Latest Update – As of September 12, Puerto Rico has once again reopened its borders for tourism.
Puerto Rico has officially reopened its borders to international travelers on July 15, 2020. However, on July 16, the government announced that it is postponing its reopening plans due to the surge of Covid-19 cases. Now that there’s a significant drop in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country, the authorities have decided to proceed with their tourism reopening plans.
All passenger flights have been diverted to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan. The Puerto Rico National Guard will assist in the enhanced health screenings for all passengers on arrival, and only travelers with a negative COVID-19 test will be allowed to enter.
What To Expect On Arrival
Facemasks are mandatory for all passengers arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Thermographic cameras have been installed to monitor the temperatures of all arriving passengers. Below are the requirements that all passengers must
Passengers must fill out the travel declaration form that the Puerto Rico Health Department will provide. They must also present a negative molecular COVID-19 test, which was taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and go on a mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days, or the length of the visit, whichever is shorter.
Visitors must cover the medical expenses and any other expenses that will be incurred for the quarantine and for possible extended stay in the country.
Who Can Enter Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico allows visitors from all countries to enter EXCEPT for those coming from the following countries:
- All European Union Countries
- China
- Brazil
- UK
- Ireland
- Iran
What’s Opening in Puerto Rico?
Measures are gradually lifting in Puerto Rico. Sunbathing and other activities at the beach are allowed. However, group gatherings are only limited to those who belong in the same household. Visitors to public beaches and nature parks must adhere to social distancing guidelines and masks must be worn when not in the water. Competitive games such as volleyball and other water sports activities are not allowed on the beaches
Museums will operate at 50% capacity, swimming pools will be open at 25% capacity, and shopping malls, retail stores and restaurants will cater to customers at 50% capacity. Bars, cafes and discos remain closed, although theaters, casinos and gyms can open at 25% capacity.
An island-wide curfew of 10 PM to 5 AM remains in effect, although the lockdown will be lifted on Sundays.
El Yunque National Forest, one of Puerto Rico’s most popular attractions, is partially open but with limited capacity. Advance reservations are required for the main recreation areas.
Visitors and residents must wear a facemask while in public and will be subjected to a fine if they refuse. Social distancing will be enforced and capacities on public places all over the island were adjusted.
Staying At Hotels
Most hotels have remained open and distancing measures have been in place:
- Face coverings are mandatory in public areas.
- Hotel pool facilities and fitness centers are open except for the sauna.
- All guests are advised to follow the locally enforced measures including social distancing.
- Restaurants within hotels and resorts are open but will only welcome guests at 75% capacity.
Certifications were given on hotels that have been thoroughly sanitized in accordance with the standards set by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC). Upon check-in, guests will be given a Health and Safety guide that details the specialized measures implemented by the property.
See the detailed restrictions and live report for Puerto Rico here.
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