Home to three of the world's five bioluminescent beaches and the only rainforest in the U.S. national parks system, El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico offers a vibrant multicultural history and stunning natural wonders that attract many travelers to the gorgeous, resilient island. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya. However, Experiencing Planet Positive Travel At Wakaya, Fiji's Most Luxurious Private Island, The Greek Island Glow With Virgin Voyages, American Queen Voyages Spring Savings Event. The new travel rules are an expansion of the island's decision to ease some restrictions earlier this year when officials eliminated a pre-arrival testing requirement for vaccinated travelers and allowed unvaccinated travelers to skip quarantine if they arrived with proof of a negative test taken within the past two days. It can also be sexually transmitted. Drivers may be aggressive, and few use their signals. Puerto Rico If Hawaii is too far away, but you still want to enjoy a domestic tropical getaway, it can be easier to visit Puerto Rico. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. . , travelers will find plenty of activities away from big crowds. International arrivals 18 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter, with limited exceptions. Top image: Pigeons crowd the streets of Old San Juan, a popular tourist destination. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Travel Advisory, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory, North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Travel Advisory, Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, are prevalent. Ensure that your belongings, including your passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Currently, all travelers arriving on a domestic flight must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of arriving. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. Hawaii is relaxing its Covid-19 restrictions later this month. Or better yet,talk to a localin the destination you want to visit. Its 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. Individual establishments remain free to implement their own vaccination requirements and mask mandates. Selling Groups, family and Adventure Travel. Taxis are widely available. Authorities in Puerto Rico have recently tightened several COVID-19-related domestic measures as of early January. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. As a domestic traveler, do I still need to take a COVID-19 test? But is Puerto Rico safe? Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Youll see a unique side of a destination and travel independentlyall while saving time and money in the planning process. Take the town of. to visit off the beaten path. Credit cards are widely accepted. At night head back to Old San Juan and enjoy the many bars, restaurants, night clubs and jazz clubs along Calle San Sebastian and its alleyways. El Morro is the oldest and the most visible when approaching the island by sea, as its signature star-shaped structure protrudes from the side of the island, a sentinel of protection and resilience for centuries. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another countrys judicial affairs. The destination's marketing organization, Discover Puerto Rico, is also doubling its funding this year to promote the island among domestic and international travelers as well as restore or revitalize some of the island's main attractions, some of which have been damaged by the hurricanes of the past few years. 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. Nonresident foreign nationals aged 18 or older must be fully vaccinated to enter Puerto Rico from abroad by air. All Rights Reserved. Learn more about travelling with children. Information about foreign domestic airlines. Authorities in Puerto Rico have eased several COVID-19-related domestic and travel measures as of mid-February. Note that one restriction still remains for international travelers. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. WebLatest Updates. Get the flu shot. IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk. LTA Ultra Summit. Effective Feb. 2, Puerto Rico is eliminating the Covid-19 testing requirement for entry for vaccinated visitors traveling from the U.S. who are age 5 and older. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the United States, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. A spectacular view of the Napali Coast on Kauai island. If you have not receive your test result at the moment of arrival they will explain how to upload the results into your account once you receive them. Updated March 10, 2022. You can also head to the east coast where you can visit. Zika virus can causeserious birth defects. Go where the locals go in Puerto Rico. Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Travelers should also be aware that many attractions will require proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to gain entry. Access Our Library of Risk Management Content. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine. 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While the rules are changing for domestic visitors, international travelers who fly to a U.S. territory must still show proof of a negative test taken within one day of their departure. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. International Travel Restrictions Travelers must continue to follow the federal requirements for travel from outside the US and US territories. Most activities are in the open air, and people in Puerto Rico also take the pandemic very seriously. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. If you dont have many days to spare, staying in the capital city of San Juan will allow you to get a taste of everything, from cultural events, beaches, delicious food, fun nightlife, and more. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), New hair, who dis!? If youre looking for nightlife, great restaurants, and a town that tingles with history, this is the place to go. Interdictions continue to rise in FY 2023 with 7,402 through January, almost 60 percent of the total in FY 2022 within four months. To receive updated Travel Advisories and Alerts,choose the method that works best for you at travel.state.gov/stayingconnected. As of March 10, all pandemic-era protocols for domestic travelers have been lifted, providing even more incentive to visit the Caribbean island territory. Also starting Thursday, March 10, the Puerto Rican government is ending mask requirements for indoor and outdoor establishments. Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. For emergency consular assistance, call the Consulate General of Canada in Miami and follow the instructions. FY 2020 (2,079) and FY 2022 (12,521). Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Coastal waters can be dangerous. Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). Webfound a parking spot in condado by the beach. In the first four If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving. Before travelling, verify your destinations COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated. Until February 2nd, 2022, all restaurants, bars, theaters, stadiums, coliseums, convention centers, casinos, and any establishment that serves prepared food or drinks will limit capacity to 50% for indoor events/operations, and 75% for outdoor events. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Ready to have a local plan your trip to Puerto Rico. Check out our articles COVID-19 travel restrictions in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, France, and Cuba. To start, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory therefore U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to the Caribbean archipelago. In the U.S., Hawaii plans to end its Safe Travels program for domestic visitors later this month, and several cities have lifted vaccine mandates on indoor spaces like bars and restaurants, including New York City and Los Angeles. We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. Keep reading to find out. WebTravellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating Fully vaccinated individuals, traveling from the continental US or another US territory are not required to take a pre-travel test. FY 2020 (2,079) and FY 2022 (12,521). We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. While in Puerto Rico masks are required indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Puerto Rico: Disruptions due to flooding, storm damage, and heavy rainfall ongoing in parts of Puerto Rico as of April 8, Caribbean: Officials report confirmed monkeypox (mpox) cases in multiple locations into December /update 4, Puerto Rico: Activists to protest energy company in San Juan Nov. 29, Caribbean: A magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs in the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico Nov. 17. Entry and exit requirements for the United States, potential entry requirements related to yellow fever, General information for travellers with dual citizenship, List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention, International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents, Canadian embassies and consulates by destination, Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclonesand monsoons, Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings, https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Puerto-Rico, Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, Follow the instructions of local authorities, Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations, Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas, Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities, choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance, ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose, always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company, buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation, ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity, ensure that youre well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard, inform a family member or friend of your itinerary obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out. Starting Thursday, the US territory in the Caribbean will no longer require that domestic travelers provide proof of vaccination or take a Covid-19 test before arrival, However, if for some reason youre unable to fill out the form in advance there will be health workers ready to assist you at the airport once you arrive. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present: To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page. Packed. Demonstrations occur from time to time. Unvaccinated travelers are required to test at most 48 hours prior to arrival, but beginning February 2, they'll no longer need to undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine period should they test negative. Travel Agent Central. Puerto Rico will also eliminate its mask mandate and simply advise masks be worn in high-risk settings. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Puerto Rico without restrictions. However, international travelers that are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents must still present proof of vaccination. This is required even for those with a proof of vaccination. 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. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. What should travelers expect once they arrive on the island? The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. The Safe Travels program applies only to domestic arrivals. For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:Zika virus: Advice for travellers. 2. Copyright 2019 Serious Travel Couple | All Rights Reserved | Powered by, Due to the latest Omicron variant surge Puerto Rico is now requiring all domestic travelers older than two years to, provide a negative result of a molecular or antigen test for COVID-19, performed within the period of 48 hours before arriving. Interdictions continue to rise in FY 2023 with 7,402 through January, almost 60 percent of the total in FY 2022 within four Traveling to Puerto Rico is also an excellent way to help locals recover from the pandemic and Hurricane Fiona. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. People entering private and public venues will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results. there are old parking meters at the other end of the block. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country. Traveling to Puerto Rico is becoming easier as the island continues to lead vaccination efforts and contagion rates continue to decrease, said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, the islands direct marketing organization. Stay home if youre sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the United States. Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know. Domestic travelers who are fully vaccinated do not need to test before arrival. Tourist taxis are white and have a Taxi Turstico label on the door. Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Offers may be subject to change without notice. A local in Puerto Rico can help you find out if the places youre going to in Puerto Rico have stricter rules than the island as a whole. American travelers heading back to a U.S. state after visiting Puerto Rico are exempt from the testing requirement. Looking forward to continuing ha, Happy New Year from Medelln, Colombia! Bus and light rail (Tren Urbano) services are available in the metropolitan San Juan area. Capacity limits have been removed for both private and public establishments (indoors and outdoors) including restaurants, bars, theaters and event venues. Due to the latest Omicron variant surge Puerto Rico is now requiring all domestic travelers older than two years to provide a negative result of a molecular or antigen test for COVID-19 performed within the period of 48 hours before arriving. Travel to Puerto Rico just became a lot smoother. Here's why. Starting March 10, travelers heading to Puerto Rico on a domestic flight won't be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. As pandemic destinations go, Puerto Rico is hard to beat. There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. There is no doubt that Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise, and a very convenient one to travel to from the continental U.S.A. especially for those flying from the east coast states. Take the town of Ponce. Failure to comply will result in a fine of $300. You may also be subject to differententry/exit requirements. The convention applies between Canada and the United States. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. 2:17 PM EST, Tue March 8, 2022, Pigeons crowd the streets of Old San Juan as onlookers observe on April 6, 2021. Access Our Library of Risk Management Content. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Connect with a local today to learn more. Take normal security precautions in Puerto Rico. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. International Travel RestrictionsTravelers must continue to follow the federal requirements for travel from outside the US and US territories. The only remaining requirement for international travelers is to take a COVID-19 test PCR or antigen within one day of their departure, regardless of vaccination status. Starting March 10, 2022, travelers no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to travel to Puerto Rico if they are For the latest insight on travel to Puerto Rico, check out this interactive guide: Lacey Pfalz is a freelance Associate Writer for TravelPulse. If youve heard about these requirements, they were likely true in 2021, but now you can travel much more freely. Puerto Rico will eliminate all pandemic-related border protocols for domestic travelers this week, opening the door to much easier travel between the island territory and mainland United States. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. It's also not listed by the State Department because of its territory status, like the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy shouldvisit a health care professionalbefore travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. U.S. citizens and permanent residents don't need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico, as long as you don't connect in Mexico or another foreign airport. If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will NOT be allowed to board a flight to the United States and its territories, unless you meet the criteria for an exception under the Proclamation and, Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the countrys entry rules. If youre looking to escape the crowds, theres 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. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Travel Agent University. These changes only affect U.S. travelers; international travelers may still need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to gain entry into Puerto Rico. Travelers must also follow the federal requirements for travel from outside the US and US territories: most nonresident foreign nationals must be fully vaccinated to A Red Ventures company. In the evening, grab the best coconut mojito youve had at Ostra Cosa and walk to El Morro fortress, bring a blanket, pick a spot and watch the sunset. avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at, avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness, contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention, consult a lawyer in Canada and in Puerto Rico to explore all the legal options for the return of your child, report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Childrens Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre, know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks, be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip, stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts, carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator, follow the advice and instructions of local authorities. Hurricanes usually occurfrom mid-May to the end of November. Puerto Rico Travel Restrictions To Know Before Your Arrival, go, Puerto Rico is fairly easy to visit. February 23, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. EST Jen Ruiz, a travel blogger based in Puerto Rico, is following that path. Starting Thursday, domestic visitors from the U.S. will no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test to enter. * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. 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. Risk is higher among children,travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. You can also head to the east coast where you can visit El Yunque rainforest, try the seafood and local eats in Luquillo, and even hop on a ferry and visit the islands of Vieques or Culebra, home of Flamenco Beach, one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Starting March 10, travelers heading to Puerto Rico on a domestic flight won't be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, nor will they be required to complete a travel declaration form before their trip, according to Discover Puerto Rico, the island's destination marketing organization. It can, however, change at any time.