Puerto Rico to require testing and/or vaccination for lodging
Breaking news late Thursday, Aug. 5, as Puerto Rico's governor announces he is going to require either a PCR test or proof of vaccination at all visitor lodging, including hotels, resorts and Airbnbs. The news first coming via Twitter with Gov. Pedro Pierluisi holding a press conference shortly afterward.
This news means if you are headed for Puerto Rico, you will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel news!
Puerto Rico Gov. Pierluisi saying in light of a surge of new coronavirus cases, beginning Aug. 16, all hotel and Airbnb guests and workers will be required to show proof of full vaccination or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. According to the Associated Press, Pierluisi said, "We cannot lower our guard. There are vaccines for everyone. Vaccinations are the solution."
All government contractors and health care facility workers will also be required to get vaccinated or submit to weekly tests.
The governor says those found in violation of the new rules will face fees and even prison, "Those that do not follow the order are subject to to 6 months in jail or fines not to exceed $5000, or both penalties, at the discretion of the courts."
According to AP:
"The order goes into effect Aug. 16; those who refuse to get inoculated will be required to submit a weekly negative COVID-19 test."
Puerto Rico has been dealing with a dramatic upswing in cases dominated by the new easily spread delta variant. Cases have surged dramatically in the past month.
I was in Puerto Rico in May testing out its new policy that you don't need a negative test if you are fully vaccinated. I missed it by a few days, but Puerto Rico allows you to come in without a test if you are fully vaccinated. The governor says the new rules for hotels are similar to entry requirements already in place: "For the unvaccinated, if your stay is longer than one week, weekly testing is required."
We are assuming the same will be true of lodging. As long as you can prove you are fully vaccinated, you won't need to show proof of a negative test and can just show your CDC card or another form of proof. This is similar to rules in Hawaii where hotels and other vacation rentals require you to show your proof of vaccination, negative test results or Hawaii Safe Travels forms to check in.
Related: Everything you need to know about visiting Puerto Rico during COVID-19
If you are not vaccinated, you'll still need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to your arrival in Puerto Rico. It must come from a lab that Puerto Rico has approved, though it appears the territory will take most PCR tests. Puerto Rico has a searchable map to find a testing facility in the U.S. at this website: TravelsafePR.com.
Related: Where can you go right now? A country-by-country guide to reopening
Puerto Rico tourism officials told TPG that "children ages 2-12 who are unable to be vaccinated are subject to the weekly negative COVID test rule, just as unvaccinated adults are."
Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, told me:
"This change should have minimal effects on those visiting the Island, given that a negative test or proof of vaccine are already requirements to enter. If anything, the new Executive Order, should give travelers added peace of mind, knowing that all hotel staff will be vaccinated too. Discover Puerto Rico continues to welcome conscientious travelers to visit the Island and safely enjoy our diverse offerings and naturally socially distant activities. From kayaking in Mosquito Bay (the world's brightest bioluminescent bay), hiking in El Yunque, and the ever-classic beach day on one of our 300 beaches, Puerto Rico also has the benefits of no passport requirements for US travelers, no roaming charges, an American medical system, and comfortable access to the same stores and pharmacies American travelers are familiar with. We encourage all travelers to respect the guidelines set by the Puerto Rico Department of Health, in order to keep other visitors and local residents safe and secure, and continue building confidence in travelers and various stakeholders along the way."
Additional reporting by Tom Grahsler.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.