Planning to come to Puerto Rico over the holidays, or to go from Puerto Rico to the States? New regulations for safe travel have just gone into effect.
Coming from Puerto Rico to the States
The U.S. has some new safety measures in place, but they apply only to international travelers. Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, there are no special requirements for people traveling from Puerto Rico to a state.
Eight states accept the Global VacuID:
- California
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
However, traveling from the Island to a state continues to be just the same as going from one state to another.
You may find websites saying that a negative COVID-19 test is required for anyone regardless of nationality or vaccination status, traveling to the U.S. from Puerto Rico. This is not true. It is widely believed, though, so you may need to be prepared to spend a little extra time.
Upon returning to Puerto Rico from the States, you willed to follow the process described below.
Coming from the States to Puerto Rico
To enter Puerto Rico from a state, whether by plane or by ship, you must fill out a Travel Safe Travelers Declaration. Go to the Travel Safe website, register, and fill out the form. This will include you in the Sara Alert electronic system.
You will need to attach a copy of your vaccination form, or a negative COVID-19 test performed 72 hours prior to your arrival. This is required for all visitors age 2 years or older.
If you are fully vaccinated as of two weeks before your departure, and have uploaded proof of vaccination, you do not also have to provide a test result. You must still register at the Travel Safe website and complete the Travelers Declaration.
If you arrive in Puerto Rico without completing this step
If you arrive in Puerto Rico without having completed your Travelers Declaration, you will be able to fill it out at the airport. If you are not fully vaccinated at that time, you will have 48 hours to take the test and upload the results to Travel Safe. You will be quarantined at your own expense while waiting for the test results.
Anyone who refuses the test will be quarantined, at their own expense, for 14 days. Also, anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be required to test and quarantine while waiting for test results.
In addition, there will be random tests performed at the airport. The current plan is to test 100 travelers each day, but this may change as the Omicron variant develops.
Masks are mandatory
Puerto Rico continues to prioritize safety.
Masks are required in all indoor public spaces and at large gatherings outdoors, or when social distancing is not possible.
Have a safe and healthy holiday!
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