Puerto Rico ⎮ Puerto Rico Travel Guide
Traveling to Puerto Rico is just like flying to another state with no passport required for US citizens. With so many daily flights from the U.S., in just a few hours, one can escape the cold and enjoy basking under the warm sun, enjoying a Piña Colada right where it was first created. The island is often described as the easiest and most exciting getaway in the Caribbean. The islands’ unique attractions and warm culture offer travelers extraordinary experiences without all the hassles of traveling to faraway places.
Content – Travel Guide
- About Puerto Rico – Welcome & Basic Facts
- Airports in Puerto Rico – Your best airport options for travel to tourist regions on the island.
- Holidays in Puerto Rico – How they affect your travels
- Weather Guide – How weather affects your travels, beating the rain, hurricane season tips and more.
- Best Times to Travel To Puerto Rico – Travel Seasons – Crowds, Most affordable times to travel, when to book and more.
Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico
USA Citizens
If you are a citizen of the United States you may enter Puerto Rico without a Passport. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States; therefore, immigration procedures are the same. You will need to show a government-issued picture identification and/or birth certificate. “However, it is highly recommended that a U.S. Citizen is prepared to present documentation such as valid or expired U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or Naturalization certificate to avoid delays. Exception—travel from Cuba, valid U.S. passport is required.”
Source: U.S. Customs and Borders Protection) The Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Foreign Visitors
Passport: Required for all visitors to Puerto Rico.
Visa: A Visa can be waived, but it is usually required. Please contact your closest US Embassy for more information. Official link: US Customs & Border Protection
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all travelers to and from the Caribbean and Bermuda to have a valid passport or other accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. Learn More
News for Puerto Puerto Rico’s New Birth Certificate Law – Under the new law, all Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, will be invalidated so that new, more secure certificates can be issued.
Consulates and Embassies
Consulate in San Juan & Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
- Dominican Republic: (725-9550) Location: Ave. Ponce de Leon, Edificio (Building) Cobian’s Plaza, Parada 22 Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm
- Britain: (758-9828) Location: Ave. Chardòn 350, Hato Rey (name of town) Mon-Fri 9:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm
- Canada: (759-6629) Location: Ave. Ponce de Leòn 268, Hato Rey Open by appointment only.
Official Links: For information on passports, visas, consulates, and embassies abroad visit The US Embassy
Customs
- United States of America – Customs Restrictions
- Australia – Australian Custom Information Center
- Canada – Canadian Customs
- Ireland – Irish Tax and Customs
- New Zealand – New Zealand Customs Service
- South Africa – (SARS)South Africa Revenue Service
- United Kingdom – UK – HM Customs and Excise, National Advise Center
Practical Advise
Make copies of the passport page with your photo, traveler’s checks serial numbers, travel insurance policies, plane tickets, and any other important documents that you may be carrying. Keep them separate from your originals. If you are able, it will be wise to leave a set at home and tell someone you trust where they are, just in case you would need them faxed or sent to you.
In the unfortunate event of losing your passport, notify the police and the nearest embassy/consulate of your home government immediately. You will need to have all the information from your lost passport, proof of citizenship, and identification. Ask for temporary traveling papers that will allow you to re-enter your home destination, since the process of obtaining a replacement for your passport may take weeks.
Puerto Rico Airports
Most travel guides lead you to the San Juan International Airport, but there are more airports in Puerto Rico with daily flights from various cities in the USA. Don’t miss our full guide for best airport options to simply travel and possibly save money.
Puerto Rico Cruise Ports
If you’re visiting San Juan as a port of call or departing from our piers, see the full guide for cruise ports in San Juan to help you plan a great visit and enhance your experience in the city.
Travel to the Islands of Puerto Rico
Ferry Service in Puerto Rico
FAQ's - Travel to Puerto Rico
Do I need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico?
- If you’re a United States citizen… no
- Travelers from all countries except the United States are required to have a valid passport in order to enter the island of Puerto Rico and return to their country.
USA Citizens
Since Puerto Rico is a Free Commonwealth of the United States of America, and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens (since 1917), no passport is required for U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents to go to Puerto Rico, nor for Puerto Ricans to travel to the United States. In other words, mainland U.S. travelers and Puerto Ricans are all U.S. citizens, so they only need a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, in order to prove citizenship for travel to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland. Puerto Rico is one of two Caribbean destinations in which this “free travel” situation applies – the other destination being the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR’s) who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), without touching at a foreign port or place, are not required to present a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Green Card. However, it is recommended that travelers bring a government-issued photo ID and copy of their birth certificate. It also is recommended that you carry proof of your LPR status as all times in the event you are asked to prove your status. This may be in the form of a green card or passport. Hawaii is a U.S. state and therefore passport documentation requirements for U.S. citizens and LPR’s do not apply. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens. Questions about requirements for domestic travel should be directed to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA can be reached at 1-866-289-9673.” US Customs & Border Protection”
How do I get a US passport?
Depending on where you live, you may go to your local courthouse, passport office, or at times a USPS post office to get a passport. Online resources are available to find passport locations/offices in your state or county. In addition, the United States and most countries now have an official government website at which you can apply or download an application online.
Apply well in advance, since some offices may take a few weeks to a month to process the application. Most also offer expedited services for an additional fee
Puerto Rico ⎮ Puerto Rico Travel Guide