Entering Puerto Rico During the Covid-19 Pandemic

In response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Puerto Rico has established the following rules for entering the island:

Each visitor must complete the Travel Declaration Form via the government's online portal.

Fully vaccinated travelers entering via domestic flights (from the U.S. mainland) will need to upload copies of their vaccination cards. Those travelers are not required to submit Covid-19 test results.  

Each unvaccinated or international visitor must submit negative results from a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to visiting the island. Those who arrive without having uploaded results will receive a $300 fine. 

Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, American citizens who visit the island are exempt from the CDC requirement to provide negative Covid-19 test results before returning to the mainland.  

For a complete rundown of Puerto Rico's entry requirements and safety restrictions while on the island, visit the official tourism site, DiscoverPuertoRico.com.  

And for a helpful overview of pandemic travel rules in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean destinations, visit Frommer's frequently updated resources page. 

Passports

U.S. citizens coming from mainland destinations do not need passports to enter Puerto Rico. However, it is necessary to produce a government-issued photo ID to board a plane.

Visitors from other countries, including Canada, need a valid passport to land in Puerto Rico. For those from countries requiring a visa to enter the U.S., the same visa is necessary to enter Puerto Rico.

It is advised to always have at least one or two consecutive blank pages in your passport to allow space for visas and stamps that need to appear together. It is also important to note when your passport expires. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months left before its expiration in order to allow you into the destination.

Passport Office Links for Select English-Speaking Countries

Visas

The U.S. Department of State has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of participating countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. To find a list of participating countries and other info about the program, visit the website of the U.S. State Department.  

Citizens of all other countries must have 1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of the visit to the U.S. and 2) a tourist visa.

For information about U.S. visas, go to travel.state.gov.

Customs

U.S. citizens do not need to clear Puerto Rican Customs upon arrival by plane or ship from the U.S. mainland.

International travelers should consult the official website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for information on what can be brought into Puerto Rico.  

Before departing the island, U.S.-bound travelers must have their luggage inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to laws that prohibit bringing fruits and plants to the U.S. mainland. Otherwise, you can bring back as many purchased goods as you want without paying duty.

For information on what non-U.S. citizens can bring home from Puerto Rico, be sure to check with your home country. Some helpful links for several English-speaking nations:

• Australia: abf.gov.au (click "Entering and leaving Australia")

• Canada: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

• New Zealand: customs.govt.nz

• United Kingdom: gov.uk

Medical Requirements

If you have a medical condition that requires syringe-administered medications, carry a valid signed prescription from your physician; syringes in carry-on baggage will be inspected. Insulin in any form should have the proper pharmaceutical documentation. If you have a disease that requires treatment with narcotics, you should also carry documented proof with you—smuggling narcotics aboard a plane carries severe penalties in the U.S.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.