Do You Need a Passport to Go To Puerto Rico?

Do You Need a Passport to Go To Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island situated in the northeast Caribbean Sea. It is approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Puerto Rico is a place where you will be immersed in one of the best holiday experiences.   Puerto Rico is rich in history and culture, pristine beaches, exceptional food, majestic mountains, adventure, and relaxation. It is a perfect family vacation destination.

Discover the treasures of Puerto Rico with your friends and family. Planning a vacation to Puerto Rico and wondering if you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? There are certain entry requirements that you will need when traveling to this Caribbean island. Let us find out.

Do You Need a Passport to Go To Puerto Rico?

Is a passport required to go to Puerto Rico? The answer to this question depends on where you are coming from. The answer is, yes and no. You do not need a passport to go to Puerto Rico if you are an American citizen. However, you will need a passport to enter Puerto Rico, if you are coming from any other country.

Let us find out the entry requirements you need to enter Puerto Rico before you start planning for that holiday vacation.

This Caribbean island is one of the best places to visit with friends and family. However, you will need to be aware of the entry requirements.

Find: Do You Need a Passport for Domestic Flights?

Why You Don’t Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico as an American Citizen?

Puerto Rico is considered to be a United States commonwealth or territory since the year 1917.

Puerto Ricans are American citizens. The federal laws, as well as local laws, apply to them as well. The only thing that they cannot do is vote on matters that are related to the federal. They are entitled to all the rights that come with being an American citizen.

Therefore, by being an American citizen, they don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico from the US, the Puerto Ricans also do not need one when entering the United States. This basically applies within the United States and its territories. If you are traveling from other countries to Puerto Rico you will need a passport.

As much as you will not require a passport to go to Puerto Rico as a US citizen, you will need some identification documents when entering Puerto Rico. The purpose of the identification documents it’s to show you are an American Citizen.

Some of the identification documents are:-

• A US Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s license
• A copy of your US birth certificate

Find: Do You Need a Passport to Go To Hawaii?

Do I Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico if I am a US Legal Permanent Resident?

No. If you are a Legal Permanent Resident, you don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico; however, you will be required to extra documents for identification.

As per the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), any US legal permanent residents visiting Puerto Rico must bring their immigration documents, such as a government-issued photo ID, which will prove that they are legal residents of the US.

The Customs and Border Protection recommends one to carry their green card or passport in case they need you to prove your resident status

Do Foreign Nationals Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico?

Yes. If you are coming from other foreign countries [Non-US citizen], you will need a passport to go to Puerto Rico. Depending on the country that you are coming from, you will also need a visa.

Documents that you Can Present When Traveling To Puerto Rico

The documents that you can present when you are travelling to Puerto Rico include:-

• US passport card
• Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• US passport
• US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• Permanent resident card
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Transportation worker identification credential
• S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

FAQs

Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?

United States citizens and permanent residents do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico.

However, the Real ID Act will be in effect as of May 2023, therefore verify if your state is compliant with these laws or, if you may need a passport to travel. Travelers from other countries visiting Puerto Rico require a visa and passport to enter Puerto Rico.

Do Americans Need a Passport to Go To Puerto Rico?

An American Citizen does not require a passport or visa to go to Puerto Rico.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico From The USA?

No. American citizens do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico. It will be like you are traveling within the country or flying domestically. You can present, you can present any valid ID document.

Do Foreign Nationals Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico?

Yes. If you are traveling from other countries, you will need a passport and visa to enter Puerto Rico.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico As A US Green Card Holder?

No. As a US Green Card Holder, you do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. However, US Customs and Border Protection recommends you present your valid resident’s permit/card/immigration papers when traveling.

Do Minors Need A Passport When Traveling To Puerto Rico?

Children, who are U.S. citizens, do not need a passport to fly from a U.S. state or territory to Puerto Rico, whether traveling by themselves or with a parent.

Can I Fly To Puerto Rico With A Driver’s License?

Yes, you can fly to Puerto Rico with a driver’s license. Your driver’s license should be valid.

What Documents Do I Need To Travel to Puerto Rico?

To travel to Puerto Rico as a US citizen, you will only need to provide a valid ID document. If you are not a US citizen or resident, you will be required to present your passport and apply for a visa when traveling to Puerto Rico.