Traveling to Puerto Rico in 2022
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. To start, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory therefore U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to the Caribbean archipelago. The currency is the U.S. dollar and, although Spanish it’s the official language, English is widely spoken especially in the city. All of this makes Puerto Rico the ideal destination for either a weekend getaway, an extended vacation, or even a hub for remote work. Given the continued COVID-19 surges and the ever changing travel restrictions that comes with it, Puerto Rico might be a great option since it is considered a domestic destination.
Requirements to Enter Puerto Rico
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. This is required even for those with a proof of vaccination. On the other hand, international travelers are required to provide a negative result of a molecular or antigen test for COVID-19 performed in a period no longer than one (1) day before boarding a flight to Puerto Rico. Besides this, all travelers must fill out an Online Travel Declaration Form.
However, if for some reason you’re unable to fill out the form in advance there will be health workers ready to assist you at the airport once you arrive. In this case, they will ask for your boarding pass, ID, proof of vaccination, and your negative test result in order to create an online account for you and fill out the travel declaration form. 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. You’ll have 48 hours to provide this. Failure to comply will result in a fine of $300.
| 1. | Requirements to Enter Puerto Rico |
| 2. | Safety Protocols During Your Stay |
| 3. | Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| 4. | Beyond San Juan |
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. To start, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory therefore U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to the Caribbean archipelago. The currency is the U.S. dollar and, although Spanish it’s the official language, English is widely spoken especially in the city. All of this makes Puerto Rico the ideal destination for either a weekend getaway, an extended vacation, or even a hub for remote work. Given the continued COVID-19 surges and the ever changing travel restrictions that comes with it, Puerto Rico might be a great option since it is considered a domestic destination.
| 1. | Requirements to Enter Puerto Rico |
| 2. | Safety Protocols During Your Stay |
| 3. | Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| 4. | Beyond San Juan |
Requirements to Enter Puerto Rico
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. This is required even for those with a proof of vaccination. On the other hand, international travelers are required to provide a negative result of a molecular or antigen test for COVID-19 performed in a period no longer than one (1) day before boarding a flight to Puerto Rico. Besides this, all travelers must fill out an Online Travel Declaration Form.
However, if for some reason you’re unable to fill out the form in advance there will be health workers ready to assist you at the airport once you arrive. In this case, they will ask for your boarding pass, ID, proof of vaccination, and your negative test result in order to create an online account for you and fill out the travel declaration form. 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. You’ll have 48 hours to provide this. Failure to comply will result in a fine of $300.
Safety Protocols During Your Stay
The government of Puerto Rico has put in place local measures to ensure the safety of everyone and avoid the spread of the virus as much as possible. While in Puerto Rico masks are required indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Those unvaccinated or between the ages of 2 and 11 must also wear masks in public areas when unable to social distance. Additionally, the following measures are in place:
- Everyone attending mass events, both indoors and outdoors, are required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken in the 48 hours prior to the event.
- All establishments serving food or drinks must require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (either antigen or PCR) taken 48 hours prior to arrival.
- 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.
- Until February 2nd 2022, all business will close between midnight and 5 AM. This restriction does not affect health services, including testing sites, laboratories, and pharmacies.
- Until February 2nd 2022, alcohol sale is also prohibited between midnight and 5 AM.
Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a lot to offer to people of all ages. If you don’t 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.
Old San Juan is the historic part of the city where you’ll find most museums and cultural events. The colonial architecture and cobblestone streets are sure to transport you back in time. From here you can walk to the beach and spend all day relaxing and sunbathing. Once you feel the need to take a break from the sun (and you will!) you can visit museums, go on a walking tour, taste some delicious Puerto Rican food, go for a shopping spree at the many small shops as well as shopping centers, take a tour to discover the influence of the African heritage at the picturesque little town of Loíza, Capital of our African Tradition, or enjoy a tour of the Bacardi Rum Distillery.
In the evening, grab the best coconut mojito you’ve had at Ostra Cosa and walk to El Morro fortress, bring a blanket, pick a spot and watch the sunset. At night head back to Old San Juan and enjoy the many bars, restaurants, night clubs and jazz clubs along Calle San Sebastian and it’s alleyways.
Beyond San Juan
If you have more than five days to spend in Puerto Rico, you can rent a car and head to the west coast where you’ll find gorgeous, less populated beaches, and delicious seafood. 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.
