Updated November 25, 2022

Puerto Rico has used a multi-pronged approach to the pandemic by using tactics from masks to curfews. While most of the rules have been lifted, Puerto Ricans still take the virus seriously; more than 95% of the population has received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

This guide lets travelers know what to expect when traveling to Puerto Rico, and what it’s like on the island once you arrive. It’s still possible to have an absolutely incredible adventure on the Island of Enchantment — you just need to prepare a little bit differently than you would have pre-pandemic.

And as for Hurricane Fiona, the island has largely recovered. The airport is open as normal and only a handful of outdoor destinations are still closed.

Is It Safe To Travel To Puerto Rico Right Now?

As COVID travel restrictions go, Puerto Rico is fairly easy to visit. But is Puerto Rico safe?

Like any destination at the moment, travel to Puerto Rico comes with elevated risks — especially if you’re unvaccinated. But the island has had an aggressive response to the pandemic.

One of the first jurisdictions to issue a mask mandate, Puerto Rico has also used curfews, closures, and capacity rules to keep cases at bay. Like most other places, it has had waves of the virus which have peaked at different points.

So what does it take to travel to Puerto Rico right now? What sort of COVID travel policies does the island have in place? What should travelers expect once they arrive on the island? Keep reading to find out.

Puerto Rico Travel Restrictions To Know Before Your Arrival

Puerto Rico does not have a vaccine mandate for domestic arrivals or require Americans to present a negative COVID test. 

Travelers from abroad must present proof of COVID vaccination to visit Puerto Rico for tourism.

What To Expect On A Trip To Puerto Rico

While Puerto Rico previously required weekly testing, proof of vaccination to visit restaurants, and had curfews for non-essential businesses, travel is now close to pre-pandemic normal. If you’ve heard about these requirements, they were likely true in 2021, but now you can travel much more freely.

However, you’ll still want to pack your mask and vaccination card because individual businesses are allowed to implement their own mask, vaccine, and testing rules.

The bottom line: expect to have fun but respect local rules and procedures, which may be more strict than what’s listed here.

Why Travel To Puerto Rico Right Now

As pandemic destinations go, Puerto Rico is hard to beat. Packed with hidden gems, gorgeous beaches, and fantastic hikes, travelers will find plenty of activities away from big crowds. Most activities are in the open air, and people in Puerto Rico also take the pandemic very seriously.

Traveling to Puerto Rico is also an excellent way to help locals recover from the pandemic and Hurricane Fiona. Much of the island’s economy relies on tourism; the more you put your travel dollars in local hands, the more it helps.

As for where to go on the island, San Juan is fantastic — Puerto Rico’s capital city offers plenty to do, including easy access to the island’s most fascinating landmarks. If you’re looking for nightlife, great restaurants, and a town that tingles with history, this is the place to go.

But there are also tons of places in Puerto Rico to visit off the beaten path. Take the town of Ponce. Puerto Rico’s second-largest town, Ponce is less crowded than San Juan but offers a similar collection of history, great restaurants, and access to nature.

Island locals 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. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, there’s nothing better than somewhere like Caja de Muertos, an island with no people but plenty of birds and turtles just off the coast of Ponce.

And that’s just one of the wonderful outdoor activities on the island. 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.