Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Puerto Rico
About
| The island of Puerto Rico (Rich Port) has a large array of natural riches. Its central mountain range reaches 1,338m at Cerro de Punta; it has the only tropical rainforest and its beaches brag warm, turquoise waters and soft, yellow sand. See the beautiful town of Ponce, on the southern side of the island and connected to the capital by a toll road; it is also situated near many good beaches. See the second-oldest church in the Western hemisphere - San José Church. Go wildlife-spotting in El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System; Catch a glimpse of some rare wildlife, including the Puerto Rican parrot (one of the world's most endangered bird species). Birdwatchers in particular will enjoy the Guanica dry forest or the Cabezas de San Juan nature reserve. Roam the third-largest cave system in the world: the Camuy Caves, near Arecibo on the north coast. There are well-paved access roads, a reception area and electric trains to the entrance of the caves. |
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| Capital: | San Juan (SJU) |
| Currency: | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language: | Spanish and English |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 1 787 / + 1 939 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -4 (6 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to go: | Year-round. High season is mid-December to mid-April. |
| Best For: | Tropical rainforests, pristine beaches |
| Plugs: | 120 volts AC, 60Hz. American flat two-pin plugs (with or without third grounding pin) are standard. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, however bottled water is available. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Casual dress is suitable, but hotels and casinos may require more formal attire. Normal social conventions apply. |
| Duty Free: | In general duty-free regulations are the same for Puerto Rico as for the USA. The following goods may be imported by visitors over 21 years of age into Puerto Rico without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars. • 1L of alcoholic beverages. Further information on US customs regulations is available online (www.cbp.gov). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Narcotics and dangerous drugs (unless for medical purposes), absinthe, biological materials, some seeds, fruits and plants (including endangered species of plants and vegetables and their products), unlicensed firearms and ammunition, meat and poultry products (fresh, dried or canned), any fish or their eggs (unless certified as disease free and canned, pickled or smoked), dairy products and eggs, Cuban cigars, wildlife and endangered species, dog and cat fur, some art and artefacts, imports from Iran and leather souvenirs from Haiti (eg drums), some automobiles, counterfeit goods, merchandise from embargoed countries (Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, and most of Sudan), and unauthorised cultural artefacts. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 6; Apr 18; Jun 19; Nov 27; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 6, 19; Feb 16; Mar 2, 22, 23; Apr 3; May 25; Jun 19; Jul 4, 25; Sep 7; Oct 12 Nov 11, 19, 26; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Foreigners visiting Puerto Rico are also subject to the same U.S. immigration rules and laws, so be sure to comply with immigration and visa requirements.
(See USA).
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
