Passports and Documentation for Puerto Rico

As a commonwealth of the United States, American citizens require only valid proof of identity to enter Puerto Rico, and when arriving from the mainland, there is no immigration control.

U.S. citizens should take note, however, that to enter or re-enter the mainland United States from any non-territory point in the Caribbean, you must present a valid passport. If your vacation includes multiple stops, or if you plan to visit some of the nearby islands, bringing your passport is a must.

For citizens of other countries, the requirements for traveling to Puerto Rico are the same as they are for travel to any destination in the United States. These guidelines detail specific requirements for the following countries of origin:

Canada

Canadian citizens require only a valid passport to enter Puerto Rico.

United Kingdom

British citizens require a valid passport. UK passport holders qualify for the visa waiver program unless their passports are endorsed with British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen, or British National (Overseas) Citizen.

Australia

Australian citizens entering Puerto Rico require a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 90 days for business, pleasure, or transit. A machine-readable passport (MRP) has been required to gain visa-free entry to the country since Oct. 26, 2004.

South Africa

South Africans must hold a valid passport; a visa is also required.

New Zealand

New Zealand nationals require a valid passport but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the U.S. Visa Waiver program, but a MRP, or machine-readable passport, is necessary to qualify for the program. A return or onward ticket is required, and the final destination must be to a country other than Mexico, Canada, or islands bordering the Caribbean Sea.

Ireland

Irish nationals require a valid passport. Irish passport holders qualify for the visa waiver program, but since October 2004, a machine-readable passport (MRP) has been required to gain visa-free entry to the country, which allows a stay of up to 90 days.

*Passport/Visa Note: All passport holders must have an onward or return ticket and documents necessary for further travel.

Although customs and documentation requirements are subject to change from time to time, the departure tax for leaving Puerto Rico, if any exists at the time of your visit, will be included in the price of your airfare at time of ticket purchase, so you won't have to worry about money matters on your return trip from Puerto Rico.