either antigen or PCR) taken within one day prior to departure along with proof of vaccination. Non-U.S. citizens or long-term residents must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 before traveling by air to the United States from a foreign country.

Beginning 16 August 2021, vaccinations will be required for both employees and guests of all hotels, paradores, guesthouses, and short-term rentals across the Island. Those not vaccinated must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of the beginning of their visit. If staying longer than one week, they must continue to present negative tests on a weekly basis. Those not vaccinated due to medical or religious reasons must provide proper documentation confirming this and are still required to present negative tests on a weekly basis.

All persons entering Puerto Rico must complete an Online Travel Declaration Form.

Processes regarding the need for negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen tests upon entry:

For fully vaccinated travelers on domestic flights:

• Required to upload official Vaccination Card as proof of vaccination through the Travel Declaration Form portal. Travelers are required to upload their official vaccination card. A copy will not be accepted.

For non-vaccinated travelers arriving on domestic flights:

• Required to provide evidence of either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
• If the traveler arrives without a test, they must upload either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken on the Island, within 48 hours of arrival, or they will receive a $300 fine.
• If the uploaded result is negative, the quarantine is lifted. If the result is positive, the person must isolate and follow the local isolation protocol at his/her own expense.

For international travelers, regardless of vaccination status:

• Required to provide evidence of either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
• If the traveler arrives without a test, they will be required to upload either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken on the Island, within 48 hours of arrival, or they will receive a $300 fine.
• If the uploaded result is negative, the quarantine is lifted. If the result is positive, the person must isolate and follow the local isolation protocol at his/her own expense.

As an unincorporated territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico follows the same entry restrictions which are outlined by the CDC (as of May 25, no entry for foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran, the UK, Republic of Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, India, or the European Schengen area in the last 14 days).

Air travelers who are returning to a US State from Puerto Rico are exempt from the new CDC order requiring international arrivals to present a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the US.

What to expect in Puerto Rico

Travelers must follow locally enforced measures on hygiene and personal safety.

• Masks are required in all indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status (including children ages 2-11).
• Those unvaccinated or between the ages of 2 and 11 must wear masks in all public areas when unable to social distance. 
• Face masks are mandatory in airports and on airplanes.
• Businesses are operating at full capacity.
• Some attractions and tours are open. Visitors should connect with their tour operators directly for additional information about operation status and specific protocols.
• Public beaches and natural reserves are open, following social distancing guidelines.

Important note: These travel alerts are general in nature, and we will not respond to any comments about specific personal circumstances. For information relevant to you, contact your airline or travel provider for any updates on how these changes will affect you personally.

Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19.

• 6.4 Earthquake strikes southwestern Puerto Rico – January 7, 2020
• Hurricane Dorian – August 28th, 2019
• Caribbean Hurricane Warnings
• How to Survive a Hurricane
• Am I Covered for a Hurricane?
• Hurricane Maria – September 22nd, 2017
• Hurricane Irma – September 7, 2017

6.4 Earthquake strikes southwestern Puerto Rico – 7 January 2020

The quake, which struck at 4:24am, has caused widespread power outages, seriously damaged homes and buildings, and left much of the island without running water. Several aftershocks, ranging between 4.5 and 5.8, have occurred. This follows a 5. 8 earthquake on Monday, January 6, that caused the collapse of Punta Ventana, a natural rock archway that was a major tourist attraction.

Governor Vasquez has declared a state of emergency. The Caribbean is an active seismic zone, and further tremors are possible, as well as the potential for tsunamis. Be prepared for disruptions to travel plans, and contact your travel provider to see if schedules have changed.

What to do if you’re in an earthquake

• Move to an open space away from hazards such as powerlines, buildings, trees and bridges
• Move away from any falling objects, crouch on the ground and cover your head
• Don’t rush outside though – plenty of earthquake injuries happen when people fall while trying to run
• If you can’t get outside safely, get under strong furniture or against an internal wall. Bathtubs or spaces behind furniture aren’t the safest places – hiding under a bed or strong table is a better option, which will protect you from falling objects
• If you are in a wheelchair, stay away from any objects that could fall. Lock the wheels and cover your head with your arms
• If you are trapped under rubble, avoid wasting your energy or stirring up dust. Only call for help when you hear people nearby
• After the earthquake, get to your evacuation point. Try to get in touch with your embassy and emergency contact. Try not to waste your phone battery.

Hurricane Dorian – 28 August 2019

Tropical Storm Dorian has strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane, and is predicted to hit Puerto Rico late this afternoon. While the center of the hurricane may pass to the east of the island, heavy rain is predicted, creating a risk of floods or mudslides, and the storm may strain infrastructure that’s still not fully recovered from Hurricane Maria. Always check the latest information from the National Hurricane Center, and keep an eye on local media for the latest updates.

Be aware that now this is a named hurricane and states of emergency have been declared in several places, it may not be possible to purchase travel insurance to cover this event. To discuss your coverage, please contact us at World Nomads.

Caribbean Hurricane Warnings

A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when wind speeds reach 74 mph or greater – Category 1.

• Category 2 wind speeds are 96 mph to 110 mph
• Category 3 – 111 mph to 129 mph
• Category 4 – 130 mph to 156 mph
• Category 5 – greater than 157 mph (note, there are no further categories)

A “watch” is issued when hurricane-force winds are possible in the named region (so maybe a hurricane is coming.)

A “warning” is issued when hurricane-force winds are expected in the named region (so a hurricane is definitely coming.)

How to Survive a Hurricane

The absolutely best way to survive a hurricane is to avoid one. Get away from it, but if you make the decision to leave make that decision early. Do not leave it until the last minute because you may find yourself caught without proper shelter.

If you decide to stay and “ride it out” it is advisable to get to an authorized shelter. The locations of these will be broadcast, or locals will know where they are. If there is no shelter, prepare to “shelter in place” in an internal room without windows.

Once a “storm watch” has been issued, make sure you are prepared in the event that the watch becomes a “warning.”

• Fill the gas tank of your car.
• Check batteries in flashlights and radios.
• Have extra batteries on hand.
• Secure all doors and windows.
• Close shutters or board up the windows.
• Have extra supplies on hand such as non-perishable food, clean drinking water, a half-gallon of water per person/per day (enough for a couple of days), and prescription drugs.

During the storm

• Never go out during the storm. The winds can send flying debris into you causing injury and even death.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Keep on the alert for additional storm warnings. Hurricanes are known to spawn tornadoes, so be prepared to take cover if one should strike.
• While the storm is in progress, avoid using electrical appliances.
• Stay off the telephone.
• All pets should be secure in carriers. The storm will be a frightening experience for them as well, and they could injure themselves or you if they panic.
• Do not light candles or lanterns; they could get blown over causing a fire.
• The eye of the storm passing over could make you think the storm is over when the worst is still yet to come. Only use this calm in an extreme emergency to make critical repairs.
• Only after an official “all clear” has been issued is it safe to come out.

After the storm

• Beware of downed power lines and gas leaks.
• Stay away from heavily damaged areas.
• Listen to your radio for instructions.

Am I Covered for a Hurricane?

There may be cover for you if you purchased your policy prior to the storm or hurricane being declared. Check your policy or call our customer assistance teams if you are unsure.

Coverage may vary depending on your place of residence and the level of cover you have purchased, however GENERALLY the cover and benefits of Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption may assist you. If regular carriage services to your destination have ceased for 24 hours or more (so you can’t get there) you may be able to make a claim. Check with our customer assistance teams.

Post-Hurricane Maria

Since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, it has taken some time to get essential services up and running on the island. San Juan has mostly improved; however, many parts of the country are still without sanitation, telecommunications, and other services. Check with your government’s travel advisory and Puerto Rico’s tourism bureau for more information before you travel.

Hurricane Maria – 22 September 2017

Hurricane Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on 20 September as a Category 4 storm, with winds up to 150 mph. The hurricane caused widespread devastation and left almost the entire island without power. It may be months before power is fully restored. Maria also brought nearly 40 inches of rain to some areas of the island, causing severe flooding. More rain is expected through the weekend. Always check the latest information from the National Hurricane Center, and keep an eye on local media for the latest updates.

Hurricane Irma – 7 September 2017

Category 5 Hurricane Irma passed north of Puerto Rico early this morning – the island was spared a direct hit, but a million people are currently without power. The storm is now heading towards Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and the US mainland. Keep an eye on local media for the latest updates.

Travel warnings have been issued for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, and Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to the northern border with Haiti, Guadeloupe, Southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The United States has declared states of emergency in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico.

Along with extremely strong winds, Hurricane Irma is likely to create a storm surge of 11 feet or more, with large, breaking waves. Heavy rains could cause life-threating flash floods and mudslides.

Be aware that now this is a named hurricane and emergencies have been declared in several places it may not be possible to purchase travel insurance to cover this event. To discuss your coverage please contact us at World Nomads. 

Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.

By Phil Sylvester,

World Nomads Contributor – Mon, 9 Aug 2021

You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance.

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Where to go: choose the direction. – CruiseRadar.ru

Choosing a cruise itinerary can be quite an intimidating task, especially for first-time travelers. Cruise ships visit more than 1800 ports around the world, and each of them has its own characteristics, and it will not be easy to choose what suits you.

In order for the chosen cruise not to disappoint, it must fully meet your expectations from the rest. Looking for a beach holiday or an interest in history (or both)? Do you want to get in touch with wild nature and enjoy picturesque views, or do you prefer extreme sports in the form of windsurfing and parasailing? Do you prefer to meet every day in a new port or are you ready to devote yourself to maritime romance and hang out at sea for several days? Think carefully about what you want to see on your cruise before you start planning your vacation.
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What to look for.

Duration of cruise

The duration of cruises varies from three-day weekend cruises to multi-day, from 100 or more days, round-the-world routes . If it is difficult for you to be on a ship for a week or more or you are not yet ready for long sea voyages – start your acquaintance with a cruise holiday with short routes: the Mediterranean, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean – your choice. In these regions, there are many short routes lasting from three to five days. nine0005

Port of departure (arrival):

Before you set foot on board your cruise ship at a port, in most cases you will have to get to that port somehow. The fastest and most convenient way is by air. If you have aerophobia or medical contraindications for flights, you can use the train. From Russia, you can go on a sea cruise from St. Petersburg with a visit to the Baltic countries. When planning your cruise, keep in mind the need for air travel to another country and obtaining the appropriate visas for those countries whose ports you visit.
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Leisure style

For some, reading a book on the beach or by the pool is a good getaway, while others prefer sightseeing, shopping, or interacting with the locals. When choosing a cruise, research ports of call and entertainment carefully to make sure it suits your preferences.

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Ready to start? We’ll show you how.
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Getting Started/Size matters.

One of the important factors in your trip will be deciding which ship you want to take on your cruise. Larger ships tend to visit standard cruise line ports, while medium-sized and especially small ships may visit more interesting and secluded places and offer exotic itineraries.

Hits: the most popular routes.

A good place for beginner cruisers is the Mediterranean Sea. Cruises in the Mediterranean usually start from the ports of Rome, Marseille, Barcelona, ​​Savona, Venice. On these routes you will visit such islands as Mallorca with excellent cuisine and vineyards, Sardinia with its excellent beaches, Corsica, where the bays are unsurpassedly beautiful and incredible rocky coasts. You can visit such port cities as Genoa, Venice, Barcelona, ​​Naples and Nice. You can also stay in Ibiza, famous for its parties. Most weekly cruises spend one day on the high seas.
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The best routes in the Mediterranean

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Other suitable routes for beginners:

Europe

A cruise is a great way to see this large region without the tiresome baggage. The same “gallop across Europe”, but without problems with booking hotels, unpacking and packing luggage and many hours of bus travel. Instead, you get to see the beauty of European cities while enjoying all the benefits of “all inclusive” and sleeping in a soft bed in your cabin. European cruises attract travelers all year round, especially in the eastern and western Mediterranean. Eastern Mediterranean cruises include Greece and Turkey, while western cruises cover the French Riviera, Spain and the Italian coast. Fans of excursions will surely like cruises in the Baltic, with a visit to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, St. Petersburg or cruises to the British Isles: England, Scotland and Ireland. And connoisseurs of wild nature will be delighted with the breathtaking views on a cruise through the Norwegian fjords.
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Best routes

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Southeast Asia.

China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore… A cruise to this region will give tons of new experiences to both lovers of sightseeing and connoisseurs of pristine nature. Beautiful sandy beaches, a stunning sea with a diverse fauna, thousand-year-old temples and palaces, ultra-modern skyscrapers in megacities and, of course, the famous traditional cuisine. In the Asian region, there is a huge variety of cruises with a duration of three to seventy days. Every day spent on a cruise in Southeast Asia will provide you with an incredible experience!
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Best routes

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Middle East.

The tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Ferrari World amusement park, the famous Dubai Mall, the nature reserve on the island of Sir Bani Yas and the sandy-rocky fjords of “Arabian Norway” in Oman. A cruise in the Middle East is a mix of truly Arabian luxury and the latest achievements of modern technology with the exotic of untouched nature. And yet – this is a real mecca for divers with its underwater caves, coral gardens and exotic fauna.
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Best routes

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Caribbean.

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“Paradisaic delight”. Perhaps this is how you can characterize the rest on the islands in the Caribbean. Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Barbados, Curacao… The romance of these places will captivate travelers for a long time, and the impressions from the rest sometimes go off scale. The Caribbean is one of the most sought after cruise destinations in the world for a reason. Cruise to the Caribbean is a vacation on some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world with crystal clear sea water. Unforgettable impressions from acquaintance with marine life: stingrays, dolphins and sea turtles. Reserves, waterfalls, pirate forts and, of course, the world’s largest rum distillery (Yo-ho-ho!).
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Best routes

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