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 3,500 square miles. The official languages of Puerto Rico are both Spanish and English.
The largest cities in Puerto Rico include San Juan, Bayamon, and Carolina.
Do I Need Vaccines 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - 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 travelers 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 seperately. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| 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 travelers 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 seperately. 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 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.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Puerto Rico?
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling to Puerto Rico, you do not need a passport or a visa. You need a government-issued form of identification. This identification can include a driver’s license or passport.
Puerto Rico Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Puerto Rico? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
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 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.
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 pickpocketing 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
U.S. Embassy in Puerto Rico
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.
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?
U.S. Embassy in Puerto Rico
