How has the Covid-test rule affected travel to Puerto Rico and the USVI?

Has there been any discernible impact on travel to the Caribbean as a result of the CDC ruling that requires Americans to take a Covid-19 test before they return to the U.S.?

I asked this question, and others, of Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico and Joseph Boschulte, the commissioner of tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

These two destinations are territories of the U.S., which means that since U.S. travelers don’t actually leave the U.S., they do not have to produce proof of a negative Covid-19 test when they fly back to the mainland. 

Here are their answers:

Dean: While many months over the past 11 months have been hard, it seems we are finally turning a corner, but it would be too premature to say it is due specifically to the CDC ruling.

Travelers still must follow all local rules regarding Covid-19, including presenting a negative test result upon entry to Puerto Rico. However, by staying within the U.S., the trip becomes hassle free to an extent and provides ease of travel back to the mainland.

The CDC still recommends getting tested three to five days after arrival and staying home for seven days post-travel.

• Related: Here are the resorts offering Covid-19 tests to guests
• Related: Caribbean countries ramp up testing options

Entrance requirements vary by state, which may require some travelers to test on the island regardless of the CDC mandate.

Boschulte: We have definitely seen an impact. March bookings are looking strong. Leisure guests are now booking for May and June — the first time we’re seeing a glimmer in advance bookings.

We, too, are American. These new requirements do not apply to persons traveling to or returning from the USVI to the U.S. mainland.

Q: Is the CDC ruling resulting in more business? Are future bookings reflecting a visitor increase that you can link to the CDC ruling?

Dean: According to TravelClick’s bookings [an online company that offers data-driven solutions to help hotels maximize revenues], the coming three-month booking pace is better than other destinations in the competitive set, as travelers feel safe with the current on-island protocols and airlines have retained seat capacity for February, March and April.

Boschulte: People are doing research and are realizing that the USVI is a safe and easy destination. Our airlift is strong, with Sun Country announcing service, Frontier coming in from Orlando and Miami, Delta expanding to four flights a week from Atlanta and three times a day from Miami, and JetBlue out of JFK daily and twice a day on Saturdays.

Airlines pivot when they see demand building. They tell us “you bring us demand, we bring you flights.”

Q: Are Puerto Rico and the USVI promoting the CDC requirement to U.S. travelers?

Dean: Discover Puerto Rico is sharing the CDC requirements with travelers on our Travel Guidelines site discoverpuerto.com to keep them informed of the ever-changing travel landscape.

Puerto Rico requires a negative Covid-19 test to enter, so we are still focused on encouraging responsible travel with the use of masks and social distancing.

The Luis Munoz Marin airport in San Juan will offer Covid-19 PCR tests at the airport for all travelers coming in or leaving the island.

The service is $110 and results are guaranteed electronically within 24 to 48 hours.  Travelers departing for the U.S. mainland are exempt from the Covid-19 test requirement, but those who still wish to get tested upon departure for the U.S. will be able to do so.

Boschulte: We had to do a bit of educating to clear up confusion that the USVI is an American overseas territory and, as such, travel to the USVI does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from the mainland nor is a Covid-19 negative test required for departure back to mainland U.S.

Due to Covid-19, there are more travel protocols and restrictions in place than ever before. Travelers may be overwhelmed and confused by the different requirements.

My team has worked around the clock to clarify misunderstandings of the CDC travel requirements related to Covid-19. We always advise travelers to visit usviupdate.com for the latest details.

Q: Are your marketing strategies changing as a result of the new CDC requirement?

Dean: Our marketing strategy continues to be promoting responsible tourism. Through targeted ads, health and safety campaigns and strict enforcement by local partners, we can protect both our visitors and the people who call Puerto Rico home.

Boschulte: We continue to let the world know of our destination and our requirements through our travel portal, public service announcements and social media.

Covid has not gone away, and we will have concerns until cases subside.

Q: Where are your visitors coming from?

Dean: Due to restrictions on international visitors into the U.S., most of our visitors are from the mainland U.S., and this was true even before the pandemic. We expect this trend to continue as U.S.-based travelers look for a destination with an international feel without leaving the country.

Ease of re-entry given that Puerto Rico is exempt from the CDC testing requirement is a bonus.

Boschulte: Most of our travelers hail from the Southeast and Midwest, although the Northeast still is strong. We have consistent traffic from Thursdays to Sundays and then it tends to fall off a bit in midweek.

Q: Have vaccines arrived?

Dean: Vaccines are available to select groups, such as medical professionals and elderly residents in assisted living facilities. The Puerto Rican Health Department, along with the federal government, is overseeing the multi-phased vaccine rollout across the island.

Boschulte: Our vaccine program is on par with many states. We’ve encountered a bit of resistance among some Virgin Islanders regarding getting the vaccine, but we are encouraging them to do it.