Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. Puerto Ricos second-largest town, Ponce is less crowded than San Juan but offers a similar collection of history, great restaurants, and access to nature. International arrivals 18 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter, with limited exceptions. Until February 2nd, 2022, all restaurants, bars, theaters, stadiums, coliseums, convention centers, casinos, and any establishment that serves prepared food or drinks will limit capacity to 50% for indoor events/operations, and 75% for outdoor events. As with Puerto Rico, international arrivals must still follow federal requirements. There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Ensure you have sufficient medication for your stay and extra in case of emergency. Ferries travel to and from the islands of Culebra and Vieques, as well as the Dominican Republic. Local knowledge can always enrich a trip, but its especially crucial now that we are living with COVID. it came back better than ever beginning in 2021, 2022 Sustainability and Investment Summit, Selling Groups, family and Adventure Travel. (Edwin Remsberg/VWPics/AP). There is no vaccine available for chikungunya. Travelers from abroad must present proof of COVID vaccination to visit Puerto Rico for tourism. Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water. As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Taxis are widely available. is fantastic Puerto Ricos capital city offers plenty to do, including easy access to the islands. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. So what does it take to travel to Puerto Rico right now? This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. Note that one restriction still remains for international travelers. Effective Sept. 1, authorities will implement new COVID-19-related restrictions related to large gatherings. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Violent crime also occurs. At the advice of public health officials, the Puerto Rican government reacted quickly to the onset of omicron by reviving and strengthening restrictions that had previously been in place. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Plus, they can recommend things to do to fit your travel style, whether thats drinking rum in Ponce, hiking in the rainforest, or seeking out the best Puerto Rican food on the island. tell us that one of the best things to do in Ponce is to hop on a ferry and visit one of the uninhabited islands nearby. Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. Good health care is available but conditions may vary throughout the island. WebTravelers also no longer have to fill out the travel declaration form, which asks questions about vaccination status and testing. Puerto Ricos US neighbor in the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands, is still maintaining stricter Covid-19 entry regulations. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. there are old parking meters at the other end of the block. Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Quarantine mandates, recommendations, and entry requirements may vary by country. 2023 Platea PR . Nonresident The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. You can drive in Puerto Rico with a valid Canadian drivers licence for up to 90 days. As COVID-19 positivity rates continue to decrease, on February 13, 2022, Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi issued three news executive orders revising travelers' declaration requirements, relaxing COVID-19 restrictions and providing for additional vaccine booster mandates for certain employees. The states travel quarantine and Safe Travels Hawaii program will end on March 25. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. 5 best restaurants in San Juan with outdoor seating, 7 Essential Brunch Spots in the Puerto Rico Metro Area, Guide to Completing the Puerto Rico Travel Declaration Form, Why you should travel to Puerto Rico right now, What to pack for your Puerto Rico vacation. Masks are currently required indoors in Puerto Rico, regardless of vaccination status. Bus and light rail (Tren Urbano) services are available in the metropolitan San Juan area. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the United States, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Cinemas and theaters can also open up to 75 percent capacity. Beginning February 2, Puerto Rico will make entry requirements easier for travelers. Effective Feb. 2, Puerto Rico is eliminating the Covid-19 testing requirement for entry for vaccinated visitors traveling from the U.S. who are age 5 and older. Puerto Rico: Disruptions due to flooding, storm damage, and heavy rainfall ongoing in parts of Puerto Rico as of April 8, Caribbean: Officials report confirmed monkeypox (mpox) cases in multiple locations into December /update 4, Puerto Rico: Activists to protest energy company in San Juan Nov. 29, Caribbean: A magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs in the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico Nov. 17. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. As an international traveler, what protocols do I need to follow to enter Puerto Rico? Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Coastal waters can be dangerous. Individual establishments remain free to implement their own vaccination requirements and mask mandates. Here's why. The government of Puerto Rico has put in place local measures to ensure the safety of everyone and avoid the spread of the virus as much as possible. While the rules are changing for domestic visitors, international travelers who fly to a U.S. territory must still show proof of a negative test taken within one day of their departure. All of this makes Puerto Rico the ideal destination for either a weekend getaway, an extended vacation, or even a hub for remote work. Real time 24/7 site monitoring, alerts, and rapid response to prevent loss of assets anywhere in the world. Travelers visiting from the mainland U.S. are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or complete a travel declaration form before their journey. Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. It'll also be the site of one of the travel industry's largest events of the year. To start, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory therefore U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to the Caribbean archipelago. Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Puerto Rico: Disruptions due to flooding, storm damage, and heavy rainfall ongoing in parts of Puerto Rico as of April 8, Caribbean: Officials report confirmed monkeypox (mpox) cases in multiple locations into December /update 4, Puerto Rico: Activists to protest energy company in San Juan Nov. 29, Caribbean: A magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs in the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico Nov. 17. If you have more than five days to spend in Puerto Rico, you can rent a car and head to the west coast where youll find gorgeous, less populated beaches, and delicious seafood. Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin, Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester, Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed. This is required even for those with a proof of vaccination. Locals say you can also go surfing along the coast of Rincon (where you might catch a glimpse of a humpback whale) or hike up to the breathtaking Rio Camuy Cave Park in Quebrada. Published , home of Flamenco Beach, one of the top 10 beaches in the world. WebEffective June 12, 2022 - International travelers no longer need to present a negative covid-19 test result or recovery certificate when entering Puerto Rico. Officials have removed time limits on operations for certain businesses and increased capacity limits for some establishments. As the pandemic evolves, so will our efforts surrounding the health and safety of visitors and residents.". I understand that I may unsubscribe at any time. Puerto Rico does not have a vaccine mandate for domestic arrivals or require Americans to present a negative COVID test. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region. Top image: Pigeons crowd the streets of Old San Juan, a popular tourist destination. Those unvaccinated or between the ages of 2 and 11 must also wear masks in public areas when unable to social distance. In the first four Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. For more information on federal US travel restrictions, click here. Be sure that yourroutine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination. Puerto Ricos second-largest town, Ponce is less crowded than San Juan but offers a similar collection of history, great restaurants, and access to nature. fortress, bring a blanket, pick a spot and watch the sunset. Workers in multiple types of private businesses, including supermarkets, restaurants, and bars, must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The colonial architecture and cobblestone streets are sure to transport you back in time. Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory also excludes it from the CDC requirement that visitors entering or returning to the U.S. mainland must show a negative Covid test. Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In-depth intelligence and swift, actionable plans to mitigate risk and protect your corporate assets. Puerto Rico this week is dropping nearly all travel-related COVID-19 restrictions for domestic travelers from the U.S. as case counts on the island continue to fall. Besides this, all travelers must fill out an Online Travel Declaration Form. Check out our articles COVID-19 travel restrictions in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, France, and Cuba. Effective June 12, 2022 - International travelers no longer need to present a negative covid-19 test result or recovery certificate when entering Puerto Rico. Once you feel the need to take a break from the sun (and you will!) If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so. avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at, avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness, contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention, consult a lawyer in Canada and in Puerto Rico to explore all the legal options for the return of your child, report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Childrens Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre, know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks, be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip, stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts, carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator, follow the advice and instructions of local authorities. Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals. Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is the historic part of the city where youll find most museums and cultural events. 2023 Cable News Network. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. A spectacular view of the Napali Coast on Kauai island. Puerto Rico, which along with Hawaii has maintained some of the strictest Covid-19 measures in the United States, announced Monday its relaxing travel restrictions. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles. Like any destination at the moment, travel to Puerto Rico comes with elevated risks especially if youre unvaccinated. Puerto Rico was hit hard by the pandemic, as many Caribbean destinations were, but it came back better than ever beginning in 2021, with new campaigns celebrating San Juan's 500th anniversary, the island's LGBTQ+ friendliness and plenty of new developments. But. Confirm entry, exit and visa requirements prior to travelling: Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. If youre looking for nightlife, great restaurants, and a town that tingles with history, this is the place to go. Starting March 10, travelers heading to Puerto Rico on a domestic flight won't be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. All Rights Reserved. As a domestic traveler, do I still need to take a COVID-19 test? The currency of Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar. All air passengers 2 or older with a flight departing to the United States from a foreign country are required to test negative for Covid-19 no more than one day before travel or present documentation of having recently recovered from Covid-19 before they board their flight. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Individuals entering any crowded event, including in theaters and stadiums, must be fully vaccinated and present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to the event. For now, people still must wear face masks while on public transportation (including airplanes, trains, subways, buses and taxis) while traveling into, within or out of the United States. Get the flu shot. If a traveler is unvaccinated and hasn't presented proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test, they'll be required to test themselves upon arrival and will quarantine until they receive their results. Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the United States. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Starting March 10, travelers heading to Puerto Rico on a domestic flight won't be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, nor will they be required to complete a travel declaration form before their trip, according to Discover Puerto Rico, the island's destination marketing organization. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. But there are also tons of places in Puerto Rico to visit off the beaten path. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors.