Puerto Rico will reopen to international visitors on 15 July

The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico is gearing up to welcome international travelers again on 15 July, after it closed to visitors when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. It is now in the third phase of its economic reopening, which takes in recreation and tourism.

Puerto Rico is popular with travelers for its colorful buildings, sandy beaches and coral reefs, and museums celebrating everything from failed revolutions to classical European paintings. Local residents can enjoy its popular attractions and natural and cultural resources again immediately, while the tourism industry is readying itself to welcome international travelers again.

The government's tourism ministry, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), has designed a strict set of health and safety standards that businesses in the industry must comply with before restarting their operations.

Visitors arriving at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport will have their temperature checked and will undergo a quick health check-up. Free and voluntary COVID-19 testing is also available on site. The government is also working on exceptions to the mandatory 14-day quarantine that remains in place, for those who can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Further details as it relates to these requirements will be provided in the coming weeks.

Travellers are attracted to Puerto Rico's natural resources © Brian Overcast/Alamy Stock Photo

Hotels in Puerto Rico have remained open throughout the pandemic, and common spaces, such as pools, bars, restaurants and shops within hotels, are currently permitted to operate at 50% capacity in order to promote social distancing. Tour operators and businesses that rent equipment used for activities related to travel activities are also authorised to resume their operations.

Puerto Rico is gearing up to welcome international visitors © Mia2you/Shutterstock

Aside from the pandemic, the island has had a difficult year, as the southwestern part was struck by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on 7 January. Several aftershocks have been experienced, the most recent on 2 May.