Think Puerto Rico passport requirements are hard? Though it may seem like a world away—itisa tropical paradise, after all—Puerto Rico passport requirements don’t require U.S. citizens to have a passport in order to visit. As a U.S. Commonwealth, Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel from the continental Unites States, just as long as you don’t touch down in a foreign place or port before arriving.
You will, however, be required to show a state-issued photo I.D. card, such as a driver’s license or a non-driving photo I.D. From October 2020 and on, your government-issued id must comply with the REAL ID Act.
Puerto Rico Passport Requirements
Puerto Rico passport requirements state that U.S. citizens do not need a passport when entering Puerto Rico, but you will be required to show a state-issued photo I.D. card, such as a driver’s license or a non-driving photo I.D.
For further questions about domestic travel, call the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at 1-866-289-9673.
Photo by gustavofrazao
Other Puerto Rico Travel Requirements
Visa: No for U.S. citizens
Vaccinations: No
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 orLawful 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 photoID 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 thereforepassport documentation requirements forU.S. citizens and LPR’sdo 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 travelshould be directed to Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA can be reached at 1-866-289-9673.” US Customs & Border Protection”
So, Do I Need a Passport to Visit Puerto Rico?
In summary: Not exactly. Puerto Rico passport requirements state that though a passport isn’t required to enter the country, proof of citizenship, such as a driver’s license, is still necessary.
Need a 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.
Practical Advice
Keep a copy of your passport and visas separate from your original and also have one at home during your travels just in case you lose them. Also, make a copy of your driver’s license. If you lose your passport, notify the police immediately.
