What You Need To Know About Traveling to Puerto Rico This Summer

Puerto Rico remains an enticing summer travel destination as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues and travel restrictions loosen around the world. For Americans, the Caribbean island is a convenient tropical getaway that doesn't require a passport or lengthy travel time, especially for those visiting from the East Coast. The U.S. territory is mostly open heading into the summer so travelers can look forward to a great experience with minimal hurdles to clear for entry. Here's what visitors to Puerto Rico need to know before they go.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises getting fully vaccinated before traveling to Puerto Rico and avoiding non-essential travel if you're unvaccinated, issuing a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the island that warns of a high level of COVID-19. Visitors should also wear a mask, stay six feet from others, avoid crowds and wash or sanitize their hands often. As of May 18, Puerto Rico has reported approximately 171,000 COVID-19 cases, including 2,438 deaths.

Americans will not require a passport to visit Puerto Rico but they will need to complete the Travel Declaration Form and provide proof of vaccination or upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test (nasal or throat swab) result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival to the Puerto Rico Health Department's online portal in order to produce a QR code. Starting May 24, fully vaccinated travelers arriving on domestic flights will not require a test. Keep in mind that the island is not accepting rapid tests as they can sometimes yield false results. Travelers awaiting test results or arriving without a test will have 48 hours to get tested and upload their results or risk a $300 fine. COVID-19 PCR testing is available seven days a week at San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport for a cost of $110. Fortunately, since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it's excluded from the CDC requirement to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of return travel to the mainland U.S.

Experts advise people who are sick, an older adult or someone with chronic medical conditions to delay or avoid travel amid the pandemic. Meanwhile, the latest CDC guidance states that "people who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States and U.S. territories." While fully vaccinated travelers don't need to test before travel unless required by their destination nor do they need to self-quarantine, they are encouraged to continue following CDC recommendations for traveling safely such as wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent hand washing. Vaccinated individuals should also self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, isolate and get tested if they develop symptoms after travel. Unvaccinated travelers should wear a mask, social distance and wash their hands frequently as well as take a viral test one to three days before their trip and three to five days after returning home. Unvaccinated individuals should also self-isolate upon their return home, quarantining for seven days with a negative test result and 10 days if they choose not to get tested.

Visitors to Puerto Rico this summer shouldn't expect to be too limited in terms of their experience as restrictions have begun to roll back after the island saw its worst outbreak of the pandemic earlier this spring. Some of the island's marquee experiences, including public beaches and nature reserves, are open as are many attractions such as museums, at limited capacity. Restaurants, malls, casinos and theaters are operating at 30 percent capacity. Taxis, public transportation and ferries to Vieques and Culebra are also operating.

In a time of uncertainty, the benefits of working with an experienced travel advisor are a sure thing. A trusted travel professional can save you valuable time and money while helping you book your ideal itinerary within your budget. These advocates will also keep you up to date on the latest travel advisories, restrictions and requirements for your destination so you know exactly what to expect. In the event that something doesn't go as planned, a travel advisor is there to help and take action on your behalf in a way travel websites aren't. Head to TravelSense.org to begin your search for an American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) verified travel professional based on your destination and trip type.