Puerto Rico will today remove testing requirements for fully vaccinated American travelers. The move aims to facilitate travel from the US to Puerto Rico as the Caribbean island gradually eases some restrictions.
Puerto Rico has laid out plans for reducing COVID-era restrictions as new infection rates begin to decline across the country. From May 25, fully vaccinated US tourists do not have to be tested for COVID-19 to enter Puerto Rico. However, travelers coming from any other international destination must present a negative PCR test result, or risk a fine of US $300. All travelers are required to fill out a Traveler Declaration Form.
Read more: When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?
Fully vaccinated travelers who are planning to visit Puerto Rico (more than two weeks after their final jab) must upload their COVID-19 vaccination card to Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal. Once uploaded, they’ll receive a QR code, which will be scanned when they arrive at the airport.
Puerto Rico is easing more COVID restrictions this month ©mikolajn/Shutterstock
Across Puerto Rico bars and nightclubs remain closed, but some non-essential businesses are open. A spokesperson for the tourism board, Discover Puerto Rico, confirmed to Lonely Planet that additional reduced restrictions have come into effect this week. They include an increased capacity to 50% (from 30%) for non-essential bussiness such as museums, hotel pools, restaurants and retail; the removal of the mask requirement for fully vaccinated individuals in parks and beaches; and permission to consume alcohol in parks and beaches.
Read more: Top 12 beaches in Puerto Rico
Travelers may still face additional entry requirements at popular tourist attractions ©Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock
Social distancing guidelines, specific entry requirements and capacity limits have been introduced at tourist attractions. For example, visitors must present a negative test result to enter the island of Vieques, and access to Old San Juan between midnight and 5am is limited to residents and tourists staying in the area. Puerto Rico’s coliseums (entertainment venues) have reopened at 30% capacity, with all attendees required to present either a vaccination card, or negative antigen test to gain admission. Travelers are advised to check guidelines online before booking any tours or visits to tourist attractions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently lists Puerto Rico at Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19, recommending that visitors take precautions such as mask wearing (over nose and mouth) and social distancing, and follow all local requirements when in Puerto Rico.
For more information on Puerto Rico’s travel guidelines, see here.
This article was first published on June 22, 2020 and updated on May 25, 2021
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