Puerto Rico Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico?

See recent posts by Kate H. Knapp

Though it may seem like a world away—it is a 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 proof of citizenship with a state-issued photo I.D. card, such as a driver’s license or a non-driving photo I.D.

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 proof of citizenship with 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.

Other Puerto Rico Travel Requirements

Visa: No for U.S. citizens

Vaccinations: No

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.

Protect Your Passport

We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection.

On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock.

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