Puerto Rico: Authorities to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result for entry to gyms, casinos, and spas effective Aug. 30 /update 29

Event

Authorities in Puerto Rico will require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result for all individuals wishing to access services at gyms, casinos, spas, barbershops, and beauty salons effective Aug. 30. A similar requirement is already in force to enter restaurants, bars, theaters, and cinemas, as well as for guests wishing to stay in hotels or short-term rentals. Those who opt to furnish a negative test result should do so from either a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before entry/check-in. Authorities have stated proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the previous three-month period is also acceptable.

Individuals who stay in hotels or short-term rentals for longer than one week and are not fully vaccinated will need to submit to further testing on a weekly basis.

Domestic Measures
In addition to the vaccination/testing requirements, officials require all individuals to wear facemasks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Most other restrictions previously in force, including capacity limits and a nightly curfew, have been rescinded. However, all persons attending events of 500 persons or more must still present either proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test taken no earlier than 24 hours before the event begins.

International Travel Restrictions
Puerto Rico's borders have reopened to all travelers, except those prevented from entering the US due to ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions at the federal level. Arriving passengers must wear protective face coverings and are subject to enhanced health screenings and protocols. Travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or else prove that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Those arriving without such documentation can either be tested at the airport or within 48 hours after arrival; they must remain in quarantine at their own expense while awaiting the results. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to a quarantine period lasting a minimum of 10 days at their own expense.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
Puerto Rico Health Department - COVID-19 Updates