It is more common for visitors to Puerto Rico to encounter petty crimes such as theft. We recommend that you never leave your belongings unattended and that you keep your valuables safe. When you go out, take only what you need. For those who plan to go out late at night, it is safer to travel in groups or use authorized taxis.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from Puerto Rico
January 12 – Global growth fuels an increase in air travelers in Puerto Rico
The island has managed to create a new market for foreign visitors increased dramatically in the previous year.
According to data from ASUR, the organization responsible for managing the island’s main airport, 12.197 million people traveled through San Juan in 2023.
This is the result of years of work by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, as well as new and expanded routes with airlines such as Colombia’s Avianca and Spain’s Iberia, as well as the continued expansion of luxury airline Tradewind Aviation. Tradewind Aviation operates from San Juan and offers routes throughout the Caribbean.
Is Puerto Rico safe for travelers? – Local advice
With a lower crime rate than many other US regions, Puerto Rico is considered a fair area safe destination for tourists. It is notable for being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Most violent gun crimes in Puerto Rico are related to gang activity and drug trafficking; these crimes usually do not affect tourists.
Pickpocketing and theft are the most common crimes in Puerto Rico. You can avoid these by not leaving valuables visible in your car, keeping important documents in a safe at your hotel, avoiding wearing expensive jewelry, and visiting beaches and tourist destinations during the day.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Puerto Rico
- Inform others of your whereabouts, activities and accommodation plans.
- Dress discreetly to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
- Consult locals for recommendations on activities, destinations, and places to eat or drink to discover the best places in Puerto Rico.
- Be careful with alcohol and don’t accept drinks from strangers to minimize the risk of a drinking spike.
- Be selective when it comes to sharing travel details, marital status or personal information with strangers. Maintain a friendly but cautious attitude.
- If there are problems, make your situation known by making noise and warning others.
- If walking after dark is necessary, choose well-traveled areas with a high concentration of people.
