When Does Puerto Rico’S Tourism Season Resume?

Puerto Rico has announced that domestic travelers arriving on domestic flights from the mainland United States are no longer required to present a vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test results. If a traveler tests positive while in Puerto Rico, they will be required to quarantine and cover their own medical and extended stay. As part of the island’s four-phased reopening plan, Puerto Rico reopens for in-bound tourism on July 15, at which point, travelers with a positive COVID-19 test must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID.

Puerto Rico’s new governor, Pedro Pierluisi, announced that the island would no longer encourage nonessential travel beginning January 8, despite the island’s desperate need for tourism. The US territory initially welcomed guests earlier this year, but the announcement comes after the US territory planned to reopen to tourists on July 15.

Puerto Rico is further relaxing its rules around coronavirus, good news for the tourism business there. Vaccinated travelers to Puerto Rico on domestic flights will no longer have to present a negative test. Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced says travelers who come to Puerto Rico will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test carried out within 72 hours prior to arrival.

In this Puerto Rico tourism update, travelers can stay updated on the status of experiences, tours, and points of interest. The island’s recovery is almost complete, and Puerto Rico tourism is open again after the catastrophic events experienced the last two years. Beaches have already reopened with sunbathing and other recreational activities, and borders will be reopened for foreign travelers from July 15.

Is Puerto Rico worth visiting in 2024?

Puerto Rico is a favorite warm weather travel destination, with San Juan being the capital and largest city. The US territory of Puerto Rico, which is home to over 300, 000 people, offers no passport requirements and no time change for those coming from the East Coast. The city is known for its historic Old San Juan district, filled with colorful architecture. However, the city is spread out with modern neighborhoods and a large number of modern neighborhoods.

The author spent their entire trip in San Juan, but if they were to visit Puerto Rico again, they would love to explore more regions of the island. The author is excited to update their first San Juan Travel Guide and share the best recommendations from their 2022 and 2024 trips.

Is Puerto Rico tourism back?

Puerto Rico has become a popular Caribbean destination for domestic tourists due to the pandemic, with 2022 travel revenue up 39 percent from 2019. As a U. S. territory, Puerto Rico has no visa requirements, making it an ideal destination for American travelers. However, safety concerns remain, mainly due to the ongoing recovery from hurricanes and earthquakes. Despite these, Puerto Rico remains one of the safer destinations in the Caribbean. The pandemic has helped Puerto Rico catch a break, making it a more attractive destination for travelers.

Is Punta Cana safe in 2024?

Punta Cana is a safe vacation spot in the Caribbean, but tourists should be cautious when traveling outside of the hotel zone due to potential petty theft and overly flirtatious men. Hotel security is good, with a special branch of the police department called Politur or Cestur stationed in hotels or along the beach. However, health issues such as Zika and Dengue are common due to the prevalence of mosquitos. Pregnant women and their partners should consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest information on the Zika virus.

To get around Punta Cana, walk within your all-inclusive resort and the beach, or by car if you plan to explore. Buses run along the main strip of hotels, but they have irregular schedules and uncomfortable vehicles. Taxis are available at the airport, but taxi fares vary widely and can range from $20 to $80 for a 30- to 40-minute ride. Rental cars are also available at the airport, but traffic is crazy in the Dominican Republic. Some attractions and excursions offer shuttle service bundled with the entry fee.

Uber, introduced in 2020, is a great option for traveling around Punta Cana, but it is not allowed to pick up passengers at the airport or most resort lobbies. Pre-booking a private airport transfer is the easiest way to travel if it is not included in your holiday package.

Which is safer, Puerto Rico or Virgin Islands?

Puerto Rico is considered a generally safe destination for travelers with a relatively low crime rate and a strong police presence in tourist areas. Over 10, 000 police officers serve in The PRPD. Puerto Rico has a low crime rate and is one of the safest Caribbean islands, even safer than The U. S. Virgin Islands.

Travelers planning a trip to the Caribbean ask: Should we go to Puerto Rico or The United States Virgin Islands?

Both destinations are unincorporated United States territories and offer American travelers similar benefits; not needing a passport, US dollar, the same laws apply as the mainland and people speak English.

I’ve lived in Puerto Rico all my life so I can tell you, your cellular plan will work in Puerto Rico and most places in The U. S. Virgin Islands.

Is Puerto Rico safe to travel right now?

Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists with a lower crime rate than many mainland U. S. cities. Local police presence in tourist areas and along beaches helps maintain order. Petty crime still exists, and natural disasters like hurricanes and diseases like dengue fever or Zika virus pose potential risks. Awareness of weather warnings and taking preventive health measures can mitigate these risks. To explore Puerto Rico confidently, learn more about staying safe while traveling.

Is Puerto Rico open for tourism after hurricane?

Puerto Rico has bounced back quickly after Hurricane Fiona hit in September 2022, with San Juan Airport fully operational and hotels opening up. Most traveler-favorite activities are back to normal. Hurricane Irma and Maria recovery is ongoing, but the remaining damage from the 2017 storms isn’t obvious in tourist areas. Emergency repairs have been made, but long-term infrastructure upgrades and repairs are incomplete.

As Puerto Rico and the rest of the world recover from the COVID pandemic, tourism dollars are more important than ever, especially in Puerto Rico, which has been hit by several hurricanes in recent years.

Has Puerto Rico recovered?

The recovery of Puerto Rico from the impact of multiple hurricanes and the 2020 earthquakes is a noteworthy and inspiring example. It has prompted FEMA and its partners to pursue innovative solutions and to work towards a goal of building a stronger future, rather than merely repairing the damage that has been incurred.

Is Puerto Rico safer than Mexico?

Puerto Rico is generally considered safer than Mexico, despite having dangerous areas that should be avoided. Both countries have gang-related crimes, but they usually don’t affect visitors. Puerto Rico, home to San Juan, the third oldest capital of the Americas, has a high firearm-related homicide rate, with victims often linked to gangs. The problem has grown more widespread since a recent gang war, and hurricanes can cause significant danger. Despite these potential dangers, Puerto Rico’s tourist-friendly nature and its rich food scene make it a Caribbean paradise.

Why is Puerto Rico not a big tourist destination?

Puerto Rico’s tourism industry experienced moderate growth in 2014, primarily due to the introduction of new cruise lines, airfare activity, and hotel development. In 2016, Puerto Rico became a popular destination for business meetings, incentives, conferencing, and exhibitions due to its modern convention center and district. However, between 2017 and 2020, the industry was significantly impacted by events such as Hurricane Maria, the 2019 and 2020 earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, during the 2019 government shutdown, the San Juan National Historic Site closed its two colonial-era fortresses. As of 2024, nonstop flights to Puerto Rico are available year-round from domestic airports and several international airports, as well as regional Caribbean destinations like Barbados, Port of Spain, Punta Cana, St. Croix, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Santiago de los Caballeros, Santo Domingo, and Tortola.

What is the #1 attraction in Puerto Rico?

El Morro, located in San Juan National Historic Site, is a six-story fortress that has been a popular tourist attraction in Puerto Rico since its construction in 1539. Originally built to deter sea attacks, the fortress has withstand multiple battles under Spanish and US control. Today, it is known for its extensive history and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the fort’s depths, including a maze of tunnels, barracks, and prison cells.

Exhibitions and a park film provide a more in-depth look at the fort’s history, while park rangers lead interpretative programs. One of the fort’s iconic watchtowers is a must-see for Puerto Rican selfies.

The fort is quite large, taking up to three hours on foot. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the experience. For a guided tour of the fort’s history, consider signing up for one of the best tours in Puerto Rico. The fort is worth visiting for both history buffs and non-history buffs alike, and a photo in one of the fort’s iconic watchtowers is an ideal selfie stop.

Is Puerto Rico still being rebuilt?

The General Accounting Office (GAO) conducted a study to assess the progress of Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts after the 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria, which caused significant damage to its infrastructure, housing, and economy. FEMA, the lead federal agency, administers the Public Assistance program, which provides grant funds for repairing and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. The GAO reviewed the status of permanent recovery work in Puerto Rico using Public Assistance, the challenges faced by FEMA and Puerto Rico’s government in starting and completing recovery work, and the results of FEMA’s efforts to monitor the use of grant funds.

The GAO also made two recommendations to FEMA regarding risk management for the remainder of Puerto Rico’s recovery, which FEMA has agreed to but has not yet finalized and demonstrated continuous monitoring of risks to the recovery.