You Need a Passport to Visit Puerto Rico is a tropical destination, you can skip packing your passport for the trip. Some claims and speculations to the contrary, U.S. citizens do not need a passport or visa to visit this country. Indeed, the territory of Puerto Rico is a recognized Commonwealth of the United States. U.S. citizens can travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands without a passport, which includes the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
Like flying to Hawaii, they don’t need extra papers on island time. Any legitimate government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or permanent residence card, is adequate.
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Do U.S. Citizens Need a Passport for Puerto Rico?
As a non-incorporated territory, Puerto Rico does not require a passport for entry from within the United States. A government-issued photo I.D., such as a driver’s license, is sufficient to enter Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has been a U.S. possession since 1898 when it was declared a territory. This means that for U.S. citizens, a visit to the island is treated the same as a trip within the country; hence, only a government-issued I.D. is required. You can now confidently claim the status of United States citizen thanks to these documents.
While U.S. citizens may need a passport to enter some commonwealth territories like Guam, American Samoa, the Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, those citizens who travel directly between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the mainland do not need a passport to enter either island.
Do U.S. Permanent Residents Need a Passport for Puerto Rico?
Lawful permanent citizens of the United States do not require a passport to enter Puerto Rico from any other U.S. territory. A valid driver’s license and immigration papers are all that are required for a trip to Puerto Rico for lawful permanent residents.
Travelers with legal permanent resident (LPR) status can enter Puerto Rico with a valid photo I.D., such as a driver’s license. However, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly advises them to bring their green card and passport.
What You Should Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico
You Can Use Your U.S. Phone in Puerto Rico
Those with a valid U.S. mobile service plan can continue to use their phones in Puerto Rico. It’s not uncommon for American cellular providers to offer coverage in Puerto Rico at no additional cost.
The Driving System is Similar
Suppose you’re planning to rent a car in Puerto Rico. In that case, you’ll be relieved to learn that the island’s traffic system is very similar to that of the United States. However, they adhere to the international standard for road signs.
Puerto Ricans are U.S. Citizens
With the passage of the Jones Act in 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship and the same rights as citizens born on the mainland. However, Puerto Rico became a non-incorporated colony of the United States in 1898.
COVID Requirements
U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Rico from the mainland United States need not present immunization documents or PCR test results at the airport’s arrivals counter (as of March 2022).
Even though the government no longer requires everyone to wear masks in public, you still need to bring one whenever you travel by plane, train, bus, or visit a doctor or hospital. It’s essential to keep this mask policy in mind. Some establishments, such as restaurants and shopping centers, may choose to maintain it.
FAQs About Passports & Puerto Rico
Q: Do Americans require a passport to visit Puerto Rico?
A passport is not necessary for US citizens to visit Puerto Rico. Because Puerto Rico is an American territory, any passport issued by the United States will suffice for flying travel there. The island’s handy location is one of many reasons to visit.
Q: What should I be aware of regarding the coronavirus in Puerto Rico?
Traveling to Puerto Rico, like any other place, poses additional dangers due to the pandemic. However, the island has done an excellent job of containing the virus.
The island was among the earliest jurisdictions to issue a mask mandate, indicating an early and decisive response to the epidemic. It is now one of the most immunized regions in the United States. More than 84% of the population has received all recommended vaccinations, and 95% has received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.
So, what should travelers keep in mind?
The United States of America’s territory of Puerto Rico does not require a passport or other COVID-related documentation from U.S. citizens.
Once there, make sure to take standard measures against COVIDs, including wearing a mask. Wearing a mask is prudent on public transit and other places where you cannot verify the immunization status of your fellow passengers. If there are more than a thousand people in attendance, masks will be necessary. Vaccination records or negative test results may be required by some event locations. Businesses have the option of requiring masks and/or immunization records.
Can I travel to Puerto Rico with just my driver’s license?
U.S. residents can enter Puerto Rico with just a driver’s license if they fly directly from the U.S. After May 2023, all licenses will need to meet the requirements of the Real ID Act to be used as a passport replacement. When traveling to Puerto Rico from a foreign country, visitors are subject to the same passport regulations as those for entering the United States proper.
