Puerto Rico Travel: What You Need To Know for 2022

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and U.S. territory located between the island of Hispaniola and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. It's one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in the Caribbean, with its oldest city, San Juan, celebrating its 500th birthday in 2021.

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.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, which means that travelers from the U.S. don't need to bring their passports along for entry. It's also not listed by the State Department because of its territory status, like the U.S. Virgin Islands.

That being said, travelers should always be cautious no matter where they travel, including to Puerto Rico. Knowing some Spanish will go a long way towards easily communicating with some locals, but otherwise, make sure to keep valuables in a safe place and book excursions and tours with reputable operators.

Beginning February 2, Puerto Rico will make entry requirements easier for travelers. Vaccinated travelers won't need to test negative prior to arriving in the territory. 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. If a traveler is unvaccinated and hasn't presented proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test, they'll be required to test themselves upon arrival and will quarantine until they receive their results. Those who test positive will be required to quarantine for ten days, but those who test negative can end quarantine immediately.

All travelers must also fill out Puerto Rico's Travel Health Declaration Form, found online, which provides a way to easily upload vaccine and test results to satisfy all requirements.

Masks are currently required indoors in Puerto Rico, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals and children 2-11 years old should wear masks outdoors in public spaces as well. Capacity limits for many venues are currently in place, as is a curfew. Travelers should also be aware that many attractions will require proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to gain entry.