From tomorrow – 10 March – Puerto Rico will be dropping all vaccine and testing requirements for U.S. travelers.
Having reported just last month that the Caribbean island no longer required fully vaccinated American travelers to present a negative Covid test result before entry – the U.S. territory is now easing its entry requirements even further for U.S. citizens.
And, with the number of new positive Covid cases continuing to drop in Puerto Rico – to as low as 150 new cases a day being reported in the few days – the authorities have seen this as a good time to relax the Covid-19 restrictions for domestic American travelers.
So, What Are The Entry Requirements For U.S. Travelers?
Well, from tomorrow (10 March) visitors from the U.S. will no longer be asked to show proof of vaccination – or be required to present a negative Covid test result in order to enter Puerto Rico.
U.S. travelers will also no longer be required to complete a travel declaration form upon their arrival into the U.S. territory – which would usually have required information such as an individual’s vaccination details, as well as details of their negative covid test result.
The news is sure to be welcomed by American nationals looking to enjoy all that the Caribbean island has to offer – including the stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and its unique blend of Spanish and Caribbean culture.
International Travelers Are Still Required To Follow The Same U.S. Entry Rules
However, for international visitors wanting to visit Puerto Rico, there are still currently entry restrictions – with individuals who are arriving from another country needing to adhere to the U.S. entry requirements.
This includes:
- All international arrivals – aged 18 and above – are required to show proof of full vaccination.
- All international arrivals – aged 2 and above – are required to show proof of a negative Covid test result (which must have been taken no longer than 24-hours before departure) or be able to present a proof of Covid recovery certificate before departure.
There are, however, some exceptions when it comes to people not being fully vaccinated – and so it is recommended that travelers keep up to date with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance, which also includes details on which vaccines are recognised by the U.S. authorities.
Masks No Longer Required At Indoor Or Outdoor Venues
Along with the changes to the entry requirements for U.S. travelers, the Puerto Rico government has also announced that from tomorrow (10 March) face masks will no longer be required at indoor or outdoor venues.
They will, however, need to be worn when visiting some venues relating to healthcare.
U.S. travelers will also still be required to wear a face covering on board their airplane journey to Puerto Rico – with the Transport Security Administration (TSA) continuing to enforce the travel mask mandate.
Capacity Restrictions Will Also Be Lifted
It has also been announced that all capacity restrictions – currently applicable inside Puerto Rico – will be lifted.
This will now mean that places, including bars and restaurants – as well as entertainment venues such as sport stadiums and theaters – can now open to full capacity, instead of being restricted to 75% capacity as has been the case in recent times.
Anyone who now enters a private – or public – venue will also no longer be asked to show proof that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to enter. Unvaccinated individuals will also no longer be required to show the results of a negative Covid test.
Just a few weeks ago, a popular neighbouring Caribbean tourist destination – the Dominican Republic – removed all of its Covid-19 restrictions.
