Chloe Ramirez
As of May 25, 2021, Puerto Rico has made it easier for vaccinated travelers to visit the island. Fully vaccinated travelers arriving from the United States can enter Puerto Rico without a negative COVID-19 test and are exempt from wearing masks at beaches and parks. However, unvaccinated travelers, including children ages 2-12, must present a negative COVID-19 test result, and all travelers must comply with the Traveler Declaration Form. Additionally, the CDC recommends that international travelers be fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before visiting Puerto Rico. Other recommended vaccines include typhoid and rabies, and insect repellent is essential to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | The Puerto Rico Department of Health requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from unvaccinated travelers and vaccinated travelers from international flights. |
| Vaccinated travelers from the US no longer need a negative COVID-19 test and can enter without wearing masks at beaches and parks. | |
| All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. | |
| Vaccines cannot protect against all diseases in Puerto Rico, so travelers should take precautions against bug bites, food and water contamination, and animal bites. | |
| Visa Requirements | British citizens can enter Puerto Rico visa-free through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. |
| Passport Requirements | US travelers do not need a passport to enter Puerto Rico. |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccination or negative test required for entry
As of May 25, 2021, Puerto Rico has updated its entry requirements for domestic travellers. Fully vaccinated travellers arriving from the United States can visit Puerto Rico without providing a negative COVID-19 test result. However, they must complete a travel health declaration and upload their COVID-19 vaccination card. It is considered fully vaccinated when at least two weeks have passed since the final dose.
For unvaccinated travellers, a negative COVID-19 test result is required. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, and the results must be uploaded to the Puerto Rico Health Department's online Travel Safe portal to obtain a QR code to exit the airport. This rule also applies to vaccinated travellers arriving from international flights.
Children aged 2-12 who are unable to be vaccinated must follow the weekly negative COVID-19 test rule, similar to unvaccinated adults. Additionally, all visitors to Puerto Rico, regardless of vaccination status, must fill out a Traveler Declaration Form.
It is important to note that these requirements may change, and travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest information from official sources, such as the Puerto Rico Department of Health and local authorities.
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Vaccination required for hospitality workers
In August 2021, the governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi, announced that either a PCR test or proof of vaccination would be required for all visitors to the island. This was in response to a surge in coronavirus cases. This meant that all hospitality workers would need to be vaccinated.
The territory also introduced a Return-to-Work Incentive Program to encourage people to return to the workforce, particularly in industries facing labour shortages, such as hospitality. The program was available to people who got a job by September 4, 2021, and offered an initial payment of $500, with a further $1,500 for those who continued their employment for 90 days.
In addition to the vaccination requirement for visitors and hospitality workers, Puerto Rico has also made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for employees in the dining and entertainment sectors, including restaurants, theatres, cinemas, convention centres, and any establishments serving food and drinks. This mandate came into effect on August 23, 2021, with covered individuals required to submit evidence of having received at least the first dose of the vaccine by that date.
There are some exceptions to the vaccination requirements. These include employees with a medical condition that prevents vaccination, certified by a doctor authorized to practice in Puerto Rico, and employees with religious beliefs against vaccination, who must submit a sworn statement under penalty of perjury. Additionally, minors under 12 years old, who are unable to be vaccinated, are exempt from the requirements.
Establishments that fail to comply with the vaccination requirements for visitors must reduce their capacity by 50%. Visitors who are using delivery, curbside pickup, or pickup services and will not consume food or drinks at the establishment are also exempt from the vaccination requirements.
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Vaccination required for government workers
In August 2021, the governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi, announced that vaccinations would be required for all government employees working in their offices. This mandate was part of a broader effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, particularly the Delta variant, which was responsible for a surge in cases at the time. The decision was influenced by the territory's health secretary, Carlos Mellado, who noted that the majority of cases were attributed to the Delta variant and that 20% of hospitalizations included individuals who had received two vaccine doses.
The vaccination requirement for government workers in Puerto Rico was implemented alongside similar mandates for other sectors. This included a stipulation that all government contractors, hotel guests, and employees, as well as health facility workers, would need to be vaccinated. Those who chose not to be vaccinated were required to present a weekly negative COVID-19 test result. Failure to comply with these directives could result in a fine of up to $5,000 or even six months of jail time, with only a few exceptions to these consequences.
The governor, Pedro Pierluisi, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We cannot lower our guard. There are vaccines for everyone. Vaccinations are the solution." This sentiment was echoed by health secretary Carlos Mellado, who affirmed that the government would not issue health certificates without proof of vaccination. As of August 2021, Puerto Rico had reported over 128,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 2,500 deaths, with a vaccination rate of 76% of the population having received at least one dose.
It is important to note that these measures were put in place to address a specific surge in cases, and that the requirements for travelers to Puerto Rico may have evolved since then. Visitors to Puerto Rico are advised to consult official sources and stay updated with the latest guidelines and protocols to ensure they comply with any necessary vaccination or testing requirements upon their arrival.
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Vaccination refusal allowed with evidence of recent recovery from COVID-19
As of 2021, tourists travelling to Puerto Rico were required to show either a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination for entry to the island. This applied to all visitor lodging, including hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs. Children aged 2-12 who were unable to be vaccinated were subject to a weekly negative COVID test, just like unvaccinated adults. There was no requirement for proof of vaccination or a negative test for US travellers. However, the Puerto Rico Department of Health required a negative COVID-19 molecular test (PCR) result from all unvaccinated travellers entering the island from domestic and international flights. Vaccinated travellers only needed to provide a negative test result if they were arriving from international flights.
In addition, the governor of Puerto Rico mandated that most government and hospitality workers be vaccinated. Furthermore, covered establishments, including restaurants, bars, theatres, and cinemas, were required to operate at 50% capacity, or 75% if they were in an open-air setting. These capacity restrictions applied regardless of the vaccination status of both workers and visitors. However, establishments were still required to ask visitors to present proof of vaccination or negative test results.
While it is unclear whether proof of a recent COVID-19 infection was accepted as an alternative to vaccination, it is reasonable to assume that such evidence could be used to refuse vaccination temporarily. This is a common practice in many places, where recovery from COVID-19 grants a temporary exemption from vaccination requirements. However, specific rules and regulations may vary, so it is always advisable to check the latest official guidelines before travelling.
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Other recommended vaccines: MMR, typhoid, rabies
The MMR vaccine is a combination of vaccines that protect against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children and adults who do not have evidence of immunity. The first dose is typically given when the child is between 12 and 15 months old, and the second dose is usually given when the child is between 4 and 6 years old. For adults who are travelling internationally or who do not have evidence of immunity, it is recommended that they receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
The typhoid vaccine is recommended for travellers going to parts of the world where typhoid fever is common, including parts of East and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Typhoid fever is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and it can be a life-threatening disease. There are two types of typhoid vaccines: an inactivated (killed) vaccine administered as an injection, and a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine administered orally. The inactivated vaccine is given to people 2 years and older, while the live vaccine is given to people 6 years and older.
The rabies vaccine may be safely used by all age groups, and it is recommended for those who are at high risk of the disease, such as children who live in areas where rabies is common, veterinarians, researchers, or people planning to travel to regions where rabies is prevalent. The rabies vaccine was first introduced in 1885, and it has since been improved and is now on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Three doses of the vaccine are typically given over a one-month period, but for those who have been potentially exposed to the virus, four doses over two weeks are recommended, along with an injection of rabies immunoglobulin.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 2021, fully vaccinated travellers arriving from the United States can visit Puerto Rico without a negative COVID-19 test. However, unvaccinated travellers from the US and all international travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test. All travellers also need to fill out a travel health declaration form.
Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Puerto Rico, so your behaviours are important. It is recommended that you visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get advice on any vaccines or medicines you may need. The CDC recommends that all international travellers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. You should also consider vaccines for typhoid and rabies.
Yes, there are several other health risks to be aware of in Puerto Rico. Mosquitoes can spread diseases such as Zika, so insect repellent and mosquito nets are recommended. Bugs like ticks and fleas can also spread diseases that cannot be prevented by vaccines or medicine, so take steps to avoid bug bites. If you are swimming, avoid swallowing water and do not swim in fresh, unchlorinated water, as Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is found in Puerto Rico.
