Puerto Rico

Recommended Vaccinations For Puerto Rico

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended; especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Puerto Rico

There are no recommendations for Puerto Rico at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Puerto Rico

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Puerto Rico, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Puerto Rico.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Puerto Rico through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Schistosomiasis

There is a low risk of schistosomiasis in Puerto Rico . This disease is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Puerto Rico, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Puerto Rico

Personal Safety

Puerto Rico has a moderate crime rating with 69,571 crimes reported in 2023, representing a slight decrease from 2022. The homicide rate in 2024 was 15.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. Most violent crime connects to drug trafficking and gang activity, concentrated in specific neighborhoods that you are unlikely to visit. Tourist areas like Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Condado, and resort zones maintain enhanced police presence and generally stay safe during daytime hours. Petty theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatching remain the most common crimes affecting visitors, typically occurring in crowded areas, beaches, and popular tourist sites. Theft from unattended belongings happens frequently at beaches and tourist attractions. Armed robberies occur less frequently but can happen in isolated areas or at night. Most crime is opportunistic rather than targeted. The overall crime rate in San Juan is 227.3 incidents per 100,000 people, lower than average for many regions. Tourist hubs benefit from dedicated tourism police who speak English and focus on visitor safety. While crime exists, it remains largely contained to non-tourist neighborhoods and drug-related activities that rarely involve visitors.

Extreme Violence

Gun crime, drug trafficking, and gang activity maintain a strong presence in Puerto Rico. The homicide rate reached 15.3 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024. Firearms account for 93.6% of homicides. Violence remains highly concentrated in specific areas tied to drug trade and territorial gang disputes. Homicides in 2023 decreased to 439, down 116 from 2022 and 171 from 2021, showing improvement. Most violence occurs between known individuals, with 47.1% of male homicide victims previously known to authorities. Drug-related circumstances precipitated 45.3% of male homicides, and 38.2% were gang-related. For female victims, intimate partner violence accounted for 29.8% of homicides. Tourists face minimal risk from this violence as it concentrates in low-income neighborhoods, public housing projects, and areas controlled by trafficking organizations. The high murder rate stems primarily from the lucrative drug trade, with Puerto Rico serving as a transfer point for cocaine and other substances moving to the mainland United States. Economic inequality and the ongoing debt crisis contribute to criminal activity. Police presence has increased in high-crime areas, and federal agencies including the FBI work with local authorities. Carjackings and armed robberies occur but remain relatively uncommon for visitors who stay in tourist zones.

Political Unrest

Puerto Rico experienced massive protests in July 2019 that led to Governor Ricardo Rosselló’s resignation. The protests, which drew hundreds of thousands of participants across the island, erupted after leaked text messages revealed corruption, misogyny, homophobia, and mockery of Hurricane Maria victims. An estimated 1.1 million people participated in a general strike on July 24, 2019, representing nearly one-third of the island’s population. Police used tear gas and clashed with protesters outside La Fortaleza in Old San Juan. These protests represented the largest mobilization since the successful campaign to end U.S. Navy training on Vieques in the early 2000s. Political tensions remain connected to the island’s debt crisis, federal oversight board imposing austerity measures, and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Maria. Smaller protests continue periodically regarding corruption, government services, and economic conditions. In 2020, George Floyd solidarity protests occurred with hundreds participating. Political unrest typically concentrates in San Juan, particularly around government buildings in Old San Juan. Recent years have seen relatively stable conditions with no major protest movements, though frustration persists over economic challenges and government performance. Political demonstrations occasionally close roads or disrupt services in the capital. Visitors should monitor local news and avoid government buildings during announced protests.

Areas To Avoid

La Perla neighborhood in Old San Juan has historically been considered the most dangerous area, though it has opened to visitors in recent years and become safer since the 2017 Despacito music video filming. The community remains wary of tourists and disapproves of photography. Exercise caution if visiting. Puerta de Tierra, northwest of Old San Juan, experiences higher crime rates. Santurce has both safe and sketchy areas, with visitors advised to stick to well-populated zones and main plazas like La Placita. Public housing projects throughout San Juan should be avoided, especially at night. The neighborhoods with highest crime concentrations include areas of San Juan, Bayamón (with 60.57 crimes per 1,000 residents), and Carolina. The Piñones district near Isla Verde can be dangerous at night. Some parts of Ponce experience elevated crime. Remote areas of Vieques and Culebra, while popular with tourists, have some criminal activity related to drug trafficking. Tourist areas including Old San Juan (during daytime), Isla Verde, Condado, Ocean Park, Dorado, and Palmas del Mar remain generally safe with visible police presence and security. Rural communities and smaller municipalities typically have lower crime rates. Eastern parts of the island are considered safest. Avoid walking alone at night anywhere, use well-lit streets, and follow local advice about which specific blocks or streets to avoid within each neighborhood.