Travel Vaccines and Advice for Puerto Rico

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Puerto Rico. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Puerto Rico: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

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 traveling to Puerto Rico.

There are 90 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Puerto Rico along with pharmacies. The healthcare practice is comparable to the U.S.

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.

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 the upper 60’s to the lower 90’s.

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.

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.

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.

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

All Americans visiting Puerto Rico should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

As a United States Territory, there are no consular services as such In Puerto Rico.

If you have any questions about traveling 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.