Is It Safe to Travel to Puerto Rico Now? Here's What to Know

Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico? Generally—yes! This island destination is full of adventure, beauty, and fun.

Locals tell us that as long as travelers are aware of a few safety precautions, they should be fine traveling to Puerto Rico. 

What to know about Puerto Rico and the coronavirus pandemic

Like any destination, travel to Puerto Rico comes with new risks because of the coronavirus pandemic. But the island has been pretty successful in keeping the virus at bay. 

The island was one of the first jurisdictions to issue a mask mandate. Puerto Rico has also been aggressive in using curfews, closures, and capacity rules to limit community spread. And people are starting to get vaccinated. Vieques and Culebra, two smaller islands of Puerto Rico's coast, are on track to be fully immunized. 

So, what should travelers keep in mind? 

Americans might not need a passport (remember, Puerto Rico is part of the United States) but they will need a few other things to enter. Currently, travelers will need: 

• A health declaration form
• A negative PCR test no older than 72 hours (a rapid test won't cut it). 

If you arrive without a test, you'll have to quarantine. The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport offers tests for $110. 

Once on the island, locals ask that all visitors follow basic coronavirus precautions. That means wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, following curfew rules, and not consuming alcohol in public.

Travelers acting badly have been a real problem in Puerto Rico. So be chill! Follow local rules. And wear that mask. 

Tourism dollars help locals in Puerto Rico

It might sound a bit strange, but short of donating to charity, visiting Puerto Rico is one of the best things you can do to boos the island's economy. Puerto Rico thrives off its tourism industry. Translation: just going to Puerto Rico is helpful—as long as you prioritize locally owned businesses and avoid the big-name hotels. There are so many wonderful boutique hotels and cool island hostels!

Note: When you have a ViaHero local help you plan your trip, 70% of the cost goes directly to the Puerto Rican local doing the planning.

The water in Puerto Rico is safe to drink—but read this first

Sure, Puerto Rico’s beaches are known for their crystal clear and breathtakingly blue water. But when it comes to drinking water, things are a bit hit-and-miss.

Simple solution: if you're in the cities, you'll be fine. If you're in the countryside and you’ve got a soft stomach, drink bottled water instead of tap.

Note: We had no problem drinking the tap water in San Juan.

Crime levels are really low

There was definitely a spike in crime post Hurricane Maria in 2017 (because no one had any food or water).

Nowadays, however, things have calmed significantly and crime is back down to pre-hurricane levels.

And given that Puerto Rico is much safer than most US states, that’s saying something.

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Ready to book your trip to Puerto Rico? We thought so! Our team of Puerto Rican locals is here and ready to help you plan your trip. It's like having a best friend in Puerto Rico work with you to create a guidebook full of personalized recommendations and insider safety tips. 

• Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
• Why You Need to Travel to Puerto Rico ASAP
• How to Travel to Puerto Rico 2021
• Puerto Rico’s Beaches: The Ultimate Guide
• Contact Us