Puerto rico safety map: Is Puerto Rico Safe for Travel? (Honest Local Advice)

Is Puerto Rico Safe for Travel? (Honest Local Advice)

Planning a trip and wondering if Puerto Rico is safe for travel right now?

With the ongoing health crisis and other online information suggesting otherwise, it’s a smart question to ask. But, as a local, I can tell you Puerto Rico is generally very safe for travel.

Since I know travelers can have different concerns about safety in Puerto Rico, I’ve put together some tips and advice about safety in Puerto Rico. I hope it helps you to comfortably explore all the many beautiful places to visit in Puerto Rico.

Table of Contents

• Is Puerto Rico Safe?
• Things to Know About Safety in Puerto Rico
  • Puerto Rico Travel Advisories 
  • Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Puerto Rico 
  • Covid-19 Safety in Puerto Rico
  • Crime in Puerto Rico
  • Common Scams in Puerto Rico
  • Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters
  • Female Travel Safety
  • Other Health Precautions
  • Puerto Rico Drinking Water Safety
• 5 Puerto Rico Safety Tips
  • Tip #1 – Learn Some Basic Spanish
  • Tip #2 – Prepare for Some Crazy Traffic
  • Tip #3 – Lock Your Car Doors
  • Tip #4 – Take Care of Your Belongings
  • Tip #5 – Don’t Wander at Night Alone
• Puerto Rico Safety FAQs
  • What should you avoid in Puerto Rico?
  • Can you drink tap water in Puerto Rico?
  • Is San Juan dangerous for tourists?
  • What is the most dangerous place in Puerto Rico?

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Is Puerto Rico Safe?

Puerto Rico is generally safe for travelers that take appropriate measures regarding the ongoing pandemic. Travelers should take note of the hurricane season when they’re planning their trip and take normal precautions to avoid pickpocketing and robbery, the most common crimes affecting visitors in Puerto Rico. 

Puerto Rico is relatively safe for visitors, as it has a lower crime rate than many other regions in the United States. It’s one of the safest Caribbean islands. Much of the violent gun crime in Puerto Rico relates to drug trafficking and gang activity, which doesn’t usually affect travelers. 

The most common crimes in Puerto Rico are pickpocketing and robbery, which you can prevent by not leaving valuables visible in a car, keeping important documents at your hotel safe, not wearing expensive jewelry, and visiting beaches and attractions during the day.

When you visit Puerto Rico, you should be more worried about the weather than the criminality. The island sports a yearly hurricane season from June to November, with September as the most active month. 

There isn’t any way to predict when hurricanes are going to impact Puerto Rico or how strong they’re going to be until a week or two beforehand. That’s often not enough notice to change a trip to Puerto Rico.

If you need travel insurance, World Nomads provides quotes.

Things to Know About Safety in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Travel Advisories 

Though Puerto Rico is generally safe, different governments such as the UK Government and the Canada Government have issued travel advisories for the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Besides the health travel advisory, there is an advisory about the risk of terrorism in the United States. This risk is relatively low in Puerto Rico, which isn’t a state but a non-incorporated territory. You might encounter demonstrations and protests occasionally in Puerto Rico. In that case, travelers should monitor local media and avoid demonstrations.

As for crime, petty crime and robbery is the most common type of crime and tourists should take commonsense precautions to protect their belongings.

Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Puerto Rico 

Puerto Rico is relatively safe for tourists and travelers as long as they stay out of dangerous areas. Common tourist-friendly areas in San Juan include Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Condado, Ocean Park, Hato Rey, and Miramar. Visitors should avoid areas like Puerta de Tierra, El Parque de las Palomas, Piñones, and La Perla at night.

Other great areas for tourists are Rio Grande, Fajardo, Ponce, Cabo Rojo, Vieques, Culebra, and Rincon. But, that doesn’t mean tourists should limit themselves to those parts of the island. Both the locals and the government encourage travelers to step out of Old San Juan to visit other parts of the island. See my list of the best small towns in Puerto Rico for ideas!

👉 Looking for a safe place to stay? Check out my guides to where to stay in Puerto Rico and, more specifically, the best areas in San Juan to find the best and safest neighborhoods to stay in for visitors.

Covid-19 Safety in Puerto Rico

Like most global destinations, Puerto Rico continues to grapple with the effects of the covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the Puerto Rican government has led a widely lauded effort to increase the vaccination rate to one of the highest in the United States.

This graphic summarizes the current covid situation in Puerto Rico:

International travelers can enter Puerto Rico either by providing proof of vaccination. In March 2022, Puerto Rico dropped its mask mandate. Masks are still recommended for many people and situations.

Puerto Rico used to require proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, concert halls, and theaters. As of March 2022, those requirements are also dropped (at least at the island level). I recommend following the Health Department of Puerto Rico Website and the CDC to keep up to date with the evolving situation of the country.

Crime in Puerto Rico

The crime rate in Puerto Rico is relatively low in comparison with other places in the United States. However, both locals and tourists alike could be victims of petty theft like robbery and pickpocketing. 

Violent crimes in Puerto Rico are often related to caserios, Puerto Rico’s public housing buildings, and dangerous neighborhoods where gangs operate. Both American tourists and international travelers should avoid these areas as a general safety rule. As long as you stick to the popular places to go in Puerto Rico, you are likely to be just fine.

Common Scams in Puerto Rico

There are relatively few scams in Puerto Rico. Still, you should always keep your eyes open for the following common scams when traveling to Puerto Rico:

🚕 Taxi scam – Taxis scams take place when the drivers don’t turn on the meter, take longer routes to charge more, or claim they don’t have change when you pay in cash. Research the route using GPS systems, know the local taxi tarrifs, and always ask the driver to turn the meter on.

🚗 Rental car scams – Since the rental car industry is big in Puerto Rico, it’s not uncommon to see scams related to car rentals. If you’re renting a car in Puerto Rico, you need to watch out for excessive toll pass fees, inflated deposits, and hidden charges for things like cleaning the sand from your car. Discover Cars is a great search engine for reputable agencies, since it allows you to easily see and compare customer reviews for each operator.

🗺️ False guides – A local may approach you claiming to be a guide that can take you to special places. He’ll then proceed to take you somewhere where he gets a commission for bringing clients. You will never know about the commission but you will pay a higher price for what you buy to cover that commission fee. 

💰 Pickpockets – Pickpocketing occurs in many countries of the world and Puerto Rico is no exception. Pickpocketers could snatch your items away while distracting you or by bumping into you. Always be aware of your belongings and pay attention to your surroundings.

Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters

Me walking along a pine tree forest in Cayey after Hurricane Maria

People who travel to Puerto Rico can experience hazardous weather and natural disasters depending on what season they visit Puerto Rico.

So is Puerto Rico safe from hurricanes right now? And how safe is Puerto Rico from other natural disasters? Like anywhere, it depends.

Here are a few things to know about Puerto Rico’s weather hazards:

⛈️ Hurricanes – Puerto Rico’s hurricane season run from June to November is one of the most important things to know about Puerto Rico. During this period, the country is more likely to get affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, but the season doesn’t mean a hurricane will hit Puerto Rico. The last hurricane that landed on Puerto Rico was Hurricane Maria in 2017. Hurricanes usually take a week to reach the island, which means you have to make the necessary adjustments to your trip according to the weather warnings.

⛰️ Earthquakes – Visitors can also experience earthquakes and small tremors in Puerto Rico. Since the Earthquakes of January 2020, telluric movements are more frequent on the island, but they are mostly unnoticeable.

🌡️ Temperature – Puerto Rico sports high temperatures almost all year, with an average temperature of 87°F(30°C), which combined with the humidity, increases the sensation of heat. You should always stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

☁️ Air pollution – The air quality changes frequently in Puerto Rico for environmental factors. Sometimes there is a high concentration of spores or a cloud of dust coming from the Sahara desert. If you have respiratory conditions, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the local weather forecast and keep your medications with you.

☁️ Rip tides and swimming conditions – Many famous beaches in Puerto Rico are dangerous to swim in for their rip tides. Beaches like Playa Peña in Old San Juan and Playa Jobos in Isabela are home to numerous drowning incidents every year. If you’re visiting a beach with rip tides, ask the locals about the safest beach areas and if you get caught in one, swim parallel to the beach until you get out of the current.

👉 Local Tip: Puerto Rico, like other Caribbean islands, sports popular destinations with beaches for the family, beaches for couples, and beaches for solo travelers. If you want to find the best for your taste, check out my guide to the 19 top beaches in Puerto Rico. 

Female Travel Safety

If you’re wondering “is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico right now for solo females?”, here is my answer:

San Juan and Puerto Rico in general are safe for women traveling in groups or solo female travelers. Although they might face some catcalling, men usually won’t make any physical approach. Women visiting Puerto Rico should follow the general safety tips that apply when visiting any other country.  

Some common travel safety tips include not walking alone at night in solitary areas, supervising their drinks when in a public place, not telling just anybody about where they’re staying, and not accepting any stranger’s invitation to accompany them to unknown places. San Juan is particularly a safe city for women traveling solo.

For women who travel alone frequently, safety is always a priority. The Self-Defense Keychain Set for Women and Kids is a great way to have some peace of mind and feel safer while visiting a foreign country.

🛂 Read Next: Do US Citizens Need a Passport for Puerto Rico?

Other Health Precautions

Besides taking precautions against COVID, you should take measures against Dengue fever and Zika. For its location and weather, Puerto Rico has a large population of mosquitoes, especially on the beach and areas with a lot of vegetation like El Yunque National Forest. 

If you’re planning to visit the island nation, you should pack a mosquito repellent. Ranger Ready is a great mosquito repellent that is non-DEET, non-smelly, and comes in convenient travel-sized kits.

🧳 Read Next: The Perfect Puerto Rico Packing List

Puerto Rico Drinking Water Safety

While there might be other destinations in the Caribbean where tourists can’t drink water safely, it isn’t the case with Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and follows the drinking water safety standards set by the Safe Drinking Water Act established by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1974. If you still feel insecure, you can always buy bottled water instead.

5 Puerto Rico Safety Tips

Tip #1 – Learn Some Basic Spanish

Although most Puerto Ricans in San Juan and other touristic areas understand and speak some English, if you visit any rural area it might be hard to communicate with the locals. To prevent any misunderstanding, I recommend you learn some basic Spanish phrases and words.

Tip #2 – Prepare for Some Crazy Traffic

American travelers will feel familiarized with the style of driving in Puerto Rico, but international travelers should know that it’s hard to follow signs around the island’s roads, and there will be occasions when you won’t find any. Some traffic lights still don’t work after Hurricane Maria and roads around both urban areas and rural areas are home to countless potholes. 

Don’t get scared if Puerto Ricans honk at you. Honking is very common among locals, and it’s usually a way of indicating to the front car the traffic light has changed. 

Tip #3 – Lock Your Car Doors

Either out of habit or because of distraction, sometimes tourists leave belongings in their car rental. As a safety rule, whenever you visit an attraction or park in Puerto Rico, make sure to empty your car of valuables or if you need to, lock them up in the trunk and always lock your car doors. Otherwise, you could come back from your day trip to a broken window.

Tip #4 – Take Care of Your Belongings

One safety mistake people make when traveling is taking their important documents in a backpack while they take a walking tour. Leave your important documents locked up in your hotel safe.

If you feel uncomfortable, then consider wearing a money belt and distribute your documents between your different pockets. And if you have a bag never leave it unattended, not even at one of Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches.

Tip #5 – Don’t Wander at Night Alone

In Puerto Rico, most crimes committed happen during the night. Although there are areas where there is active nightlife, like Condado, the nearby deserted streets and areas like Condado Beach can be dangerous if you’re walking alone. You should always stay in well-lit areas. If you’re alone, avoid transiting dark zones at night or into places you don’t know.

👉 For more Puerto Rico travel tips and things to know before you go, be sure to read my full list of tips for traveling Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico Safety FAQs

What should you avoid in Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico visitors should avoid wandering mindlessly, staying in sketchy places, leaving their belongings unattended in beaches or restaurants, and going outside tourist areas without a guide if they aren’t familiar with the area they’re visiting.  

Can you drink tap water in Puerto Rico?

Tap water is safe to drink in Puerto Rico. The water sanitization company in Puerto Rico uses the Safe Drinking Water Act established by the EPA as a guide for water quality. Visitors can also buy bottled water if they feel uneasy about drinking tap water.

Is San Juan dangerous for tourists?

Generally, San Juan is safe for tourists. Top safety tips for travelers include avoiding transiting in La  Perla, El Parque de las Paloma, and Puerta de Tierra at night, and staying away from the caserio Louis Lloren Torres or stay in any area they feel uncomfortable in. 

What is the most dangerous place in Puerto Rico?

Dangerous places in Puerto Rico include parts of cities like Carolina, Bayamon, Vega Baja and some San Juan areas like Santurce, La Perla, Parque de la Palomas, and Puerta de Tierra. These places are usually safe to visit during daylight hours.

***

🛑 WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO TO PUERTO RICO – If you’re going to Puerto Rico, you definitely don’t want to miss my local’s list of the best activities and things to do in Puerto Rico. It’s packed with top tourist spots, fun points of attraction, and hidden spots only locals know about.

You’ve reached the end of the safety guide to Puerto Rico. I hope I’ve answered your biggest concerns about “Is Puerto Rico safe to travel?”. 

Don’t forget you can get travel insurance with World Nomads, so you only have to worry about anything else but to enjoy your trip.

If you still have any fear or doubts, feel free to write them in the comments and I’ll help to clear them out!

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Is Puerto Rico Safe? 9 Things You Should Know – World Nomads

Beautiful Puerto Rico is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, but there are a few things you should know before you go.

Our travel safety expert shares his tips.

Photo © iStock/dennisvdw

Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Puerto Rico: Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you.

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. Millions of travelers visit Puerto Rico each year, with the majority having a trouble-free experience, but, as you would anywhere, use your common sense. Here are our top travel safety tips to know before you go.

• Is Puerto Rico safe to visit?
• Crime in Puerto Rico
• Avoiding bad neighborhoods
• Car theft
• Women’s safety
• LGBTQ+ safety
• Laws in Puerto Rico
• Drinking laws
• Photography

1. Is Puerto Rico safe to visit?

Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, however there is a risk of natural disasters – such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The island has largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in September 2017.

In January 2020, a string of large earthquakes struck Puerto Rico and caused severe damage throughout the country, leading the Governor Vázquez Garced to declare a state of emergency and activate the National Guard.

The Puerto Rican government put a lot of resources into tourism initiatives to encourage travelers to visit the island nation following Hurricane Maria, and will no doubt do the same following the earthquake damage in early 2020. This work assists in recovering the country’s economy, as tourism is the number one source of employment for locals.

The risk of theft should be your biggest concern here, so be careful with your belongings – don’t be flashy with jewelry, cash, phones or cameras. Keep it locked up in the safe back at your accommodation if you’re going out at night – it’s not worth losing your cards or valuables.

Another hot tip: Don’t do drugs. Drugs are a major problem here.

2. Crime in Puerto Rico

There are 3.3 million people living in Puerto Rico, and most of the population live in the capital city, San Juan, and other larger towns, which are made up of different cultures and social classes. Wherever inequality and high population density occur, crime generally follows. That said, Puerto Rico has a lower crime rate than many major US cities.

Travelers will be most affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. Don’t leave your valuables or belongings unattended and only take what you need out with you. If you plan to have a night out, always walk with someone else, in a group or grab a licensed taxi (white taxis with the lit up roof sign). Avoid wandering alone at night in particular near the beach areas where there is an increased risk of being robbed.

The local beaches are pretty safe during the day, just keep an eye on your belongings and don’t bring anything you’re not prepared to have stolen while having a swim.

Puerto Rico has a high homicide rate however this usually affects those involved in gang activity, the drug trade or both.

Tip: Learn some basic Spanish to make your trip just that bit easier, especially when you aren’t in the urban centers. Even if you butcher the language, making an effort will still go a long way. If you become a victim of crime, being able to communicate to the police is important. Police outside of major tourist areas might not speak English, and while many locals are bilingual, Spanish is still the dominant language.

That said, if you do happen to be stopped by local police, don’t attempt to bribe them. Always carry your valid personal ID with you.

3. Avoiding bad neighborhoods

Many travelers advise avoiding public housing areas, known in Puerto Rico as caserio, identifiable by their cement facades and apartment-like balconies. Gangs are a problem in these areas, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place.

Louis Lloren Torres, a caserio in San Juan is where a lot of the city’s crime takes place. It’s away from the safe, popular spots in San Juan, so travelers may get more than they bargain for if they end up there at night looking for recreational drugs. However, locals report if you are there during daylight hours, you’re generally safe. Pinones, Parque de la Palomas and Santruce are also safe to visit during the day.

Other spots to avoid at night are the neighborhoods of La Perla (next to Old City) and parts of Puerta de Tierra. Stick to the neighborhoods of Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Miramar and Condado at night, where there are regular police patrols. Should you have an emergency, call 911 as you would in the US.

4. Car theft in Puerto Rico

Car theft is a significant issue in Puerto Rico, so take any valuables out of your car, leaving it as empty as possible. If thieves see your vehicle empty of potential treasures, they will likely move on. Always park your car in a well-lit location at night.  

Carjackings can sometimes occur, so avoid driving at night where possible, particularly through known crime hotspots. Keep your car door locked and valuables out of sight while traveling.

5. Is Puerto Rico safe for women travelers?

Puerto Rico is pretty safe for women travelers if you exercise some simple safety precautions and use your common sense as you would back home such as not leaving your valuables unattended and not wandering around poorly lit areas at night.

Some may experience verbal harassment. While it will be mostly harmless, it’s best to ignore it.

6. Is Puerto Rico safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Puerto Rico is considered to be one of the most LGBTQ friendly destinations in the Caribbean, with the capital San Juan having an established and lively gay scene, particularly around Santurce and Condado Beach. However, it’s important to be respectful and discreet as the country is still conservative due to the influence of the Catholic Church. LGBTQ Puerto Ricans have the same legal protections as heterosexual locals and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015.

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7. Laws in Puerto Rico

As Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, that status does provide the country with local autonomy and the ability to fly its own flag. However, when it comes to criminal matters and the legal system, it’s the same as the US mainland.

8. Drinking laws

The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, whereas in the United States it’s 21; making the country a popular destination for college students from the US on spring break. You will need a valid ID to purchase alcohol from bars, restaurants, stores etc. and it’s an offense to have open alcoholic beverages in public. Drink driving is also a major offense in Puerto Rico which can result in financial penalties and potentially jail time. The blood alcohol limit in Puerto Rico is 0.08 however it’s best to walk or grab a taxi if you plan to have a few drinks.

9. Photography

Drone laws in Puerto Rico are the same as in the United States, and there are a few rules to know before you fly such as registering your drone with the FAA and not flying close to people, crowded areas and events.

Avoid taking photos in high crime locations (ask the locals where not to go!) and always ask before taking a photo of someone to avoid potential offense.

Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: The Caribbean

By Phil Sylvester,

World Nomads Contributor – Tue, 29 Sep 2020

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Driving is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Puerto Rico, but like any destination, it has its challenges. A Puerto Rico native shares what you need to know about safety, road conditions, the local drivers, and other transport options.

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

‎Puerto Rico Travel Guide

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Description

APP FEATURES

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– ROUTES FOR THE DAY
– HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS ACCORDING TO BUDGET
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This guide is very practical as it can be used for itineraries. Depending on the duration of your trip, 4 different routes are offered for the city. We also provide travelers with tips and advice on how to get to the city, how to get around, where to shop and where to stay overnight, as well as tips on the most popular attractions, safety tips, and more.

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18 Dec. 2017

Version 2.0.3

The app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

New design, new content, better interface.

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Those visiting Puerto Rico – Oleg Bodrov on vc.

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Those visiting Puerto Rico should refer to the local measures developed by the Puerto Rico Travel Company (PRTC) to ensure the safety of travelers and residents, such as social distancing and high standards of cleanliness. Masks are required indoors, regardless of vaccinations. Individuals who have not been vaccinated or those aged 2 to 11 must also wear masks in public unless they are able to maintain social distancing.

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New protocol updates

• From December 22, 2021, those attending public events (both indoor and outdoor, theatres, amphitheaters, coliseums, stadiums and convention centers) will be required to show proof of vaccination with an FDA-approved vaccine or WHO, as well as a negative COVID test result taken 48 hours before the event.
• From December 27, 2021, all establishments offering food or drink must require proof of vaccination or a negative test result taken 48 hours prior to arrival.
• From December 27, 2021, all passengers arriving on domestic flights must present a negative test result received within 48 hours prior to arrival time, regardless of vaccination status. Passengers arriving without a test will have 48 hours to collect it upon arrival, otherwise they will be fined. Unvaccinated travelers must remain in quarantine for 7 days after arrival, whether or not they test negative.
• Until January 31, 2022, people aged 5 to 11 will be allowed to attend major indoor events as long as they provide negative COVID-19 test results taken no more than 48 hours prior to the event. From February 1, 2022, this age range will follow the same rules as adults, requiring proof of vaccination and negative test results taken within 48 hours of the event after entry. Children under 5 years of age are not allowed to attend major events, even those with negative results, unless authorized by the Ministry of Health.

What you need to know: arrival on the island

Mask use is a federal aircraft and airport law. Those entering any of the island’s three open airports, whether commercial or private aircraft, must complete a travel declaration form on the Puerto Rico Department of Health’s online portal, which generates a QR code to proceed. Passengers are required to present identification to ensure compliance with the travel declaration form. For questions regarding airport entry procedures, travelers should contact the Department of Health.

For fully vaccinated domestic passengers:

• Starting December 27, 2021, vaccinated passengers arriving on domestic flights must present a negative test result obtained within 48 hours prior to arrival time.
• Passengers arriving without a test will have 48 hours to collect it upon arrival, otherwise they will be fined.
• Download of the official vaccination card via the travel declaration form portal is required.

For unvaccinated travelers arriving on domestic flights:

• From December 27, 2021, unvaccinated passengers arriving on domestic flights must present a negative test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival time.
• If they arrive without a test, they must upload either a PCR molecular assay or an on-island COVID-19 antigen test within 48 hours of arrival or they will be fined.
• All unvaccinated travelers must be quarantined for seven days after arrival on the island.

Travelers arriving on international flights:

• Beginning Dec. 6, CDC recommends that all travelers arriving on international flights must present a negative COVID-19 test taken one day prior to departure, along with proof of vaccination.
• Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before flying to the United States from another country.

Procedures for travelers with symptoms (those with symptoms associated with COVID-19):

• If a symptomatic traveler (a person with symptoms associated with COVID-19) who is not vaccinated or traveling overseas arrives on the island, the Puerto Rico National Guard will conduct a molecular test for COVID-19using PCR at the airport. The traveler must undergo quarantine and cover their own medical expenses / possible long stay.
• Quarantine is in effect until negative COVID-19 molecular test results are received and digitally uploaded to the Puerto Rico Department of Health’s online portal.

Additional airport processes include:

• Vaccination – The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available at Terminal B at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU).
• Screenings – The Puerto Rico National Guard is helping to conduct enhanced health screenings for all arriving passengers at every airport on the island. All travelers arriving at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan will be pre-screened with thermographic temperature cameras, and advanced protocols will be followed at baggage claim before exiting the airport.
• COVID-19 testing- For passengers who have not been vaccinated or are traveling abroad, Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) offers on-site molecular tests for COVID-19 using PCR. This service costs $110 and is offered from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week, at three test collection centers located in Terminals A, B, and C.

Cruises:

Cruise traffic on the island has resumed and is gradually increasing.

• Port of Call (Transit Call/Cruise Port Visit): All guests 12 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO approved vaccine to allow ships to enter Puerto Rico. Unvaccinated passengers may not disembark in Puerto Rico, except for children under 12 years of age. Check with cruise operators for the latest COVID protocols and regulations as many operators require proof of vaccination prior to boarding and have specific testing requirements.

• Home port operations (cruise start or end): All guests arriving by air in Puerto Rico to board a cruise ship must follow specified aircraft entry protocols, which may vary depending on vaccination status and point of departure ( international or domestic). Check with the cruise operator for the latest COVID protocols for boarding a cruise, including vaccination and testing requirements on cruise lines. For cruises ending in Puerto Rico, all guests will be automatically placed on the SARA alert program upon disembarkation from the cruise liner. It is an open source tool that allows public health officials to track people who are at risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as the same alert program used for guests checking in to Travel Safe to board the aircraft.

What you need to know: on the island

• Mask useMasks are required indoors regardless of age or vaccination. Individuals who have not been vaccinated or those aged 2 to 11 must also wear masks in public unless they are able to maintain social distancing. Masks are required on all forms of public transport, including all ferries to and from Vieques and Culebra. Masks are required at all outdoor events with 50 or more people. This requirement does not apply to public beaches. Masks are still recommended in densely populated urban areas.

• Public beaches, nature reserves and marinas are open in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Visitors should contact the tour operators directly for more information on the status of the operation and specific protocols.

• Upon arrival, all guests of all hotels, front houses, guest houses and short-term rentals throughout the island must present evidence of vaccination or a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of the start of their visit. If you stay longer than one week, they must take negative tests weekly. Beginning December 27, a negative PCR or antigen test result must be submitted within 48 hours of the start of the visit. Employees of all hotels, front houses, boarding houses, and short-term rentals must be vaccinated or take weekly negative tests.

• Restaurants: Effective December 27, 2021, all establishments offering food or drink must require proof of vaccination or a negative test result taken 48 hours prior to arrival. From December 30, 2021, all restaurants, bars, theatres, stadiums, coliseums, convention centers, casinos and any establishments that serve cooked food or drinks will have a capacity limit of 50% for indoor events and 75% for outdoor events .

• Companies and other institutionsMasks are required in all premises, regardless of vaccination. Some businesses may require confirmation of a negative test result or vaccination upon arrival. Visitors should check the entry requirements prior to visiting. Visitors to hairdressers, barbershops and personal spas must request proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours of arrival. Beginning December 27, a negative PCR or antigen test result must be submitted within 48 hours of arrival.

• Events From December 22, 2021, those attending mass events (both outdoors and in theatres, amphitheaters, coliseums, stadiums and convention centers) will be required to show proof of vaccination with an FDA or WHO approved vaccine, and a negative COVID test result taken 48 hours prior to the event. Until January 31, 2022, people aged 5 to 11 will be allowed to attend major indoor events if they test negative for COVID-19taken no more than 48 hours before the event. From February 1, 2022, this age range will be governed by the same rules as adults, requiring proof of vaccination and a negative test result at admission. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to attend large scale events unless authorized by the Ministry of Health. Sports and entertainment events are allowed subject to local regulations.From December 30, 2021, all restaurants, bars, theatres, stadiums, coliseums, convention centers, casinos and any establishments that serve cooked food or drinks will have a capacity limit of 50% for indoor events/operations and 75% for outdoor events/operations.

What you need to know: leaving the island

• Testing upon return to the mainland Puerto Rico is a US territory and is not subject to the CDC requirement to test negative for COVID-19 to return to the United States mainland.