Where to get a COVID-19 test in Puerto Rico
Taking a COVID-19 test has become part and parcel of the travel experience. To streamline the process, here’s our latest update on testing requirements and recommended test providers.
Updated Feb 3, 2022
All travelers entering Puerto Rico must complete a health department Travel Declaration Form. Unvaccinated travelers must also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR molecular or antigen test performed within 48 hours. For international travelers (regardless of vaccination status), a PCR or antigen test must be performed within one day of boarding your flight. Updated protocols on travel to Puerto Rico can be found here.
Unvaccinated passengers who arrive in Puerto Rico without a test result will have 48 hours to take one upon arrival or be subject to a $300 fine. Note that unvaccinated travelers must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.
The most efficient option for travelers is to test on arrival at Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (every day from 6am–8pm, $110). There are several other options available in the Metro area, as well as hotels that offer testing and at-home (telehealth) test kits. Prices range from $55 for an antigen test to over $400 if you’d like your test performed in the comfort of your hotel suite.
If you are taking a COVID-19 test for travel purposes they are generally not covered by insurance. Always be sure to bring a valid ID. With ever changing requirements and protocols, we always recommend calling the provider before scheduling an appointment or heading to the testing center.
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
In each terminal at the airport, the CMT Group provides molecular and antigen testing for all travelers who are arriving or departing from San Juan. PCR results are guaranteed within 24-48 hours. Test results for rapid antigen tests are generally available within two hours. Simply fill out the form and proceed to one of the testing centers located at Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C.
The CMT Group also has a testing facility located just south of the Metro area, a 15-minute drive from Condado in Rio Piedras. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 7am–5pm. Always call ahead for up-to-date testing hours and pricing information: 787-754-6868.
Mobile Testing
For urgent and extremely convenient Covid-19 testing, Drip Hydration offers mobile testing at home, in your hotel or at your office (for up to groups of ten), performed by a nurse. The company covers most of the San Juan Metro area and testing is available seven days a week, from 8am–8pm. But it does come with a hefty price tag. Rapid antigen tests are $249 (results in 15 mins); a standard PCR test is $249 (results in 24-48 hours); a rapid PCR test is $449 (results in two hours). Antibody tests are also available. Appointments are usually available within 24 hours.
At Home Testing
Puerto Rico accepts self-tests, with the condition that it’s performed via a telehealth professional. The FDA has approved rapid antigen tests for use at home but note that not all at-home options involve supervision by a telehealth professional. Before purchasing an at-home test for travel to Puerto Rico, make sure that it fulfills the necessary criteria as outlined by the CDC.
Qured’s at-home COVID-19 tests are accepted for travel to Puerto Rico. Once you’ve ordered your test you’ll receive an email with next steps; you’ll need to register the test kit online and book a video consultation. A video supervised rapid antigen test costs $39 and certificates are issued within two hours.
Metro Area Hotels
It’s no surprise that some of the priciest test offerings can be found at the most upscale resort brands. In-room testing at the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, costs $400 for the initial test (then $150 for each subsequent test), with results delivered within 24-48 hours. At the Hilton Caribe, a doctor resort visit is $200 but that does not include the cost of each test: an antigen test is $100, an antibody test $65.
Laboratorio Clínico de Bayamón
A 20-minute drive southwest of Condado in Bayamón, the Laboratorio Clinico de Bayamón provides on-site tests with a two-hour turnaround for antigen tests, or up to two days for a PCR test. They will also provide a nurse visit to many San Juan area hotels, from Monday through Saturday; cost is $100 for the on-site nurse visit, plus $150 per PCR test, $85 per antigen test, $50 per antibody test. Tel: 787-398-8085, or email info@laboratoriobayamon.com for more information.
HR Labs
Just over a 10-minute drive from Condado in Hato Rey, HR Labs is one of the most convenient and organized testing locations. A PCR test costs $95 with results emailed between 24-48 hours. An antigen test costs $36 and results are sent within two hours. A rapid molecular test costs $100 with results within one hour. Testing services are available Monday through Friday from 6am–4pm and Saturdays from 7am–12pm. Tel: 787-765-7320 or email customerservice@hrlabs.com.
Pharmacies
Depending on supply and demand, a handful of pharmacies in San Juan offer COVID-19 testing. Always call ahead to confirm testing availability and eligibility. Around a 20-minute drive from Old San Juan, CVS (178 PR-2, Guaynabo, tel: 787-706-3600) offers free drive-through testing. While appointments are required, you do not need a doctor referral. In Condado, Walgreens (1963 C. Loíza, tel: 800-925-4733) offers free, drive-through testing (limited to certain patients).
