Traveling to Puerto Rico During the Pandemic

Hey everyone! I want to share my experience traveling out of the country during Covid-19 and what it’s been like. I’ve gotten quite a few questions about the process so let’s start with the basics, getting tested!

Do you have to get a Covid-19 test to visit PR?

Yes, per Discover Puerto Rico, travelers entering the Island are required to fill out a Travel Declaration Form through the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal, get a molecular COVID-19 test (nasal or throat swab) no more than 72 hours prior to visiting the Island, and show proof of a negative result or they must quarantine.

Can I get the Rapid test instead of the PCR test?

No. Only a PCR test will be accepted. These tests provide more accurate results than rapid tests, and that is because they use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the viral genetic material of COVID-19. The downside is you will typically get results usually within 3-7 days, unlike the Rapid Antigen test which you will receive within as little as 15 minutes. **(I received mine by the very next day)**

What is the travel guideline process to enter Puerto Rico during Covid-19?

In order to prevent the further spread of Covid-19, there are some safety measures that we must adhere to.

• Complete an online Travel Declaration Form from the Puerto Rico Health Department, which can be accessed at www.travelsafe.pr.gov or www.viajaseguro.pr.gov. Kiosks at the airport are also available for travelers to fill out the form upon arrival, as it is a requirement to exit the airport. **(Save yourself some time and just fill this out in the states)**
• Demonstrate a negative molecular COVID-19 test result (which consists of a nasal or throat swab), taken no more than 72 hours prior. Testing sites on the mainland U.S. can be found here. It is highly recommended to get tested prior to arriving on the Island given limited resources. **(I got tested on Tuesday and received my results on Wednesday night. I flew out to PR on Friday)**
• Obtain Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading their molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal. **(Add this page to the home screen of your phone and ALSO print it out, just in case your phone dies)**

What if you are still awaiting a negative Covid-19 test result after arriving in Puerto Rico?

The traveler is required to quarantine for 14 days or until test results are provided digitally to the Puerto Rico Health Department. 

• If the molecular test result is negative, the 14-day quarantine will be lifted. 
• If the molecular test result is positive, the traveler must isolate and seek medical attention. Travelers placed in isolation will be responsible for covering their own medical expenses/extended stay.

What if you arrive in Puerto Rico and have not taken a Covid-19 test?

• A Testing Authorization Voucher will be provided for the traveler to get tested locally. A list of testing sites on-island will be provided at the airport and can also be found here. 
  • While awaiting results, the traveler will need to quarantine for 14 days at their lodging property, cover the COVID-19 testing fee, and possible extended stay. 
    • If the on-Island molecular test result is negative, the quarantine will be lifted. 
    • If the on-Island molecular test result is positive, the traveler must isolate and seek medical attention. Travelers placed in isolation will be responsible for covering their own medical expenses/extended stay.
    • If the traveler chooses to not take a molecular COVID-19 test on the Island, they must quarantine for 14 days and cover their own extended stay.

**We received daily text messages (Sara Alerts) asking if we are experiencing any symptoms. At first, we were receiving them in Spanish so we just ignored it, but then one of my friends got a call from the CDC asking for us to confirm the information about where we are staying, how long we are staying, if we are experiencing any symptoms, etc. She apologized for the inconvenience of us receiving the messages in another language but assured us that we will receive them in English from this point on and urged us to reply with a “yes” or “no” each day that we were still on the island.**

Per Discover Puerto Rico, there is an island-wide curfew from 11 pm to 5 am. Public beaches and natural reserves are open, following social distancing guidelines. Public alcohol consumption is prohibited. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations are open, with supermarket delivery services available through midnight. Restaurants, casinos, and museums are operating at 30% capacity and pools at hotels and other establishments are open at 30% capacity. Bars remain closed. **(Definitely book any excursions you plan on doing in advance since available spots are extremely limited due to social distancing)**

**Overall, we had a great time in Puerto Rico!**

Will you be traveling this year?

Resources:

Discover Puerto Rico: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html

Chat soon!

xo, Tia 💋