Puerto Rico takes tougher stance against tourists ignoring COVID-19 rules
Puerto Rican authorities are being forced to crack down on aggressive tourists who refuse to follow the island's requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The island has seen a resurgence in tourism recently, mostly from the U.S. mainland, which is a boon to the local economy. But that influx of visitors has led to an alarming increase in violent incidents with tourists who refuse to wear masks.
Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel news!
Since mid-March, extra police patrols have been assigned to popular tourist areas such as Old San Juan, Condado and Santurce and enforce the island's midnight curfew. Since the new measures were enacted, 27 arrests have been made in those so-called "tourist zones" for disorderly conduct and drug possession.
Related: Everything you need to know about visiting Puerto Rico right now
Some of the incidents that led to the new enforcement gained national attention. In one February encounter, a tourist threw a drink in the face of a woman in a wheelchair who asked that the tourists wear their masks.
Now, police are taking a stricter stance to get tourists to comply with restrictions. For example, they are reminding tourists of the island's midnight to 5 a.m. curfew. Additionally, those who refuse to wear masks can be fined $100.
An overwhelming number of visitors to Puerto Rico so far in 2021 have come from the U.S. Of the nearly 12,000 flights to land on the island this year, 82% have arrived from the States.
Additionally, the island is gearing up for a rush of spring breakers coming from the mainland U.S. More than 3,500 officers will be stationed around tourist areas and the National Guard will station around 1,100 active soldiers around the island who will be tasked with enforcing the mask and curfew orders.
Puerto Rico officials put in place a series of guidelines for travelers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you're planning to visit, all visitors to the island have to fill out a Travel Declaration Form through Puerto Rico's Health Department portal.
Travelers also have to get a PCR molecular COVID-19 test (nasal or throat swab) no more than 72 hours prior to their trip and show proof of a negative result. Otherwise, quarantine is required. A rapid test will not be accepted.
Related: A beginner's guide to visiting Puerto Rico: Everything you need to eat, see and do
Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it's excluded from the CDC requirement to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to return to the mainland, though entry guidelines can vary from state to state.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.