Puerto Rico Slows Reopening

July 21, 2020
|In SmartDepart, The NEXT Network, Advisories
|By AAA Travel

While Puerto Rico officially began welcoming back tourists on July 15, rising cases of coronavirus in the mainland U.S. has caused the island to postpone some of the reopenings efforts. Puerto Rico has now issued a statement in support of “essential travel” only and has postponed its official inbound tourism reopening to safeguard visitors and residents.

Much like a European nation, the island will conduct a continuous assessment of cases in the United States and Puerto Rico, according to the island’s tourism board. Puerto Rico has reported over 12,000 positive cases of the virus, with 180 deaths.

For AAA members who find themselves on the island, or a part of the essential travel criteria, the island will not be fully open. Non-essential businesses which include theaters, casinos, bars, clubs, attractions, and gyms are closed. Popular restaurants and museums are operating at 50% percent capacity and malls remain open, according to Discover Puerto Rico. Alcohol sales are also banned after 7 PM and on Sundays.

Additional restrictions include:

  • Travelers are required to fill out a Travel Declaration Form
  • Travelers need a molecular COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before arrival and show proof of a negative result
  • Beaches are only open to those doing solo sports or exercise
  • A curfew on the island is in effect through the end of the month between 10 – 5 AM
  • Mask-wearing is mandatory when in public, or you could face a fine

You may have questions while planning your travel, and our AAA Travel Agents are here to help you find answers. Call