Puerto Rico Travel Advisory 2022
Due to its lower crime rate than many other American states, Puerto Rico is a relatively safe destination for tourists. It is one of the most secure islands in the Caribbean. Drug trafficking and gang activities are major factors in Puerto Rico's violent gun crime, which rarely affects tourists
Is Puerto Rico safe to travel to right now?
For visitors who take the necessary precautions in light of the ongoing pandemic, Puerto Rico is generally safe. Pickpocketing and robberies, which are the most frequent crimes impacting tourists in Puerto Rico, should be avoided by travelers by keeping in mind the hurricane season as they plan their vacation.
Due to its lower crime rate than many other American states, Puerto Rico is a relatively safe destination for tourists. It is one of the most secure islands in the Caribbean. Drug trafficking and gang activities are major factors in Puerto Rico’s violent gun crime, which rarely affects tourists
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Puerto Rico Travel Restrictions
Table of Contents
Visitors to Puerto Rico should be aware of local precautions taken to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals, such as social distancing and strict sanitation rules.
On the Island, masks are no longer required, except for occasions with more than 1,000 audiences. In circumstances where vaccination status cannot be confirmed, masks are nevertheless advised. Visitors are encouraged to get in touch with businesses directly if they have any questions about the specific mask and COVID-19 protocol requirements that each institution may have.
Domestic visitors do not need to arrive on the Island with a COVID-19 test result or with vaccination documents. A negative COVID-19 test result is not necessary to show while entering from abroad. However, visitors from outside the United States who are neither citizens nor lawful permanent residents must still show proof of immunization.
Travel Concerns
Entry, Exit, and Transit Regulations and Requirements: COVID-19
Due to COVID-19, the majority of countries have put in place specific entry and exit restrictions for their respective regions.
These measures may be suddenly implemented and include: These measures may be suddenly implemented and include:
Ban on Entry or Exit
- Restrictions on foreign transit alternatives due to quarantine, vaccine requirements, or COVID-19 testing
- It is possible that foreign authorities won’t acknowledge or accept immunization documentation from Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to get the document translated, notarized, authenticated, or legalized.
What Should I Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico?
Check to see if the local authorities have put any limits or requirements in place for this issue in both your current location and your destinations.
A lot of destinations have transit regulations in place, so take into account even your transit points.
Make sure you keep up with developments in the media and double-check the requirements with your airline or tour operator
Your trip plans could be affected by the circumstance. You shouldn’t rely on the Government of Canada for support if you need to alter your travel arrangements.
Health Concerns When Traveling
Are there any Puerto Rico travel restrictions when it comes to health?
Regardless of where you are traveling, be sure you have all of the required routine vaccinations.
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza, and others are some of these vaccines.
As you travel to Puerto Rico, you run the danger of contracting infections that are easily prevented. Consult a travel health expert for advice on the appropriate medicines or immunizations for you.
Can you drink the water in Puerto Rico? In Puerto Rico, drinking tap water is safe. The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act serves as a standard for water quality for the water sanitization business in Puerto Rico. If visitors are uncomfortable drinking tap water, they can also purchase bottled water.
Diarrhea can be contracted by consuming contaminated food or water in any location in the world. Food and water can potentially spread diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis, and typhoid in specific Caribbean regions. When visiting the Caribbean, take steps to consume only safe food and drink.
Certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika virus in some parts of the Caribbean. Travelers are encouraged to take preventative measures against bites.
It is advised that visitors stay away from wildlife such as dogs, monkeys, snakes, rats, birds, and bats. The rabies virus is one example of an infection that can spread from animals to people in some parts of the Caribbean.
Your risk of contracting some illnesses can rise in crowded areas. To prevent getting colds, the flu, and other infections, remember to often wash your hands and follow correct coughing and sneezing etiquette. Moreover, practice safer sex to prevent the transmission of STIs, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Crime and Safety Concerns
Puerto Rico covid restrictions are still in place in some regions.
These might consist of:
- Curfews, limits on movement, or lockdowns
- Required proof of immunization or COVID-19 test results to access both public and private services and facilities.
- Check to see if any limits or regulations are still in place before you travel.
Petty crimes like wallet theft and pickpocketing are common. Criminal violence also happens. Ensure the security of all of your possessions, including your passport and other travel documents.
Sometimes there are demonstrations. Even nonviolent protests have the potential to turn violent at any time. They may also cause delays in both public transportation and traffic.
- Avoid regions where protests and big crowds are occurring.
- Observe the guidance provided by local authorities.
- Keep an eye on local media for updates on any continuing protests.
Is Puerto Rico safe for solo female travelers? Women who travel alone could experience some types of verbal abuse and harassment.
Common travel safety advice includes staying away from isolated areas at night, keeping an eye on their drinks when they’re out in public, keeping their accommodation details to themselves, and refusing any invitations from strangers to go on adventures.
Law and Politics
Local laws must be followed.
Possession, usage, and trafficking of illegal narcotics are all subject to harsh penalties. Offenders found guilty face long prison terms and heavy fines. These may include:
- Travel, drugs, and alcohol
- Traveling internationally and cannabis
Legal recognition of dual citizenship exists in the US. We may not be able to provide you with full consular services while you are in the US if you are a Canadian citizen and a US citizen as well. Additionally, you can be subject to various entry/exit requirements.
An international agreement is the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. It can assist parents in getting their kids back after they have been taken away or kept in certain nations against their parent’s wishes. The agreement is valid between Canada and the US. If the necessary requirements are completed and your child was unlawfully taken to or is being kept in Puerto Rico, you may ask the Puerto Rican court to order their return.
If this is the case for you:
- Act as soon as you can to report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Center.
- Contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention.
- Consult a lawyer in Canada and Puerto Rico to explore all of your legal options for the return of your child.
A lawyer should be consulted to discover whether The Hague Convention is applicable if your child was transferred from a nation other than Canada. Be advised that representatives of the Canadian consulate cannot meddle in a person’s legal concerns or the judicial affairs of another nation.
A valid Canadian driver’s license is acceptable for up to 90 days of driving in Puerto Rico. You need a Puerto Rican license if you intend to remain longer.
Should you bring cash to Puerto Rico? The dollar is used as Puerto Rico’s official currency. However, there is widespread use of credit cards.
Emergency and Natural Disaster Response
Hurricane Fiona
On September 18, 2022, Hurricane Fiona ripped across Puerto Rico, leaving behind substantial flooding and destruction.
Most of the island lacks power as a result of the hurricane.
If you are currently traveling to Puerto Rico:
- To find out if the situation will interfere with your vacation plans, get in touch with your airline or tour provider.
- Use caution and keep an eye on local news and weather forecasts
- Obey the guidance of local authorities
What is the best month to go to Puerto Rico? Typically, hurricanes happen between mid-May and the end of November. Even minor tropical storms can intensify into powerful hurricanes during this time. You could be at risk from these dangerous storms, which also make it difficult to provide basic services. Anytime between December and April are the best months to visit Puerto Rico.
What Are The Safest Areas In Puerto Rico?
As long as visitors and travelers avoid risky areas, Puerto Rico is generally safe.
Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Condado, Ocean Park, Hato Rey, and Miramar are typical San Juan tourist hotspots.
Rio Grande, Fajardo, Ponce, Cabo Rojo, Vieques, Culebra, and Rincon are more fantastic tourist destinations. However, that does not imply that visitors should just visit particular regions of the island.
Do they speak English in Puerto Rico? Although the majority of Puerto Ricans in San Juan and other tourist regions can communicate in some English, it could be challenging to do so if you visit a rural area. I advise you to learn certain important Spanish words and phrases to avoid any misunderstandings.
What should I be careful of in Puerto Rico? Visitors to Puerto Rico are advised against aimlessly wandering, staying in suspicious areas, leaving their items unattended in restaurants or on beaches, and venturing outside of the main tourist sites without a guide if they are unfamiliar with the area they are visiting.
KEY TAKEAWAYS ...🛪
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