Puerto Rico Eases More Restrictions As Visitors Return
Recently, in the aim of boosting travel to the Caribbean island, Puerto Rico dropped COVID-19 test requirements for fully vaccinated American visitors. However, the island is taking things one step further by easing local restrictions, in order to allow visitors more freedom to visit museums, attractions, bars and restaurants.
What changes have been made in Puerto Rico?
Good news is out for vaccinated American travelers visiting the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. The island has reopened its bars at 50 percent capacity, while outdoor bars and chinchorros (outdoor food and drink kiosks), now have no capacity limit. Despite this, however, a physical distance of six feet is required between patrons who are not from the same family group. Meanwhile, malls, theaters, museums, casinos, restaurants and hotel pools have also increased capacity to 75 percent.
Puerto Rico has also reopened its public beaches and natural reserves, although again, visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. However, even more good news for fully vaccinated visitors is that they are not required to wear masks in outdoor public areas, parks and beaches.
Offers for unvaccinated Travelers
In another effort to attract tourists, Puerto Rico is also offering unvaccinated travelers the chance to receive a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine on arrival at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Travelers heading to the islands of Vieques and Culebra are also able to receive the vaccine at the Maritime Transportation Authority ferry terminal in Ceiba.
While fully vaccinated Americans are not required to take a test in Puerto Rico, those travelers coming from any other international location are required to present proof of a negative PCR test or face a fine of US$300. Meanwhile, all travelers heading to Puerto Rico are required to complete a Traveler Declaration Form.
What is required of vaccinated travelers?
Any fully vaccinated traveler planning to visit Puerto Rico can only do so more than two weeks of receiving their final dose. They will be required to upload their COVID-19 vaccination card via the Puerto Rico Health Department website. Once the vaccination card is uploaded, the traveler will receive a QR code, which will then be scanned as they arrive at the airport.
Other health and safety protocols in Puerto Rico
Travelers visiting tourist attractions in Puerto Rico will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, along with following capacity limits and specific entry requirements. One example of entry requirements is that access to Old San Juan between midnight and 5 am is limited to local residents and travelers staying in that area.
It is highly recommended that visitors check out the various guidelines online prior to booking any tours or visits to tourist attractions on the island.
Latest COVID-19 status for Puerto Rico
Currently, Puerto Rico is listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at Level 3: High Level of COVID-19. The CDC recommends that travelers always take precautions including the wearing of masks over their nose and mouth, as well as social distancing and any other local requirements while on the island.
Read more information about travel guidelines for Puerto Rico on the Discover Puerto Rico website.
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