Puerto Rico Eliminates All COVID Restrictions for Domestic Flight Travelers

As of March 10, 2022, travelers arriving in Puerto Rico on domestic flights from the U.S. mainland are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. However, those coming in on international flights must adhere to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines, which include showing proof of vaccination (one or two doses, completed at least 14 days prior, boosters not needed) and presenting a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of departure.

Effective March 10, there are no longer any capacity restrictions or requirements to present proof of vaccination status or negative COVID-19 tests for entry into restaurants, bars, theaters, event venues, and more. While masks are no longer mandatory across the island, they are recommended in situations where "vaccination status cannot be guaranteed." Individual establishments may still implement their own mask rules and safety protocols, including vaccination proof.

Here’s what you should know for safe and responsible travel in Puerto Rico right now.

Is Puerto Rico currently open for travel?

Yes, if you're an American traveler coming from the mainland United States.

For international travelers, Puerto Rico is open, but certain regulations apply. According to Discover Puerto Rico, the island's official tourism body, all travelers over the age of two arriving on international flights must provide a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test taken within one day before departure, along with proof of vaccination.

Unvaccinated travelers arriving on international flights can only enter if they are U.S. citizens.

What travel regulations are currently enforced for visiting Puerto Rico?

As of March 10, travelers arriving on domestic flights from the U.S. mainland are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results.

If a traveler tests positive while in Puerto Rico, they must quarantine and bear their own medical and extended stay costs until cleared by the Health Department. To be released from quarantine, individuals must take a test and submit the negative results to the authorities. Those who violate quarantine orders may face fines of up to $5,000 for the first infraction and up to $10,000 for subsequent violations.

Are COVID-19 tests necessary to return to the mainland United States from Puerto Rico?

No. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is exempt from the new CDC order mandating that all international travelers entering the United States—including returning U.S. citizens—must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding.

Nonetheless, the CDC still advises unvaccinated individuals to get tested one to three days before traveling back from Puerto Rico. Upon returning home, the CDC recommends self-quarantining for five days and testing three to five days after travel. Vaccinated travelers are advised to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and to isolate and get tested if any symptoms arise after their trip.

Which airlines currently operate flights to Puerto Rico?

Since Puerto Rico never closed its borders, major U.S. airlines continued their operations to and from the island. However, to enhance tracking of arrivals, flights were restricted to and from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport between March 2020 and April 2021.

Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla (BQN) and Mercedita International Airport in Ponce (PSE) reopened for passenger travel on April 1, 2021. As of March 10, 2022, airlines servicing Puerto Rico’s airports include American, Delta, Frontier, Spirit, Southwest, and United, among others.

What is currently open in Puerto Rico?

Previously, Puerto Rico had an island-wide curfew, capacity restrictions for businesses, and a mask mandate for indoor and outdoor spaces. However, as of March 10, all restrictions have been lifted, meaning everything is now open.

Where can I stay in Puerto Rico?

Throughout the pandemic, many hotels in Puerto Rico remained open for displaced travelers and frontline workers, and began welcoming local leisure travelers starting in June 2020. Since some businesses require proof of vaccination or negative test results upon arrival, it’s advisable to check with your hotel about their specific protocols before making a reservation.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico resumed nonessential stays on June 2, 2020. In line with Hyatt’s Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment, the hotel has implemented social-distancing measures such as touchless check-in and check-out, and equipped all 579 rooms with UV light purifying air conditioners.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve reopened on July 1, 2020. This predominantly open-air resort is located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, just a 35-minute drive from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Many of its 115 guest rooms offer direct beach access and private plunge pools, promoting social distancing and minimizing indoor interactions. As a Marriott property, Dorado Beach adheres to health and safety guidelines set by Marriott’s Global Cleanliness Council.

The Associated Press contributed to this article. This piece first appeared online in June 2020 and has been updated on May 24, 2021, May 25, 2021, and again on March 10, 2022, to reflect current information.