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Vaccinated travelers no longer need to have a COVID-19 test for entry into Puerto Rico

May 21, 2021
•
3 min read
Hyatt Reserve Puerto Rico
Vaccinated travelers no longer need to have a COVID-19 test for entry into Puerto Rico
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In recent weeks, some rules have been relaxed for the fully vaccinated. Now, fully vaccinated people can avoid wearing a mask in most indoor and outdoor settings. Some requirements have also been loosened for travel.

Puerto Rico announced on May 21 that fully vaccinated U.S. travelers would no longer have to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival, starting May 25. Puerto Rico also raised capacity at businesses to 50%, removed a mask requirement for fully vaccinated individuals in parks and beaches and reopened coliseums. All attendees at coliseums are required to present either a COVID-19 vaccine card or a negative antigen test.

“As restrictions loosen, we look forward to welcoming travelers seeking to responsibly explore our Island, immerse themselves in unforgettable culture, unique natural wonders and delicious cuisine, while taking advantage of the ease of travel that comes with Puerto Rico being a U.S. territory, including no need for a passport for U.S. citizens,” said Brad Dean, the CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, in a statement.

Puerto Rico officials put in place a series of guidelines for travelers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitors to the island have to fill out a Travel Declaration Form through Puerto Rico’s Health Department portal. Travelers (other than those outlined above) also have to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their trip, otherwise, quarantine is required. A rapid test will not be accepted. Now, these rules have been loosened for fully vaccinated travelers.

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.

The reopening comes weeks after authorities cracked down on aggressive tourists who flouted the island’s requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Puerto Rico 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. Extra police patrols were assigned to popular tourist areas such as Old San Juan, Condado and Santurce to enforce the island’s midnight curfew, with dozens arrested.

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While new cases and hospitalizations are down, according to a New York Times tracker, deaths are up on the island, in comparison to a decrease in March. Puerto Rico has reported over 137,000 positive cases and nearly 2,500 deaths to date. 31% of Puerto Ricans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Times' data.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.