Planning your Trip
1. Passports and Visas
All travelers must show a passport. Most European citizens, as well as Japanese and a few others need a non-refundable return ticket from outside the US to qualify for a 90-day visa. Travelers visiting under the Visa Waiver Program must register and pay a fee at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Other nationalities must secure a visa, before traveling, from a US consulate or embassy.
2. Insurance
Get insurance for loss or theft of valuables as well as for medical purposes. Visitors intending to go scuba diving or spelunking must ensure that their policy covers these sports.
3. When to Go
The tourist season runs from December to April. This period is drier and cooler than the rest of the year, although January temperatures still average 77°F (26°C). Adventurous travelers may want to take advantage of low prices during the dangerous yet spectacular hurricane season (for further details see Climate).
4. What to Take
Light cottons and breathable, drip-dry synthetics, along with mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat, are recommended. Also carry along smart-casual clothes for dining and nightclubs, swimwear, and a light jacket for winter nights or for visits to the mountains.
5. How Long to Stay
Most visitors plan a holiday of a week to ten days, including time in San Juan, which takes three days to explore fully. Vieques and Rincón deserve two days each and Ponce, one day. Try to allow two weeks to take in the entire island, including its beaches and highlights from El Yunque to Arecibo.
6. Getting Married
At least two months’ advance planning is required to wed in Puerto Rico. You will need to provide passports or identification cards, original notarized copies of birth certificates, and decrees of divorce or a spouse’s death, if applicable. Blood tests and a medical examination by a Puerto Rican doctor are also required. Both parties must visit the Register Office to have documents authenticated and to obtain a marriage license, after which the marriage is official.
Demographic Registry Office • 787 728 7980
7. Disabled Travelers
Modern hotels, restaurants, and public buildings have wheelchair access and special bathroom facilities. However, beyond San Juan, few sidewalks have wheelchair ramps; and obstacles such as potholes are bars to easy mobility. Luquillo Beach has a wheelchair ramp.
8. Traveling with Children
Puerto Ricans adore children. Most hotels allow children under 16 to stay with their parents for free; some may charge an extra-bed rate. Items such as baby food and diapers are easily avail-able here. Children’s car seats are not offered in rental cars.
9. Inoculations
Puerto Rico poses no serious health risks in terms of infectious diseases, except for dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. No proof of vaccinations is required for travelers, but it is advisable to have up-to-date inoculations for Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid.
10. Further Reading
You’ll gain a greater appreciation for Puerto Rico by reading about its fascinating history. Several books regale the struggle for independence and the ongoing effort to shape a post-colonial identity. When I was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago and Puerto Rico in the American Century by César Ayala are recommended.
