Puerto Rico Outlines Plan to Reopen Traveling to Theirs Sites on July 15

With proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test, Puerto Rico is planning to reopen July 15 to inbound travelers.

Commercial flights have been permitted to fly to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan (SJU). Face masks are mandatory and thermographic cameras remain operating to monitor temperatures in the airport.

Beginning July 15, passengers must complete a travel declaration form from the Health Department of Puerto Rico, as well as have a negative molecular COVID-19 test from the prior 72 hours.

Travelers will be offered a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport, if they arrive on the island without the requested documentation. Even if the test result appears to be negative, it will be mandatory for the traveler to quarantine and cover their own medical expenses and pay for their possible extended stay.

Puerto Rico has a curfew which is in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through July 22 and the only exceptions are for emergencies.

Residents and visitors are required to wear face masks when in public and if not subject to a fine. As the health and safety of visitors and residents remain a top priority, social distancing is enforced with floor plans and capacities adjusted island-wide.

Sunbathing and other recreational activities on beaches and in some nature reserves are allowed, however, they are limited in group gatherings and are available only to those within the same household. Restaurants, spas, museums, theaters, and casinos are open but operating with just 75 percent capacity.

Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico confirms that “Puerto Rico has exercised an abundance of caution since the onset of COVID-19, which enables us to confidently reopen for in-bound tourism on July 15. Today we are hyper focused on reopening responsibly and are enforcing locally mandated regulations such as distancing, face coverings and a variety of measures for businesses and properties, to ensure the safety of our guests”.

He also continues with “Travelers coming to the island can expect a series of measures all aimed at ensuring their overall well-being, from the moment that they arrive at the airport, to the moment they check out of their hotel.”

Upon entry, properties will conduct temperature checks, screen symptoms and disinfect luggage. All guests and personnel in public areas will be required to cover their faces and there will be encouraged limited capacity in elevators and other public places.

All Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses have reopened but one. Some golf courses only allowed member play when they reopened on May 26. Puerto Rico golf courses are implementing safeguards to enhance safe recreation, including staff using personal protective gear, sanitizing golf carts and the common areas, and more.