What You Need To Know Before Visiting Puerto Rico This Summer
What To Know Before Traveling To Puerto Rico
When it comes to traveling to the Caribbean, you can’t go wrong in Puerto Rico. After all, the island is a U.S. territory, meaning that Americans can visit without a passport. Beyond the simplicity, Puerto Rico offers a wide range of unique experiences and highlights, including hundreds of amazing beaches, fascinating history, culture, cuisine and nightlife in places like San Juan, as many as 18 sensational golf courses, miles and miles of magnificent hiking trails and an array of water sports, just to name a few.
Visitors can look forward to sampling some of the island’s rum, soaking in its vibrant culture at a festival, art gallery or concert, or kicking back on any one of the sparkling shorelines. With COVID-19 restrictions loosening across the Caribbean, travelers will be pleased to know that visiting Puerto Rico this summer is both safe and affordable. Before you visit, here’s a look at some of the latest information regarding travel and local restrictions as well as what visitors can expect.
Travel Requirements in Puerto Rico
Americans visiting Puerto Rico no longer require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result. As of June 12, international travelers that are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents must still present proof of vaccination.
Local Restrictions in Puerto Rico
There are no mask mandates in Puerto Rico with the exception of events hosting more than 1,000 people. Nonetheless, officials still recommend mask usage for situations where vaccination status cannot be guaranteed and point out that individual establishments reserve the right to implement their own requirements regarding masks and COVID-19 safety protocols.
The COVID-19 Situation in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has reported just under 40,000 new positive COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks. As of last month, Puerto Rico has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the U.S., boasting a vaccination rate of 155,266 doses administered per 100,000 people. Currently, 95 percent of the eligible population have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 87 percent are fully vaccinated against the virus.
What’s Open in Puerto Rico
Public beaches, natural reserves and marinas throughout Puerto Rico are currently open and restaurants, sporting venues and other attractions are operating at full capacity. Visitors won’t need proof of vaccination or a negative test result to check in to hotels and other accommodations but those attending a concert or show at the following venues are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken at least 72 hours prior: Coliseo de Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Convention Center and The Coca-Cola Music Hall.
Puerto Rico Tourism Is Rebounding
Puerto Rico is bouncing back in a big way when it comes to tourism. The island received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp in 2020 and has been working its way back ever since. “Puerto Rico was one of the first destinations in the Western Hemisphere to design and implement an industry-specific safety and health program for the entire destination with the creation of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company Gold Star Health and Safety Seal Certification,” Puerto Rico Tourism Company Executive Director Carla Campos said at the time. Nearly two years later, Puerto Rico is experiencing surging arrival numbers. That trend is poised to continue as more travelers seek to ‘Live Boricua.’