Caribbean
Is Puerto Rico safe?
—No US advisory
Is Puerto Rico safe?
Tourist areas of San Juan, Rincón and Vieques are generally fine with normal care. Property crime and car break-ins are common, and drug-related violence affects some housing projects.
Key facts
- Homicide rate: 14.6 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: Generally comfortable for solo women in tourist areas; catcalling occurs. Use Uber at night and take care when leaving bars.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Car break-ins and theft from rental cars at beaches
- Rip currents on many beaches, often with no lifeguards
- Hurricanes June–November; island-wide power cuts are frequent
- Drug-related violence in certain neighborhoods
Common scams
- Overpriced unlicensed taxis; use Uber or taxis with a posted fare
- Unofficial parking attendants demanding payment in tourist areas
Laws visitors break by accident
- US federal law applies: cannabis is not allowed on planes or in federal areas.
- Open alcohol containers are not allowed in cars.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
Safety by place in Puerto Rico
Quick answers
Is Puerto Rico safe for tourists?
Tourist areas of San Juan, Rincón and Vieques are generally fine with normal care. Property crime and car break-ins are common, and drug-related violence affects some housing projects.
Is Puerto Rico safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women in tourist areas; catcalling occurs. Use Uber at night and take care when leaving bars.
What is the emergency number in Puerto Rico?
All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US Customs and Border Protection: travel
- Discover Puerto Rico
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.