Do You Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a popular travel destination for tourists who love beaches, mountains, and relaxing on a Caribbean island.
Whether you’re traveling the US or another country though, you need to understand the requirements for doing so legally.
Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? American citizens do not need a passport or a visa to go to Puerto Rico, as it’s classed as an unincorporated US territory.
However, foreigners from other countries will need to provide a passport and visa as they would when entering any other part of the US.
A trip to Puerto Rico is on the cards for anyone looking for a magical Caribbean getaway, but you should always be prepared.
This simple guide covers the passport and visa needs for anyone entering the country, so you know what’s what.
Passports for American Citizens
Puerto Rico, also known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Caribbean island located around 1,000 miles southeast of Florida.
As part of the Caribbean, it’s a popular tourist hub and especially for citizens of the US, as they can use American dollars there and still manage with speaking English.
The region is technically classed as an unincorporated territory of the United States, which means US citizens who visit there do not need a passport to do so.
They will, however, require some form of official identification like a driver’s license or permanent residence card, just as you do when traveling to other domestic locations.
There are some caveats to keep in mind though, like a US citizen who is visiting the country from However, if you’re a US citizen and you’re visiting from another country, you will need to present a passport.
All other citizens of America who are coming from another country on their way to Puerto Rico will be required to present a passport.
Do Foreign Citizens Need One?
A non-US citizen hoping to enter Puerto Rico will need to have all of the usual requirements for entry into any other port of the United States.
The most crucial part of this is holding a valid passport that covers you for your entire trip to the island.
There are some requirements for your passport as well, as these apply to any visit to the US.
Firstly, you’ll need to make sure there are two blank consecutive pages in the passport, and secondly, that your passport does not expire in the six months following the date you intend to leave Puerto Rico.
When you arrive at the Caribbean island if it’s your first trip to the United States, you’ll be subject to a search by the Transportation Security Administration, also known as a customs search.
However, any trips you take to the US, including Puerto Rico, after this, there will be no search required unless under special circumstances.
Passports can take a few months to organize, so if you don’t have one and aren’t a US citizen, give yourself time to get prepared.
Once you’ve got one, they are valid for around 10 years, depending on your country of origin, so can last for many future trips.
What Else Do You Need to Travel?
A trip to Puerto Rico is easy for American citizens, with factors like no passport requirements, the use of US dollars, and residents speaking English all coming into play.
However, with the global Covid-19 pandemic occurring, you will need to take extra precautions before you arrive.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated will not be required to get tested or self-quarantine when they come to Puerto Rico, but should still wear a mask during travel and take safety precautions.
Unvaccinated travelers need to return a negative viral test within 72 hours of their trip and stay home to self-quarantine for seven days following this travel period before completing another negative viral test.
Being Passport Prepared for Puerto Rico
Travel between North America and Puerto Rico is made easy thanks to the island nation being a US territory, but for all other visitors, there are rules you need to follow.
Before traveling anywhere, including parts of the US, check the current travel restrictions and requirements to make sure you’re doing it right.
Related Questions
The island paradise of Puerto Rico is a popular choice among American and foreign travelers.
However, before you head there, you need to know as much as you can about the Caribbean island, so read on for a few FAQs to help.
Do They Speak English in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico has two official languages, including English and Spanish, with Spanish being the dominant language.
The use of English has become common as the island is classed as a US territory, but it’s still advisable to learn some basic Spanish to help you communicate while you’re there.
How Do I Get to Puerto Rico from the US?
Numerous flights operate daily from the US and Canada to Puerto Rico, so it’s an easy travel destination to get to and only takes a few hours, depending on where you’re coming from.
Once there, you can even connect to the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands via ferry, but that depends on the rest of your travel plans.
What Currency Do They Use in Puerto Rico?
As a territory of the US, Puerto Rico accepts US dollars as its currency.
Visitors to the Caribbean Island will have access to the regular ATMs and banks that they’d find in North America, and don’t have to worry about exchanging their money over before coming to Puerto Rico.
