Puerto Rico’s Entry Protocols to Change From February 2

Looking at the constant drop in the number of COVID-19 cases in Puerto Rico, Governor Pedro Pierluisi has announced new entry protocols for travelers to the Island, beginning February 2.

As part of the new rules, vaccinated passengers arriving on domestic flights will no longer need to present a negative test to enter the destination, while unvaccinated travelers who present a negative test from two days prior will not be required to quarantine. Currently, all passengers must present proof of vaccination and a negative test from the last 48 hours and unvaccinated travelers, must, in addition to testing, quarantine for seven days.

Vaccinated passengers who arrive on domestic flights without a test will not need to take a test from February 2, while unvaccinated passengers arriving without a test will have 48 hours to take a test, or be subject to fines. Passengers must quarantine while they wait for the test results. If the test comes back negative, unvaccinated passengers can stop quarantining immediately. If the test comes back positive, passengers must be isolated for 10 days. Those who do not test within the 48-hour window must quarantine for seven days. 

Currently, all passengers, regardless of vaccination status, have 48 hours to take a test, or be subject to fines. Passengers must quarantine while they wait for the test results. If the test comes back negative, vaccinated passengers can stop quarantining, and unvaccinated passengers must continue to do so for seven days after their arrival. If the test comes back positive, passengers must be isolated for 10 days.

Apart from the travel restrictions, the government is also easing certain other restrictions on the island. From February 2, there will be no mandatory closures or restrictions on alcohol sales. Currently all business close between midnight and 5 a.m and alcohol sales are also prohibited during that time.

In addition all establishments whose primary business is to serve food will operate at 75 percent capacity for indoor operations and at full capacity for outdoor operations. Bars and venues that primarily serve alcohol will operate at 50 percent capacity. Currently, all restaurants, bars, theaters, and other establishments that serve food and drinks can operate at a 50 percent capacity for indoor operations and at 75 percent capacity for outdoor operations.

For large scale events, venues will limit capacity to 50 percent but will no longer be required to stay under 250 attendees. Currently, all mass events, both indoor and outdoor, can have a capacity of 250 people as long as this is equal or lower to 50 percent capacity if indoors or 75 percent if outdoors.

Among the other measures still in effect and not modified include the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test (either antigen or PCR) for all travelers arriving on international flights taken within one day prior to departure along with proof of vaccination. Also, all establishments serving food or drinks must require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19  test (either antigen or PCR performed by an authorized health provider) taken 48 hours prior to arrival.

Those attending large-scale events (both indoors and outdoors) will be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative test taken two days prior to the event.

Those entering any of the Island’s three open airports, whether on commercial or private aircraft, are required to fill out a Travel Declaration Form on the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal, which produces a QR code to proceed.

A full overview of the updated guidelines and measures are available via www.discoverpuertorico.com.

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