Travel Vaccines and Advice for Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Caribbean Sea. It is made up of a main island (Puerto Rico) and several small islands including Mona, Culebra, and Vieques. People that live in Puerto Rico are U.S. Citizens, but do not have a vote or representative in the U.S. Congress.
The population of Puerto Rico is just over 3 million with the islands spanning about 9,000 square kilometres. The official languages of Puerto Rico are both Spanish and English.
The largest cities in Puerto Rico include San Juan, Bayamon, and Carolina.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Puerto Rico?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Puerto Rico?
What Is the Climate Like in Puerto Rico?
How Safe is Puerto Rico?
Historical Forts in Puerto Rico
What Should I Take To Puerto Rico?
Canadian Embassy in Puerto Rico
Do I Need Vaccines for Puerto Rico?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Puerto Rico. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Puerto Rico: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Puerto Rico |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Puerto Rico |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Zika is a risk in Puerto Rico. Zika is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause an infection. This infection can cause severe birth defects. If you are pregnant, be wary of travelling to Puerto Rico.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Does Puerto Rico Have COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?
While travel to Puerto Rico is currently permitted, some limitations are in place. All commercial flights have been diverted to San Juan Airport and arriving passengers must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Health screenings are being conducted on arrival.
Other infections are still present in the region like rabies or travellers’ diarrhea. Make sure you stay protected with a visit to Passport Health. Call or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Puerto Rico?
As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico follows similar entry rules. Visas are generally not required, except for in very specific circumstances.
Puerto Rico Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Puerto Rico? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: U.S. Embassy and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is considered to have a tropical climate in which it is hot and humid year-round. It is warmer on the North Coast than it is in the South and it gets cooler once you get into the hills and mountains. Average temperatures can range from 20 to 30.
It rains throughout the year, with the rainiest seasons running from October to May.
Puerto Rico is hit by hurricanes which can cause property damage, landslides, and floods. If there is a hurricane threat, no not travel to Puerto Rico. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
How Safe is Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is safe for tourists. The more rural the area, the safer tourists generally are. Large cities can pose a risk for tourists as they might become targets for pick-pocketing and theft. Muggings also may occur.
Don’t walk alone, especially at night. Keep your credit card out of sight; and keep your valuables in a safe place.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
Historical Forts in Puerto Rico
Due to its strategic location in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is home to eight historical forts. These are frequently visited by tourists each year.
El Castillo de San Felipe del Morro is the second-oldest freestanding fort in all the Americas. It was estimated to have been built as early as 1539. It’s located in Old San Juan and is a World Heritage Site and is a part of the National Park Service in the United States. It is now a museum that tourists can visit. To learn more visit here.
What Should I Take To Puerto Rico?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Puerto Rico:
- Lightweight clothing to make the humid weather more bearable.
- Insect repellent and mosquito nets to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika.
- Sunscreen and hat for sun protection.
- Swimsuit and beach shoes if you plan on spending any days on the beach.
- Hiking boots or walking shoes
Canadian Embassy in Puerto Rico
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
Canadian Embassy in the United States
501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C., U.S.A., 20001
Telephone: 1-844-880-6519
Email: ccs.scc@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to Puerto Rico or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Puerto Rico
“We went to your clinic to get the Yellow fever vaccine yesterday. The young lady that helped us was very informative and knowledgeable. Will definitely go there again for our Puerto Rico trip.”
“I received my vaccines for Puerto Rico here. I arrived on time and they were ready. The technician was quick and painless.”
“I needed to go to Puerto Rico on short notice. Your call center representative was very patient and assisted me in getting the slots I needed. The nurse assisted me in my consult and I was out of there in minimal time. Excellent experience.”
“We came to get shots for Puerto Rico, That staff was great and the offices were beautiful and very clean We will be returning 🙂 -Thanks so much”
“The nurse was extremely knowledgeable about the region I was traveling to and the required vaccines, side effects, and general do’s and don’ts. We’re ready for PR!”
“Very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. I appreciated the promptness: and the efficiency. We’re ready for Puerto Rico.”
“Passport Health’s nurse assisted us and was wonderful. She explained the risks Puerto Rico and information on our vaccinations and other travel products. I would definitely recommend Passport Health.”
“Yesterday, the nurse that cared for me was excellent! She efficiently took care of my shots and payment. She then took the time to let me know how Puerto Rico is and what I need to do. Because of her, I’ll be more prepared for traveling when the time comes.”
“I wish I could recall the name of the nurse I met. She was phenomenal. I am in customer service and she was second to none. Really great. Intelligent, clear headed, and made an effort to make me relax about the shots for PR.”
“As friendly and charming as ever. Makes sure we are very comfortable going to PR and accommodated us for our lateness”
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