Puerto Rico Tightens Entry Requirements For American Tourists

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Puerto Rico Tightens Its Entry Requirements 

Puerto Rico—one of the most popular destinations for U.S tourists—has tightened its entry requirements following the Omicron outbreak. Until now, Puerto Rico hadn’t changed its entry requirements since Omicron emerged.

The new restrictions will start just after Christmas day.

The New Restrictions In Full 

Starting December 27, all passengers arriving in Puerto Rico via domestic flights must show a negative COVID-19 test taken 48 hours prior to departure regardless of their vaccination status. Otherwise, travelers will have to take a test on arrival and be subject to fines.

Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 7 days on arrival regardless of whether they provide a positive or negative COVID-19 test. Puerto Rico requires all vaccinated travelers to upload an official vaccination card through the Travel Declaration Form portal. 

Also, Puerto Rico will require all establishments serving food and drink—such as restaurants and bars—to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken 48 hours prior to arrival starting December 27.  

Puerto Rico officials also that those between the ages of 5 and 11 years old can attend large outdoor events by providing negative COVID-19 tests taken 48 hours prior to arrival throughout January. 

However, starting February 1, 2022, those between 5 and 11 years old will be subject to the same guidelines as adults. Therefore, they will need proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test taken 48 hours prior to arrival to enter large outdoor events. 

Travelers Arriving On International Flights

The rules for tourists arriving on international flights are slightly different. From December 6, all tourists arriving on international flights must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one day prior to departure along with proof of vaccination. 

Non-U.S. citizens and long-term residents will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling by air to the United States from a foreign country.

The New Restrictions Within The Island: What You Should Know 

Mask Usage 

• Puerto Rico requires all travelers—regardless of their vaccination status—to wear masks in indoor places. Unvaccinated people between 2 and 11 must wear masks in public areas, including outdoor areas, when social distancing isn’t possible. 
• Ferries operating to and from Culebra and Vieques require passengers to wear masks for the duration of the journey 

Beaches 

• All public beaches remain open despite the increase in restrictions; however, travelers should follow social distancing guidelines on all beaches. 

Restaurants 

• From December 27, all establishments serving food and drink will require citizens and tourists to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to arrival 

Businesses And Other Establishments 

• Most businesses in Puerto Rico require all travelers to wear masks regardless of vaccination status 
• Some businesses will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination upon arrival, depending on the business 

Events 

• From December 22, everyone attending mass events in Puerto Rico must provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken 48 hours prior to arrival. This includes mass events taking place at theaters, coliseums, stadiums, convention centers, and amphitheaters. 

The Current COVID-19 Situation In Puerto Rico

Cases have skyrocketed in Puerto Rico thanks to the Omicron variant. The current 7-day case average is 5,712; that’s more than double the 7-day case average of any time during the pandemic.

Puerto Rico has a high vaccination rate with 5.84 million vaccine doses given and 76.6% of the population fully vaccinated.

Read More:

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